TOP PICKS

DELTA REGION: SACRAMENTO RIVER side - Sturgeon fishing was the best bet and a mixed batch of fish were being reported. Hungry, they'll eat anything. Fish are scattered throughout the system with shakers, takers and some over-sized as well. Not much striper action yet, but only a few degrees of warmer water is needed to get the bite going.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side - Pressure has been high for sturgeon with two recent tourneys, but will only increase since they are on the move and hungry. A few small stripers were also in the mix but a DFW just dumped a load of smelt into the system. Once they have scattered and the water warms up a degree or two the bite will pick up throwing big swimbaits, topwater lures and spooning.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR - The lake is at 69-percent capacity. Ken Mathis at Ken's Custom Tackle and Guide Service reported that he and his clients caught a dozen macks in two days including several 3-to-8 pounders and a 22-pound trophy fish. The fish were located on rocky structure from 39 to 50 feet deep that could be warmed by sunlight. The fish were hitting a Ken's gold Double Flutter and a large Code Blue dodger trailing a frozen 5-inch herring. Warren Farrell of Pollock Pines landed the 22 pounder on the dodger/herring at 50 feet deep on 10-pound test and a medium action rod - a 17 minute fight.

FEATHER RIVER - Baby steelhead were released from the Feather River Hatchery to the river at Boyd's Pump last week attracting striped bass which are gorging on them. While most of the bass weigh under 10 pounds, quite a few weighing up to 30 pounds were also being caught on everything from jumbo minnows to big jerk baits and swimbaits. Steelhead were still being caught in the Low Flow Section, but fishing slowed down a bit. Fly fishers were still scoring on dead-drifted copper Johns, Prince nymphs, and San Juan worms, while spin fishermen were drifting nightcrawlers and swinging Blue Fox spinners and Little Cleo spoons.

SACRAMENTO RIVER - The sturgeon bite continued to improve as flows stabilized, and continued to clear. Verona, Hood-Franklin, South River Road, Merritt's and Fremont Weir were some of the better spots. The Tisdale to Grimes stretch was still slow, though. Ghost shrimp, eels, and pileworms all were attracting bites. Striped bass fishing was starting to pick up a bit on the main river with a few being caught at Discovery Park and Verona. The Deepwater Channel was also pretty good, at least for boaters.

NORTH COAST RIVERS

CHETCO RIVER, Ore. - A bit of rain fell up here and the river came up 1000 cfs, bringing in a few new fish, but it wasn't the big flush the river needs to bring a good batch of steelhead back in, according to WON Field Reporter Tony Sepulveda of Green Water Fishing Adventures. The North Fork area had some decent numbers mid-week, with bright fish still the majority. Guide and WON Field Reporter Phil Desautel said that precipitation that hit the Chetco was partly in snow, which is keeping the river levels up some by slow melt. On Tuesday, he had Tom McFadden of Boonville go 2 for 3, keeping a 12-pound buck and 8-pound hen.

EEL RIVER - The bite on the eel finally slowed a bit, primarily due to big winds up the canyon, making bait presentation difficult. Without rain, the main and South Fork are running clear, so skinny down on your leaders and use stealth tactics, according to WON Field Reporter and guide Tony Sepulveda of Green Water Fishing Adventures. There's still plenty of quality fish in the rivers.

MAD RIVER - Less than an inch of rain fell last week, but that was enough to muddy up the river for a few days, but it was fishable with bait by the weekend and some big numbers of steelies were noted above the hatchery - mostly wild fish. A few scattered pods were seen below the hatchery, but they were on the move, according to guide Tony Sepulveda.

ROGUE RIVER, Lower, Ore. - Larry Cody of the Rogue Outdoor Store, said that winter steelhead were the primary target here, but the river was in dire need of water. "The river is getting lower and clearer by the day, but boats on Sunday did well." Even so, the forecast shows 10 days no rain, so the river will continue to drop and clear. The fish are super spooky. Limit is 2 fish, of which only 1 wild fish over 24 inches and hatchery fish over 16 inches may be kept.

RUSSIAN RIVER - According to Chris Aff of Kings Sport and Tackle in Guerneville the river flows and color are perfect but fishing slowed some due to high seas that are partly blocking the mouth and cutting off steelhead access to the river. "Thursday in Monte Rio I saw a pod of 25 steelies being harassed by 2 sea lions and 2 seals, so there are some fresh fish coming in." He said flows are still 650 cfs, and that there are fish all through the system, but that fishing would be better up in the Healdsberg to Forestville area. Hatcheries had 3,181 fish on Feb. 5.

SMITH RIVER - With low and clear conditions, most of the steelies are either above the Forks or waiting in the ocean for the next big blow-out, according to guide Tony Sepulveda of Green Water Fishing Adventures. There were still some nice fish caught, including a few "monsters." There are also good numbers of fish in the Middle Fork, but that takes a lot of work to fish. Guide and WON Field Reporter Phil Desautel said that snow fell in the Smith high country, keeping flows up some, and that he took Pat and Eric Watkins out, and they went 3 for 3, including an 11-pound hen at Hiouchi Bridge on eggs and Fish Pills.

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate Dam - Water conditions were good down to the Shasta River, but steelhead fishing slowed some. A day's outing produced a few adults to 5 pounds plus several smaller fish to a couple of pounds. Fly fishing was very slow because of the cold water, and virtually all the action was on backtrolled plugs, drifted roe and nightcrawlers.

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen - Most of the Klamath was still too high and off-color to fish over the weekend. It's gradually clearing, though from upper stretches on down, and should be fishable at least to Orleans by this weekend, or even farther downstream barring storms.

TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City - Steelhead fishing continued to be good with anglers hooking 2 to 5 steelhead an outing, a mix of newly-arrived fish and downrunners. The water is very clear, so a stealthy approach is required, whether fishing with bait or with flies. It's also continued to be very cold so the bite is still lethargic.

TRINITY RIVER, South Fork - The water was clear down to the South Fork and beyond, and there were steelhead everywhere, including a surprising number of fresh fish, indicating that the season is far from over. Fly fishers were able to attract strikes on dark patterns just below incoming streams. However, backtrolling plugs has been effective, too. Hawkins Bar to the South Fork has been one of the better stretches.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE - Although not much has changed in terms of conditions, the few fish being caught continue to be healthy looking, of decent size and with a warming trend, should start to be more active. All of these are good signs for a great spring bite. The bait shops are reporting more good days with live bait producing 6 to 8 fish. And each week brings the report of another couple of trophy fish being caught. Anglers willing to put in the time have a good chance of landing a 7-pound-plus fish, they are just not going to get a lot of action along the way.

LAKE BERRYESSA - Good electronics are a plus for locating bait balls and both smallmouth and largemouth. Jigging spoons have been the most consistent method with some anglers drop-shotting their fish in 25 to 40 feet. Topline for a few trout to 20 inches.

LAKE SONOMA - Bass fishing has been slow to fair with jigs, Senkos and Brush Hogs fished slowly on the ledges in 25 to 30 feet of water. As soon as the waters warm up a few degrees the bite will start to pick up. Landlocked steelhead fishing has been slow, but trollers fishing the top 10 feet of water found a few. Please release these little beauties.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR - A good trout bite will develop as soon as the lake warms up a little and the chunks of ice start to melt. The ice is what has made trolling tough.

BAUM LAKE - According to The Fly Shop, fly fishing has been great using small midge patterns and dry flies depending on the weather.

CASSEL FOREBAY - Closed until further notice for repairs. All water has been drained into the natural creek channel that flows into Baum Lake in order to work on structure repairs in the canal. The section above the canal near the post office is fishing well but does not accommodate a lot of fishermen. There's been no indication as to when repairs may be completed or when the fore bay may reopen.

PIT RIVER - Don't let the stained up waters put you off. Fish the warm, sunny spots mid day, according to the Fly Shop the fish are hungry.

SHASTA LAKE - Work the shallows in the upper arms for bass in the mornings. You'll find a few big ones but not much action. Move to the main lake points in the afternoons in 15 feet of water. Throwing 6- and 7-inch trout patterned swimbaits have produces some big bass but only one or two. For numbers of fish move out to 40 feet and use fish weighted Senkos or tubes. Trout are on top but no one has been trolling for them.

NorCal Saltwater

BERKELEY - A rich variety of fishing options kept Berkeley area fishers busy. Striped bass bit near Point Pinole and up on San Pablo Bay. Perch action was rated excellent from the Berkeley Pier, Point Richmond and Point Molate. Herring spawns throughout the area gave people a chance to load up on bait. The Happy Hooker is back in the water after maintenance and is beginning to fish.

BODEGA BAY - Most action was for crabs and sand dabs by boaters and for crabs by shore fishers casting baited snares. Surf perchers found some success using pile worms or Berkeley Gulp. Staff at the Outdoor Pro Shop reported a precious few halibut hooked in the Bay. The New Sea Angler ran double crab only trips Saturday and hauled up easy limits of large crabs.

DILLON BEACH - Slow Dungeness from the pier, BUT better crabbing inside Tomales Bay. A few leopard sharks showed up in the shallow flats inside the Bay.

EMERYVILLE - Emeryville Sportfishing was closed for the past week, but will be open and ready for action by the time you read this.

EUREKA - The quality of crabs diminished somewhat, however most people were able to bring home plenty for dinner, whether working inside the Bay or boating on open water. Clamming for razors was excellent with great tides lined up all week.

FORT BRAGG - Surf fishers enjoyed a surge in success for rose tail perch at Casper Beach and also from the jetty in Noyo Harbor. Jetty fishers also enjoyed catches of greenling and cabezon. Divers speared decent counts of lingcod.

HALF MOON BAY/PACIFICA - Perch fishing consumed most of the attention locally, with surf fishers working both to the south and to the north through Pacifica. Much of the crabbing done was from the jetty where casters worked snares. Huli Cat posted great scores of sand dabs and crabs.

MARTINEZ - Good flounder action was found along the shores near Martinez. Boat and pier anglers posted counts of both sturgeon and stripers. Flash captain, Steve Talmadge reported numerous hookups on both species.

OYSTER POINT - Perch fishing on the pier was good for pile perch, silvers and walleye. Jacksmelt loaded up Sabiki rigs at times. Boaters caught plenty of kingfish. No leopard sharks were reported this week.

SAN RAFAEL - Very good sturgeon and striper action was reported near the Pumphouse. Some skiffs enjoyed half a dozen hookups on each species, mostly shakers but with a few keepers mixed in.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE - The lake is at 42-percent capacity. Mountain Hardware and Sports reported there was little change here. Ice fishermen were still doing well at the dam for rainbows using Power Bait, worms, salmon eggs, and Kastmaster spoons.

CAPLES LAKE - The lake is at 69-percent capacity. Caples Lake Resort reported that the ice was 2 feet thick and had 2 feet of snow on top. Fishing was best at the spillway and the dam for anglers using bay shrimp, worms, and Power Bait. Tahoe Fly fishing Outfitters reported that fish at Caples were a better average size than those at Red Lake.

CARSON RIVER (East) - Todd Sodaro at the Carson River Resort reported that all the ice had melted off the river and there was little snow left along the banks. The river was in beautiful condition, though still very cold. One angler that Sodaro talked to caught one 18-inch rainbow on a midge nymph, and saw five or six 16- to 20-inch trout that wouldn't hit the fly in the restricted trophy section below Hangman's Bridge.

DAVIS LAKE - The lake is at 77-percent capacity. Ed Dillard at Dillard's Guided Fishing reported that trout action was very slow. He said that out of a group of 10 anglers at the dam this past week, only 1 person got a bite--and only one bite. Dillard fished for 2 days and landed one fish, had another rod pulled down into the lake, and had one other bite. Two anglers who fished at Mallard Point only caught 4 fish - that's slow.

DONNER LAKE - With all the ice off the lake, shore fishermen were catching a few rainbows at the west end on Power Bait.

FRENCHMAN LAKE - The lake is at 64-percent capacity. Wiggins Trading Post reported that ice fishing was good at the dam for anglers using worms and small jigs. The road around the lake is only passable by snowmobile.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR - The lake is at 62-percent capacity. The storm late this past week dumped enough snow and ice on the road to make it dangerous. If the weather stays nice, it could clear by the end of this week. Fishing was slow even before the weather turned.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR - Todd Sodaro reported there was still 6 inches of snow on the Airport Road. A 4x4 could probably make it to the lake, but why try? Just wait until the road is clear or use a snowmobile.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park) - The lake is at 89-percent capacity. Sly Park Resort reported that shore fishermen were picking up a few rainbows at the first dam on worms and Power Bait.

LAKE TAHOE - Mickey Daniels at Big Mack Charters reported good action for macks running 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 pounds. On his last charter, they kept 6 fish, tagged 4 or 5 more, and lost 4. The early fish were down at 150 feet deep, but the majority came off the bottom at 350 to 375 feet deep. Mike Nielsen at Tahoe Topliners reported catching macks early at 25 to 30 feet deep, but dropping to 150 feet as the sun got higher in the sky. Moving into shallow water early was producing 2- to 5-pound browns on Rapalas and Storm ThunderSticks. All the fish were hitting very light and required a slow, gentle fight to get them in the boat.

PROSSER LAKE - The lake is at 30-percent capacity. Ice fishermen were able to drive to the dam with 4-wheel drive vehicles. The point between Alder and Prosser Creek was accessible by snowmobile or hikers with snowshoes and a lunch - Mountain Hardware and Sports reported good action here on Power Bait and worms.

PYRAMID LAKE - The Crosby's Lodge Presidents Day Derby was led by a 17 1/4-pound cutthroat that was weighed in on Feb. 9. Valerie Taylor reported that a 13, a 10, three 9's and several 7 to 8 pounders were in the TOP 20. The big fish was caught from shore by Rob Jacobson who said he would reveal his winning ways after the derby ended on Feb. 17. Anglers interested in fishing the final weekend need to register with Crosby's Lodge by noon on Feb. 16. Call (775) 476-0400 for more information.

RED LAKE - Victor Babbitt of Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters reported that the ice fishing had slowed down from the torrid pace that anglers found 2 to 4 weeks ago. Cutthroats were still hitting worms and salmon eggs at the dam, just not in as big a numbers.

SILVER LAKE - Bay shrimp were working for Sacramento based anglers at the dam.

TOPAZ LAKE - Chuck Fields at Topaz Landing Marina reported that the lake was finally ice free and open for fishing from shore and boat. The lake was a 33-percent capacity and the ramps at both the marina and the county park could now handle any size boat. Fields had only seen a few shore anglers out, but had not heard reports of any success. There were no boats on the lake over the weekend.

TRUCKEE RIVER - Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters reported decent action on midge and baetis patterns in the Glenshire area. Most of the fish were hitting nymphs under indicators but anglers needed to be on the watch for sporadic dry fly action as the water warmed up on sunny afternoons. Mountain Hardware and Sports gave the same report, but also said a local landed a 24-inch brown out of a big, slow pool on a streamer.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER - Steelheading continued to be pretty good, but a higher percentage of fish were downrunners and darker fish. The number of fish being caught continued to be higher the farther upstream you went, but so was the pressure. Sunrise Blvd. seemed to be the dividing line for the tradeoff between pressure and numbers of fish. Fly fishers scored on alevin imitations, Glo-Bugs imitating steelhead eggs, psycho prince nymphs, and San Juan Worms dead-drifted under indicators. Non-fly fishers were getting their larger fish back-trolling plugs, while halfpounders and smaller adults were being taken on drifted roe and nightcrawlers.

FOLSOM LAKE - Fishing for king salmon and trout slowed last week, hampered by cold and wind. Some were being caught, though, mostly on Speedy Shiners and small Rapalas with the Hot Steel pattern one of the better ones. Hoochies were doing well, too. Bass fishing continued to improve and some fish were being taken on crankbaits and swimbaits as fish started moving into the upper water column in addition to slowly working more deeply with drop-shotted Robo-Worms, jigging, and drifting live minnows.

RANCHO SECO LAKE - Fishing for trout from 12 inches to 3 pounds continued to be very good both from shore, as well as float tubes. Bankies used Power Bait, inflated nightcrawlers, spoons and spinners, while boaters in kayaks, float tubes and canoes trolled wooly buggers, Needlefish, and nightcrawlers behind dodgers.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding - Trout fishing continued to be very good, with fly fishers doing well on dead-drifted egg patterns, alevin imitations, prince nymphs and copper Johns, and non-fly fishers scoring on Glo-Bugs and small Hot Shots.

YUBA RIVER - Anglers were still finding good trout fishing, but the better action was on yellow stone fly nymphs under indicators rather than Skwala stone fly imitations.

MOTHERLODE LAKES

AMADOR LAKE - Debbie Grayson at Lake Amador Store said "the trout bite for big fish is red hot with lots of big fish being weighed in." The big fish are hitting rainbow Rapalas, Power Worms, green Power Bait, spinnerbaits and lures. It seems that the main thing is to get the bait in front of the fish.

CAMANCHE LAKE - Mt. Lassen Trout delivered 600 pounds to the South shore ramp and 600 pounds to the North shore ramp. Sudden changes in weather seem to have the trout confused and less active then what would be expected this time of the year. Anglers are still catching trout but tend to catch that single large fish rather than catching limits. Baits of choice are still rainbow and chartreuse Power Baits, 'crawlers and Power Eggs. Gene Nixon of Lodi caught a nice 6.66-pound trout out of the South shore trout pond while fishing with power bait. Bass fishermen are getting between 10 to 15 bass per day while drop-shotting shad colored fatty worms and half ounce brown and purple jigs in 35 to 50 feet.

DON PEDRO RESERVOIR - Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing said "the trout bite has gotten tougher." He had a catch and release duo out and they caught and released 9 in hand and shook 3 at the boat fast trolling spoons. The bass are on main lake points 15 to 40 feet drop-shotting plastics fished very slow. There is also a jig bite. If you want a big bass to win a tournament throw a Huddleston or Alabama Rig. A Huddleston swimbait will usually attract that one big bite as a 13-pound largemouth was weighed in last Saturday at the American Bass Association tournament, said Jason Mello at A-1 Bait in Snelling.

LAKE MCCLURE - Bass fishing is good with minnows and crawdads off the bank and back in Cottonwood fished 15 to 40 feet. "The trout bite is good trolling flashers and 'crawlers down by the dam" said Jason Mello of A-1 Bait in Snelling. Trollers are limiting on a mixed bag of trout and salmon down by the dam. Mello caught a few bass on crawdads and Aarons Magic Pro Shad pattern worms at Barretts Cove.

LAKE MCSWAIN - Fishing at the Brush Pile with garlic dough Power Bait has produced trout limits to 2 pounds. Limits of trout have been caught off the bank at the dam with 'crawlers. Trolling an f-3 gold Rapala has also put in limits of trout. Trolling leadcore line 1 to 3 colors deep with Wedding Ring/'crawler combination is working for limits also.

NEW MELONES RESERVOIR - The trout are still scattered throughout the lake from 0 to 30 feet. "The fish are feeding on large shad," said Melanie Lewis at Glory Hole Sports. Trolling anglers should try rolling frozen shad for brown trout and large rainbows. Bank fishing was a little slower this week with only a few fish being caught per angler. The standard bait rig with a long leader seems to be your best bet. Use a sliding sinker with a 3- to 4-foot leader and a light wire hook. Pink and white Gulp. Eggs and Berkley Power Eggs will work as well as 'crawlers. Bass fishing is tough, try going down deep until you find them. One angler is catching fish on a drop-shot rig at 60 feet. The bass seemed to have moved into deep water for the winter and are feeding on main lake points throughout the day.

MODESTO RESERVOIR - Water low and dangerous. If you don't know the reservoir, launch your boat and drop your trolling motor and watch your depthfinder. The reservoir is not that big and you can learn it pretty well in a few trips and the prop you save will be you own.

LAKE PARDEE - The Park will reopen for the 2013 season Feb. 14th for campers and the 15th for fishing. For more information call (209) 772-1472.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

BULLARDS BAR - The lake is at 81-percent capacity. Emerald Cove Marina reported that there were 15 bass boats on the lake Sunday morning. No one reported any success, but the bite had been decent from previous reports on jigs, Senkos, and drop-shot worms on points down to 35 feet deep.

CAMP FAR WEST - The lake is at 86-percent capacity. Bass fishing was hit-or-miss--one angler reported catching 30 fish while others were struggling for 5 bass. The last report was that fish were hitting green pumpkin or watermelon Brush Hogs at 10 to 15 feet deep. North Shore Resort will be sponsoring a team tournament on Feb. 23. Entry fee is $40 pre-register, $50 on day of event, and a $10 big fish pot. Call North Shore Resort for tournament info or entries at (530) 633-0803.

COLLINS LAKE - The lake will receive the first trophy trout plant this week in time for the long Presidents Day holiday. Some of the fish will be tagged to receive a free ice cream, $5 off day-use fees, $10 off a T-shirt or hat, or $100. Trout will be planted every other week until March then plants will be scheduled weekly. Anglers were catching 2 to 4 trout each, but few limits. The big fish this past week weighed 5 1/2 pounds and was caught by Rick Cox at the beach on Power Bait.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR - The lake is at 95-percent capacity. A 4- to 5-pound rainbow was caught up at the river inlet on worms, according to Lisa Rogers at Skippers Cove Marina. Dillon Davis reported that shore fishing was good for limits of 10- to 14-inch rainbows using worms at the marina and Army Corps boat ramps. Skippers Cove Marina is selling drawing tickets for two guide trips on the lake by Rick Kennedy of Tight Lines Guide Service and guide Ed Fisk. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 with the proceeds paying for the feed needed for the pen-reared trophy trout program. The drawing will be held in late March. Call Lisa Rogers (530) 432-6302 for tickets.

LAKE OROVILLE - The lake is at 78-percent capacity. With the lake continuing to rise, debris was still a big problem for boaters - use extreme caution while running. Guide Ron Gandolfi reported that fishing was still good with bass spread out from 5 to 50 feet deep. Some female spotted bass were beginning to show evidence of egg development as their bellies swelled. The most consistent bite was on worm-head Senkos, jigs, Paradise Tackle Company finesse jigs, drop-shot worms, and swimbaits. With some windy days recently, fish were moving up into mud lines. Work baits slow with water temps running 43 to 47 degrees. Stay in the lower portions of the river arms or in the Slot to get away from cold water inflows. The better fish were running 2 1/2 to 3 pounds.

ROLLINS LAKE - The lake is full with a milky green water color. Boaters need to be on the watch for debris. Fishing has been slow with little pressure, according to A.J. Harris at Long Ravine Resort.

SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE - Jim Caldwell at the marina reported that trollers and shore anglers were catching limits or near-limits of 11- to 14-inch rainbows near the dam. Trollers were using flasher/worm combos for limits off the right hand side of the dam past the marina. Shore anglers were picking up some fish along the same area using worms and Power Bait.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR - The storm that hit during the later part of this past week just made it colder. The Foresthill Ranger Station reported that access was still open to the boat ramp, but few fishermen were using the lake.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR - The lake is at 98-percent capacity. Snow at the end of this past week just made access to the lake more difficult. With the warmer weather in the forecast, the road could clear allowing access by 4-wheel drive. Few fishermen were out this past week.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY - The lake was at 131.4-foot elevation at press time - 67-percent capacity. It was cold and windy this past weekend. Steelhead fishing at Wilbur Road is still the best bet until it warms up enough to kick the bass fishing into gear.

- Western Outdoor News

www.wonews.com

www.sacbee.com/fishingline

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