FRESHWATER
6 Oct 23 , 2020 VOL . 39 • ISS . 22
EAGLE LAKE CABIN RENTALS
3811
FRESHWATER REPORTS
ALMANOR
Scattered Trout , Plentiful Bait Make For Challenging Fishing
CHESTER- Water temp continues to hold in the mid 60 ’ s , clarity is 12-15 ’ on the south end of the lake half that on the north . Lake level on 9 / 26 was at 4479.65 compared to 4487.10 on the same date in 2019 . Air quality has improved over the past week ; there is currently a high wind advisory in effect along with a red flag warning through Monday night with power outages expected . We are expecting a warming trend over the next week with daytime temps reaching into the high 80 ’ s . Road traffic continues on Highway 36 between Goodrich Creek and Fredoyner Summit with delays up to 30 minutes .
Fish are scattered throughout the lake and the bite was tough the past few days . There are large schools of pond smelt along the rocky edges and fish continue to gorge on the tasty high protein morsels . You can choose your poison this time of year with similar results . Hardware at 2.5-3 mph and / or crawlers & gulps at 1 will work . Needle fish and flies will also catch fish at 1.5-2 mph , as mentioned the bite was tough so experiment until
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you find something that works . Rec # 1 to the Peninsula , Rec # 1 to the A-Frame , Dorado and Rec # 2 in water from 25 to 50 ’ are always good areas to start your morning .
Hamilton Branch remains the only viable option for bank fishermen . Bass fishing pressure is picking up with fish being caught off rocky points as the bass are also keying in on Pond Smelt .
It is cooling down at night with temps dipping into the high 30 ’ s , if you are camping call ahead to insure campgrounds are open . Canyon Dam remains the only public ramp . Boat traffic picked up this weekend , has slowed considerably during the week .
- John Crotty , Quail Lodge
AMADOR LAKE
Anglers Gear Up for Trout Plants
IONE – Fishermen are looking forward to a drop in water temperatures so the Lake Amador Resort is able to start stocking trout from their on-site hatchery in late October .
Black bass , channel catfish , bluegill and crappie are now available throughout the lake , but only a few anglers have reported back on how they have done over the past couple of weeks .
“ Some anglers reported catching catfish in the 2 to 4 lb . range while fishing chicken livers off the dock last Sunday ,” said Laurie Lockhart at the Lake Amador Resort . “ If I was in a boat , I would target catfish in the Jackson Creek arm of the lake .”
The Tackle Box Café is currently closed , but it will open when the trout plants begin . The resort is open for fully selfcontained trailers , RV ’ s , and tent camping by reservation only .
The lake level is over 33 feet from maximum pool . The surface water temperature was 75 degrees at press time . visit
LAKE CAMANCHE
World-Class Trout & Bass Fishing , year round !
- Dan Bacher
AMERICAN BASIN LAKES
French Meadows Kicks Out Browns and Rainbows
AUBURN - French Meadows Reservoir is producing the top fishing for rainbows and browns in the American River watershed lakes at this time .
“ A couple of local anglers reported landed two rainbows to 22 inches and one 20 inch brown while trolling Rapalas on a recent trip to French Meadows Reservoir ,” said Craig Newton of Willfish Bait and Tackle .
Shore fishing for browns and rainbows should improve as the water temperature cools at French Meadows . Anglers should toss out nightcrawlers , PowerBait , Rapalas and spoons in the river inlet , near the dam and around steep drop offs .
The kokanee salmon season is over at Hell Hole Reservoir , but anglers in small boats can still fish for mackinaws , browns and rainbows . “ One angler said he couldn ’ t launch his big boat at the lake on a recent trip to the boat ramp ,” advised Newton
To read about the Regional Emergency Fire Restriction Order in the Tahoe National Forest , go to : https :// www . fs . usda . gov / Internet / FSE _ DOCUMENTS / fseprd815382 . pdf
To read the Tahoe National Forest Emergency Camping and Shooting Prohibition , go to https :// www . fs . usda . gov / Internet / FSE _ DOCUMENTS / fseprd808972 . pdf
Please check their website updates on campground status : https :// www . fs . usda . gov / tahoe /
- Dan Bacher
Alfonso and Zac teamed up to land this impressive Crowley Lake rainbow during a recent outing . Photo courtesy of SIERRA DRIFTERS GUIDE SERVICE , Bishop .
AMERICAN RIVER
Salmon and Steelhead Show on River
SACRAMENTO – Salmon fishing is still tough on the American River , but half pounders and small adult steelhead continue to show in the river between Sailor Bar and the Sunrise Area .
Craig Newton of Willfish Bait and Tackle recently made a trip in his boat to the American between Watt Avenue and below J Street . “ There were half a dozen boats out there jigging while I fished with plugs ,” he said . “ Although I saw salmon in the river , I didn ’ t see anybody land salmon .”
Most of the steelhead being caught now are half pounders in the 12 to 18 inch range , with an occasional larger adult mixed in . Anglers can hook the fish while drifting soft beads , nightcrawlers and roe in the riffles .
The Bureau of Reclamation ramped down flows on the American River below Nimbus Dam from 1,750 cfs to 1,500 cfs on October , according to Peggy Manza of Reclamation .
Fishing pressure for stripers remains light . Some anglers continue to hook stripers in the lower American while throwing swim baits and Sneaky Petes early and late in the day .
During the day , you should find the top striper action while drifting live jumbo minnows , live crawfish and cut anchovies and sardines at Sailor Bar , Upper and Lower Sunrise , El Manto , Rossmoor Bar , River Bend Park , Gristmill , Watt Avenue , Howe Avenue and other locations .
- Dan Bacher
2 for 1
CAMPING
Camp one night at
Lake Camanche and receive your second night free . Offer must be redeemed by calling ( 866 ) 763-5121 and mentioning promo code FS14 at the time of booking . offer not redeemeable online .
Not valid on weekend , holidays , full hook-up RV sites or for cottage stays . Supplemental fees may apply .
Mid Week Camping Special ! Your 2nd Night is FREE !
CALL 866.763.5121
LAKE CAMANCHE ’ S AMENITIES
• Guaranteed Weekly Fish plants
( OCT . - MAY )
• Boat Rentals
• Lodging Available
• Stores , Cafe & Marina Grill
• Courtesy Launch Ramps on both North & South Shores
• RV Sites w / Full Hookups
( LONG & SHORT TERM )
www . CamancheRecreation . com
3805
LAKE AMADOR
Trout Planted Seasonally !
• Cafe • RV Park • Waterslide
• Campground • Disc Golf
• General Store
Cafe Open Seasonally On Friday , Saturday & Sundays
3721
209-274-4739
7500 Lake Amador Dr ., Ione , CA 95640
WWW . LAKEAMADOR . COM
LAKE BERRYESSA
Public Facilities Are Still Closed in Wake of Fires
NAPA - The Bureau of Reclamation ’ s Lake Berryessa facilities remain closed until further notice due to fire damage . This includes all day-use areas , boat launching and concession-operated sites .
“ We are working hard to make Lake Berryessa safe for our employees and visitors and that will take time ,” said Regional Director Ernest Conant . “ We ask the public
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