Mendota Slough and Central California Fishing Reports

[daystarchis]

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir

**Bass *Crappie *Catfish ****Trout *Kokanee

Trout fishing is excellent for big red hook-jawed rainbows to more than 6 pounds for trollers and bank anglers, Pattie Brooks of Glory Hole Sports said. Bank anglers are doing well. Hail, rain and sun alternately have visited. Trollers need to long-line their lures so shallow fish aren't spooked by the boat. Bass fishing is fair for fish in the 1- to 3-pound range biting dropshot rigs in shad or crawdad patterns. Catfish are slow. Crappie and perch are slow. The lake is at 85% capacity and rising.

Call: (209) 736-4333

Lake Isabella

*Bass ****Trout *Crappie *Catfish *Bluegill

Trout fishing for big rainbows to 7 pounds is wide open, Ed Cordell of Big Ed's Bait and Tackle said. PowerBait was working well for bank anglers almost anywhere on the main lake. Plants of 4,000 pounds of fish in the main lake helped the bite. Bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are slow.

Call: Big Ed's Bait and Tackle (760) 379-4170, Bob's Bait (661) 833-8657, North Fork Marina (760) 376-1812

San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay

**Stripers *Catfish *Bass

Striper fishing has been slow to fair for anglers working the main lake, with several fish in the 10- to 12-pound range coming on minnows. The Forebay continues to pump out lots of small fish, and a few to 6 pounds, Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle said. Anglers working minnows at the 40- to 50-foot depth range in the back of Portuguese Cove, the Basalt corner (south side of the dam), Goosehead and the Trash Racks areas have gotten consistent numbers of small fish. Los Banos Creek Reservoir has a decent trout bite, with limits possible of the planter-sized fish. Wind conditions: (800) 805-4805.

Call: Mitchell's Outpost (209) 826-5559, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522

Eastman Lake

***Bass *Trout *Bluegill *Catfish

Bass fishing suddenly improved for good numbers of fish in the 2- to 5-pound range on jigs and crankbaits, Merritt Gilbert said. Anglers have found the fish from 10-50 feet. A warming trend that peaked just before the storm also triggered a good swimbait bite. Several anglers got fish from 6-10 pounds on the 6- and 8-inch ABT Titan swimbaits during the warm pre-storm lull that gave way to the cold front. No trout reports yet, but rainbows should be available to trollers working the dam area.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 842-5799

Hensley Lake

***Bass *Trout *Catfish *Crappie

Bass fishing improved to a good bite on fish to almost 4 pounds at times, Merritt Gilbert said. Anglers working jigs, Carolina-rigged plastics and splitshot plastics have found a good bite producing a "better than usual" cut of fish. Trout fishing is slow, but may pick up after the coming plants.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 673-5151, 842-5799

McSwain Reservoir

**Trout

Trout fishing slowed to fair, as muddy stained water moved through the lake, Diana Mello said. Bank anglers are scoring nice fish on chartreuse or rainbow PowerBait, while trollers pulling flashers in front of Cop Car Needlefish or chrome Kastmasters have had to work for their fish.

Call: McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534

Delta Mendota Canal and Slough

**Stripers *Crappie **Catfish

The Delta Mendota canal north of the Forebay is kicking out lots of small stripers and catfish, but there have been no reports of anything big lately, Larry Bristow said. The Delta Mendota canal south of Los Banos is done, due to falling water levels, The aqueduct is kicking out good numbers of the school-sized stripers and some cats.

Call: 655-2335, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522

Millerton Lake

**Bass *Stripers

Spotted-bass fishing is decent for anglers tossing dropshotted plastics like the Hologram Shad or the Prism Shad, as well as quarter-ounce fine rubber jigs in the main lake, Buck Deaner said. Squaw and Winchell Coves were the best bet for finding the spots running 11/2-2 pounds. The main lake area seemed to be producing fewer fish than the river, but the quality was better, Gilbert said. Darthead rigs were producing fish, with most coming from offshore structure like rock piles and dropoffs. There has been almost no reaction bite, with a water temperature of around 55 degrees slowing things. Limits weighing 8-9 pounds are common, and Deaner guessed it would take about 10 pounds or more to win the upcoming tournament. Pressure has been heavy for the past four weeks as anglers prepare for the contests. Striper action has been nonexistent.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Pine Flat Reservoir

***Bass **Trout

Trout fishing has gotten tougher, with anglers producing 2-5 fish a day shallow-trolling shad-colored Excels or chrome Apexes, Buck Deaner said. Some anglers have been scoring on 13- to 16-inch fish trolling Needlefish or Wedding Ring spinners in the top 20 feet, working the area from the powerlines to Trimmer, Merritt Gilbert said. There have been a few bigger brooder-sized fish that occasionally have been weighed in recently. Bass fishing has improved to a good bite on scattered bass ranging from the surface to as much as 50 feet on green-pumpkin Hula Grubs or dropshotted plastics in Pro-Gold with red flake, Deaner said. Some anglers have caught 20-30 fish from 1 1/2-3 pounds. Deaner recommended taking children fishing at the lake because the action was steady. Gilbert said anglers should work creek channel cuts in the Windy Gap area with shad-colored dropshot rigs and dartheads.

Call: 787-2387, 225-1838, 292-3474

Lake Kaweah

**Bass *Crappie **Trout **Catfish

Trout fishing for planter-sized fish using flashers and 'crawlers is fair at the muddy-water lake, but could improve once water clears, Merritt Gilbert said. There is a fair bite on small bass in the 11/2-pound range on jigs and Texas-rigged plastics.

Call: 592-5922

Lake Success

**Bass *Trout *Catfish

Few anglers at the low-water lake.

Call: 784-2235

McClure Reservoir

***Bass ***Trout *Crappie *Catfish

Trout fishing is hot for rainbows to 4 pounds, Diana Mello of A-1 Bait said. Bank anglers are scoring fish at the south ramp in Barrett's Cove, and the spillway areas in about 20 feet of water. Trollers working the dam and Temperance areas have done well. Bass fishing is good for anglers off rocky points or drop-offs. McClure Point and the outer edges of Cottonwood have been productive. Crappie and cats are slow.

Call: A-1 Bait (209) 563-6505, (209) 378-2441

Lake Don Pedro

**Bass **Trout **King Salmon

Trout fishing remains decent for planter-sized fish, Dwayne King said. Shallow-trolled Needlefish or flasher/'crawler combos are working for fish in the 13- to 15-inch range. Bass fishing has been fair, with swimbait specialists getting the better cut of fish. Green pumpkin spider jigs fished in the main lake at 20-40 feet have done well.

Call: (209) 852-2369, (209) 989-2206, Fisherman's Warehouse Manteca (209) 239-2248, Dwayne King's Guide Service (209) 609-3115

[daystarchis]

Delta Mendota Canal and Slough
Stripers **
Crappie *
Catfish **

The Delta Mendota canal north of the Forebay is kicking out small stripers and catfish, Larry Bristow said. The water level of the Delta Mendota canal south of Los Banos is falling. The aqueduct is producing good numbers of school-sized stripers and some cats up to 4 pounds at McCabe Road.

Call: 655-2335, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir
Bass **
Crappie *
Catfish *
Trout ****
Kokanee *

Trout fishing for trollers and bank anglers still is excellent for big rainbows up to more than 6 pounds, said Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sports. Anglers are scoring an average of three quality trout on trolled 'crawler combos with Pro-Cure's Nightcrawler scent. The best action is in the main lake and between the two bridges at 15-20 feet. Shad-patterned lures such as the Cop Car Needlefish, Countdown Rapala or Excel also are good for trolling. Bank anglers are doing well on the big fish using PowerBait in chartreuse or rainbow colors. Trollers need to long-line their lures so the shallow fish are not spooked by the boat. Bass fishing is fair for suspended fish in the 1- to 3-pound range. They are biting dropshot rigs in shad or crawdad patterns at 30-40 feet.

Call: (209) 736-4333

Lake Isabella
Bass **
Trout ****
Crappie *
Catfish *
Bluegill *

Trout fishing remains wide open for limits of rainbows up to 7 pounds, said Ed Cordell of Big Ed's Bait and Tackle. Chartreuse PowerBait was the best bank bet for the 3- to 6-pound trout. Both dam areas, as well as Paradise Cove, are the top shore choices for anglers. Trollers are pulling 1/8- or 1/4-ounce silver Kastmasters or Wedding Ring spinners tipped with a 'crawler in the top 10 feet. Trollers have found a slow speed is critical to a good bite, and that a long-lined presentation, in some cases as much as 100 yards, was necessary to keep from scaring the big fish in the clear water. Working the area from the west side of the dam out to Engineers Point has been the best for trollers. Bass fishing has picked up for anglers throwing black/purple jigs for fish up to5 pounds. Several limits of bass have been weighed in — averaging5 pounds. The lethargic bass have been on a subtle jig bite in the Rocky Point and Engineers Point areas. Crappie are slow, with a few dock fish hitting jigs. Catfishing is slow, but a few 3- to 4-pounders are showing up.

Call: Big Ed's Bait and Tackle (760)379-4170, Bob's Bait (661)833-8657, North Fork Marina (760)376-1812

San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay
Stripers **
Catfish *
Bass *

Striper fishing has been fair on the main lake, with a 31-pounder — the biggest one reported for several months, said Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle — taken on minnows in Portuguese Cove. Another striper that went 23 pounds, as well as a couple of other fish in the teens, seemed to offset a tough bite. Portuguese Cove and Dinosaur Point have been consistent for boat anglers fishing minnows at around 50 feet. There also has been a sporadic topwater bite on small stripers working bait near the Romero Visitors Center and the rock wall along Highway 152 in the morning. The Forebay continues to pump out lots of small fish biting grass shrimp, blood worms, anchovies and minnows, with one 10-pounder taken on a fluke at Check 12. Water at the lake is at the top. Los Banos Creek Reservoir has a decent bass bite on plastics for 2- to 3-pound class fish. Trout fishing should still be good for planter-sized fish. Wind conditions: 800-805-4805.

Call: Mitchell's Outpost(209) 826-5559, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522

Eastman Lake
Bass ***
Trout *
Bluegill *
Catfish *

Bass fishing for good numbers of2- to 4-pound fish on black/blue jigs at a depth of 15-25 feet has been consistent for anglers willing to work, Jeff Huth of Valley Rod and Gun said. After a shallower morning bite, the fish are pulling away from shore. Dropshot plastics are working, but Huth felt the jig bite was the best bet.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 842-5799

Hensley Lake
Bass **
Trout *
Catfish *
Crappie *

Bass fishing remains stable for decent numbers of fish in the 11/2-pound range on Carolina-rigged purple worms fished near structures, Huth said. Targeting rock piles and island tops as well as the dam area at 25-35 feet has worked best.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 673-5151, 842-5799

McSwain Reservoir
Trout **

Trout fishing remains fair, as stained water continues to slow the bite, Diana Mello said. Bank anglers are scoring on several fish up to11/2 pounds on inflated 'crawler/marshmallow combos fished near the Brushpile, with limits possible. Trollers are having a harder time getting the fish to bite in the stained water, with Model "T" fenders pulled in front of Wedding Ring spinners or silver/blue Kastmasters at 10-30 feet the best bet.

Call: McSwain Marina(209) 378-2534

Delta Mendota Canal and Slough
Stripers **
Crappie *
Catfish **

The Delta Mendota canal north of the Forebay is kicking out small stripers and catfish, Larry Bristow said. The water level of the Delta Mendota canal south of Los Banos is falling. The aqueduct is producing good numbers of school-sized stripers and some cats up to 4 pounds at McCabe Road.

Call: 655-2335, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522

Millerton Lake
Bass **
Stripers *

Spotted bass fishing was decent for tournament anglers tossing dropshotted plastics such as the Hologram Shad, Keeper 082 "green weenie," or the Pro Worm Purple Death in 4- or 6-inch sizes in the main lake, producing a winning weight of 12.06 pounds for Bill Kunz of Hanford, said Larry Hodge of the Fresno Bass Club. Most fish were taken in the main lake, with the area near the day use area on the Fresno side the best. Anglers found the fish at 10-40 feet off isolated rock piles and trees. A "dead stick" technique worked well on the plastics, with others finding fish on brown/purple jigs with a twin tail Yamamoto trailer, or dartheads. Working the points with 1/4-ounce jigs also is producing fish, Jeff Huth said.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Pine Flat Reservoir
Bass **
Trout **

Trout fishing for planter-sized fish has been good for trollers working pink or pink/white Hoochies in the main lake at 35-40 feet, Huth said. A few fish in the 16- to 17-inch range are showing up, but the bigger brood-sized fish are few and far between. Bass fishing is decent for anglers throwing 6-inch Aaron's Magic worms, Hologram Shad plastics, or any other lighter colors at around 40 feet in clear water, Huth said. The best bite is around 40 feet where the bait is holding, so finding structures intersecting that depth is the trick to finding feeding fish. Working creek channels and cuts is a good strategy. The main lake area is productive, but the dam area is the best bet. Water levels are rising.

Call: 787-2387, 225-1838, 292-3474

Lake Kaweah
Bass ***
Crappie **
Trout **
Catfish *

Fishing for bass around11/2 pounds on plastics and jigs at35-40 feet is kicking out good numbers of fish, Jimmy Perez of Sierra Sports said. There have been a few bass up to 7 pounds taken on jigs and Senkos as well as dropshot rigs. Trout fishing for planter-sized fish using PowerBait and a 'crawler is scoring anglers three to four trout a rod. Crappie fishing is fair to good on minnows or jigs, with some anglers catching up to 12 fish. A few small cats are chasing cutbait.

Call: 592-5922

Lake Success
Bass **
Trout ***
Catfish *

Fishing is fair for bass up to5 pounds on Senkos fished shallow at the debris-cluttered lake, Success Market reported. Trout fishing has been good for anglers soaking 'crawlers, with lots of trout being planted. The water level remains low.

Call: 784-2235

McClure Reservoir
Bass ***
Trout ****
Crappie *
Catfish *

Trout fishing is hot for rainbows up to 4 pounds on rainbow PowerBait for shore anglers and almost any kind of shad-patterned lure trolled from the dam to Bagby, Diana Mello of A-1 Bait said. Anglers working Cop Car or Bleeding Shad Needlefish from the surface to 30 feet are getting lots of fat 3-pound rainbows, with a 45/8-pound fish the biggest. Bass fishing is good for anglers working motor oil, crawdad or shad-colored plastic worms off dropoffs at about25 feet close to shore. Live bait also is a good way to catch the 17- to 18-inch fish. The big fish seem to be out foraging for food in an active mode, Mello said. A recent tournament was won by Steve LaRussa and Alex Meza with a total weight of 17.35 pounds. Kelsey Davis of Merced, age 6, got a 2.5-pound spotted bass on a live crawdad. Crappie fishing has been fair for anglers fishing off of island tops or rock piles with minnows at around35 feet. Cats are slow.

Call: A-1 Bait (209) 563-6505, (209)378-2441

Lake Don Pedro
Bass **
Trout ***
Kokanee *
King Salmon **

The bite is good for trout up to2.5 pounds on long-lined shallow trolled lures such as Cop Car Needlefish, Dwayne King said. Bass fishing is fair for fish in the 2-pound range on dropshotted plastics. A few fish up to 6 pounds have been biting swimbaits. Kokanee fishing is over.

Call: (209) 852-2369, (209)989-2206, Fisherman's Warehouse Manteca (209) 239-2248, Dwayne King's Guide Service(209) 609-3115

[daystarchis]

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir
Bass **
Crappie *
Catfish *
Trout ***
Kokanee **

Trout fishing got a little tougher this week, but anglers still are getting lots of 3- to 5-pound fish, said Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sports. Anglers are averaging several quality trout trolling 'crawlers or bright colored Apexes, Needlefish, Excels or Countdown Rapalas at 20 feet in the main lake. Bank anglers also are doing well on the big trout using Select Power Bait in chartreuse, or rainbow colors. Angel's Cove and Glory Hole Point are the best areas to work bait. Kokanee in the 10- to 12-inch range are starting to show in the main lake near Rose Island, but they should be allowed to grow more before taking. Bass fishing is fair for fish in the 2- to 3-pound class, but a 16.53-pounder was taken on a swimbait by an unidentified angler. Jigs and swimbaits are

the best choice for bigger bass. Kokanee season is over. Catfish are slow. Crappie and perch are slow.

Call: (209) 736-4333.

Lake Isabella
Bass *
Trout **
Crappie *
Catfish ***
Bluegill *

Trout fishing is on a fair bite for bank anglers tossing PowerBait or 'crawlers scented with garlic oil. Heavy plants have helped the bite. Few trollers are working the lake. Warming temps and a good high pressure weather pattern should turn the trout back on. Bass fishing is poor. Good numbers of catfish in the 2- to 4-pound range have been on a surprising bite on shad fished from shore. Crappie are slow.

Call: Big Ed's Bait and Tackle (760)379-4170, Bob's Bait (661)833-8657, North Fork Marina (760)376-1812.

San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay
Stripers **
Catfish *
Bass *

Striper fishing has been fair for small stripers in the main lake and Forebay, with one big 30-pounder taken on a fluke near the dam by David Souza of Los Banos, said Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle. Anglers have found a spotty bite on minnows working the Trash Racks in the main lake, with Portuguese Cove not much better. The area around the Highway 152 shore access points has been one of the best areas for limits of small linesides. The forebay has been steady for 4- to 5-pound stripers on minnows or cutbait, Bristow said.

Los Banos Creek Reservoir has a steady bass bite on plastics for small fish. Trout fishing is fair to good for small trout on PowerBait. Wind conditions: 800-805-4805.

Call: Mitchell's Outpost(209) 826-5559, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522.

Eastman Lake
Bass **
Trout *
Bluegill *
Catfish *

Bass fishing angler pressure has been heavier, slowing the bite on Carolina rigged plastics and jigs, Jeff Huth said. Work from the bank to 30 feet, with worms, jigs and some swimbait lures producing some occasional bigger fish.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 842-5799.

Hensley Lake
Bass **
Trout **
Catfish *
Crappie *

Bass fishing remains fair for good numbers of small fish in the 2-pound class on worms or crankbaits, Jeff Huth said. Water is going down slowly at the lake. Trout fishing is fair.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 673-5151, 842-5799.

McSwain Reservoir
Trout **

Trout fishing is fair at the stained water lake, with a decent bite for trollers pulling flasher and 'crawlers or Needlefish in the top 15 feet, Diana Mello said.

Call: McSwain Marina(209) 378-2534.

Delta Mendota Canal and Slough
Stripers **
Crappie *
Catfish **

The Delta Mendota canal north of the Forebay is producing lots of small stripers, Larry Bristow said. The aqueduct is steady for small stripers, with one 10-pounder coming from Hillsdale Road.

Call: 655-2335, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522.

Millerton Lake
Bass ***
Stripers *

Spotted bass fishing continues to be good for decent numbers of small spotted bass taking jigs, worms and dropshotted plastics in the main lake fished shallow to 40 feet. Fish holding in the 5- to 15-foot range on a pre-spawn pattern are reacting to the warmer weather. Main lake points and boulder piles are good structures to fish, since the fish haven't moved into the coves yet, Jeff Huth said. Lighter-colored plastics have been working well. The main lake area has been the best bet, but there have also been some upriver fish taking jigs. Striper action has been nonexistent.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474.

Pine Flat Reservoir
Bass ***
Trout *

Trout fishing slowed to a crawl for planter-sized fish for trollers pulling flasher/'crawler combos or pink Hoochies, said James Mize of Valley Rod and Gun. The fish seem to be scattered, with the lake coming up a foot a day the possible reason. Most anglers are getting only one or two fish a trip. Bass fishing is good, with a 100% Bass tournament of 54 boats producing a winning total of14.44 pounds for five fish for the team of James Mize of Squaw Valley and Jim Snow of Dinuba, as well as a big fish of 7.67 pounds on a Yamamoto Hula grub in green pumpkin. An early upriver bite produced the biggest fish for the team before they returned to the main lake to fill their limit. The fish moved out into 40 feet of water as the day and pressure increased. Pre-fishing had produced a decent reaction bite on spinnerbaits that faded during the contest.

Call: 787-2387, 225-1838, 292-3474.

Lake Kaweah
Bass **
Crappie **
Trout **
Catfish *

Bass fishing for medium-sized bass on spoons at 40 feet has been decent, James Mize said. The swimbait bite shut off this week. Trout fishing for planter-sized fish using PowerBait and 'crawlers is fair. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows or jigs. A few small cats are working cutbait.

Call: 592-5922.

Lake Success
Bass **
Trout ***
Catfish *

Fishing is fair for bass. Trout fishing has been good for anglers soaking 'crawlers. Lake level is still low.

Call: 784-2235.

McClure Reservoir
Bass ***
Trout ****
Crappie ***
Catfish *

Trout fishing for 3- to 4-pound rainbows is wide open as anglers trolling shallow near the shoreline with shad-colored Needlefish are catching fish all over the lake, Diana Mello said. Even shore anglers throwing bobbers with 'crawlers suspended 8feet below the cork are catching the big trout on a regular basis. Main lake shorelines have been the best areas to work for both trollers and shore anglers. Bass fishing is steadily getting better as the staging fish roam the shoreline in search of food, Mello said. Working rocky points, mud flats, and submerged island tops from the surface to 20 feet has been a good tactic. Crappie fishing in the back of Barrett's Cove or Piney Creek with minnows or pearl white jigs has produced some limits of slabs in the ¾- to 1-pound range. Cats are slow.

Call: A-1 Bait (209) 563-6505, (209)378-2441.

Lake Don Pedro
Bass **
Trout ***
Kokanee *
King Salmon **

Fishing remains good for trout on long-lined shallow trolled lures like Cop Car Needlefish. Bass fishing has been fair for anglers throwing dropshotted plastics in shallow water down to 20 feet, Dwayne King said. A bass weighing 11.74 pounds was caught on a swimbait.

Call: (209) 852-2369, (209)989-2206, Fisherman's Warehouse Manteca (209) 239-2248, Dwayne King's Guide Service(209) 609-3115.

[daystarchis]

Brian, capt. Steve met me at my house at 9 am and we hit the canal there at the mendota pool (park). Capt. had a few bites. The Delta Mendota is running again.;) Capt. Headed to the slough around 10:30 0r so. Brian and I then hit the dam and the canal west of the pools. Brian landed a 3# there on liver.:rolleyes: We then hooked up with vini at the slough around 3 pm. A few hits and Brian landed a huge 8 or 9 # carp on (liver again) Fished till 3 am with some nice hits but no fish:confused: Used DK's, liver, crawlers, shad, sonny's, chovies. Beautiful night:) As always, brian came through again:p I will let him and vince fill you in on the wood, fire and coffee pot:p Met both Vini and Brian this last year on this site:thumbsup: Because of this site I have 2 awesome friends and of course fishing buddies:rock-big: Fished with Brian on over 30-40+ fishing trips. Awesome times bro, Thank you...:0a17: The best of luck in Indiana with your new wife:wub: Keep us California's updated on those flats and blues:0a31:

[vini]

Yeap that was a slow night but relaxing can't always catch all the fish and as usual Brian was top cat last night:p

The wood gathering outting LOL Brians a straight up nut he was tearing those dead limbs off the trees like he was skinnin a catfish guy reminds me of Ted Nugent or something:thumbsup: for sure a great outdoorsmen.

We'll miss you Brian:cry-big:

[daystarchis]

I thought I would share some pics. The first pic is of Vince and Brian Ba$$ fishing.... I caught them:p . 2nd pic is of Brians cat on Bass ave the 2nd canal, and the 3rd is at the Aquaduct.

[daystarchis]

2nd set of pics.

[vini]

Well that just confirms what i thought, i'm hella good looking LOLOLOLOL

aren't you the little photographerite:p

[daystarchis]

Hey Vince, Whats the chance of me borrowing that heater again? I am going out to the slough at my spot by the bridge tomorrow morn till late evening. I wanna go after some big cats and stipes;) Let me know if it is cool.

Anyone want to tag along, let me know:)

[daystarchis]

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir

**Bass *Crappie *Catfish **Trout *Kokanee

Trout fishing has been good when the weather cooperates, with anglers getting one to three 3- to 5-pound fish per rod on trolled Cop Car Needlefish, silver/black Countdown Rapalas, or Firetiger Needlefish at 20-40 feet in the area between the two bridges, Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sports said. Trolling the lures far behind the boat is crucial to avoid spooking the fish. Anglers also are using shad scent or Pautzki's new Krill scent to improve the bite. Shore anglers are picking up fish on fluorescent orange or rainbow PowerBait, with the Angel's Cove area the best bet. Anglers are also soaking 'crawler/marshmallow combos or throwing shad-patterned Kastmasters to catch fish from shore. Eric Sharkey of Brentwood won big fish of the week honors with a 4.6-pound trout taken while trolling upriver. Small Kokanee (12-14 inches) are showing in the main lake near Rose Island. Bass fishing is fair to good for anglers fishing at 20-50 feet with dropshotted worms, jigs, Senkos and worms the best bets. Shallow-holding fish have been taking some ripbaits or swimbaits. Catfish, crappie and perch are slow.

Call: (209) 736-4333

Lake Isabella

**Bass ***Trout *Crappie ***Catfish *Bluegill

Trout fishing has been steady for rainbows up to 7 pounds, with either bait or trolling providing near limits of planter-sized -- or bigger -- fish for most anglers, Ed Cordell of Big Ed's Bait and Tackle said. The fish are staying fairly shallow and taking flatlined Thomas Buoyant lures in silver, or the 21/2-inch Clown Yo-Zuri. Bass fishing has picked up for experienced fishermen, with several landing 3- to 8-pounders. Most fish were coming from a wide range of depths, from 4-40 feet, on jigs and 6- or 8-inch black worms with red flake fished off rocky points. Cordell expects the bite to start to improve rapidly from this point. Catfishing has been good for numbers of fish in the 11/2- to 2-pound range all over the lake on shad. Fishing is best in the afternoon into the evening. Crappie are small, but there is a steady bite for anglers using small Kastmasters just off the bottom.



San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay

**Stripers *Catfish **Bass

Fishing has been slow for stripers in the 24- to 28-inch class, with one 171/2-pounder taken in the big lake on a trolled lure off the Basalt ramp, Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle said. Portuguese Cove and Goosehead Point have been producing a few 6- to 7-pound fish on minnows, but the overall bite has been sporadic. Tim Mitchell of Mitchell's Outpost said John Poindexter of Fresno found the fish were hard to find and not taking minnows readily. There is a sporadic topwater bite along the Highway 152 shoreline and the Dinosaur Point area for school-sized fish. The Forebay has been kicking out a good number of 22- to 28-inchers on trolled silver/black Rapalas or Rebels. The trench area, where the Delta Mendota canal dumps into the Forebay, has been steady for small stripers on bait or minnows. Water at the lake is at the top, with a capacity of 2 million acre feet. Los Banos Creek Reservoir has a decent trout and crappie bite going. The Henry Miller Game Refuge is kicking out good numbers of crappie on jigs and minnows, Mitchell said. The bass bite has been solid for good numbers of mostly small bass, with some more than 5 pounds. Wind conditions: 800-805-4805.



Eastman Lake

**Bass **Trout *Bluegill *Catfish

Heavy angler pressure slowed the bite, but bass up to 8 pounds still were falling for jigs, Carolina-rigged worms and splitshotted plastics fished by isolated rock piles or offshore structures at 15 to 30 feet, Merritt Gilbert of Valley Rod and Gun said. The best lures for the Sierra Bass Club Tournament were jigs, swimbaits and Texas-rigged worms, Ranger Nicolas Figueroa said. Lake regulars Mark Inman of Kerman and Dwayne Lucckesi of Madera said they fished the lake and got nine fish from 2 to 4 pounds on brown/green jigs. Trout fishing is good for planter-sized fish, with the Department of Fish and Game planting 500 pounds of 3/4-pound fish last week, Figueroa said.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 842-5799

Hensley Lake

**Bass **Trout *Catfish *Crappie

The action continues to be good for numbers of 1 1/2-pound bass on jigs, dropshotted 6-inch worms and Carolina-rigged Baby Brushhogs at 15-25 feet near isolated trees and humps, Merritt Gilbert said. Darker-colored plastics such as Aaron's Magic, Junebug or green pumpkin have worked best. Pressure at the lake has been low. But this lake could be a good bet for some consistent fun fishing if it's not too affected by an inflow of water from the storm, Mark Inman said. Trout fishing is fair.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 673-5151, 842-5799

McSwain Reservoir

*Trout

Trout fishing rebounded to a fair bite for anglers trolling Cop Car Needlefish or flasher/Wedding Ring combos tipped with a 'crawler for possible limits, Diana Mello said. Bank fishermen are using inflated 'crawlers upriver by the maintenance shed or by the Brushpile for a decent morning bite.

Call: McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534

Delta Mendota Canal and Slough

**Stripers *Crappie **Catfish

The Delta Mendota canal north of the Forebay still is kicking out good numbers of school-sized stripers on cutbait, Larry Bristow said. The Delta Mendota canal south of Los Banos has a renewed bite on small stripers as the water flow started again. There is some catfish action on cutbaits from the aqueduct just above where it flows into Check 12. The aqueduct is steady for small stripers.

Call: 655-2335, (209) 827-1522

Millerton Lake

**Bass *Stripers

Spotted bass fishing is consistent for good numbers of fish taking Texas-rigged "brass and glass" setups or dartheads in green weenie or shad colors in the main lake, Merritt Gilbert said. Working the deep trees and main lake points in the main lake at 20-40 feet worked best for quality fish. Jigs in brown and purple colors also were productive. Striper action has been nonexistent for the past few months. Water level is falling about 1/3-foot a day and the current level is 399,000 acre-feet storage out of 520,000.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Pine Flat Reservoir

**Bass **Trout

Trout fishing is steady for trollers working Cop Car or Bikini Needlefish, or #5 or #7 silver/black Rapalas at 20-25 feet for rainbows in the 13- to 15-inch range, Merritt Gilbert said. Working the area by the powerlines, across from Lombardo's, or by the dam have been the best areas. Some anglers are tipping the Needlefish with a piece of 'crawler. Bigger rainbows have been tough to find. Bass fishing slowed to a fair bite with the cooler water, but jigs fished at 15-40 feet in the cuts and around deep trees in the Windy Gap to the Rattlesnake area have produced the best results.

Call: 787-2387, 225-1838, 292-3474

Lake Kaweah

**Bass **Crappie **Trout *Catfish

Bass fishing has been steady for good numbers of small bass, with some more than 8 pounds, Merritt Gilbert said. Trout fishing for planter-sized fish using PowerBait and 'crawlers is fair. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows or jigs.

Call: 592-5922

Lake Success

**Bass **Trout *Catfish

Bass fishing is fair, with a recent tournament producing a big fish of 31/2 pounds, Jack Nichols of Porterville said. Most of the fish were at 6-8 feet. Trout fishing has been fair.

Call: 784-2235

McClure Reservoir

***Bass ***Trout ***Crappie *Catfish **Salmon

Trout fishing remains good for rainbows in the 2 1/2- to 6-pound range on Cop Car Needlefish tipped with a 'crawler and downrigged at 40 feet almost anywhere, Diana Mello of A-1 Bait said. Leadcore trollers pulling flasher and Wedding Ring combos tipped with a 'crawler also were picking up fish. King salmon in the 3-to 4-pound range were at the same depth as the trout and providing a mixed bag for some anglers. The Bagby area has had a good bite. Bank anglers working the McClure Point/Spillway/dam area with inflated 'crawlers or PowerBait at 25 feet were doing well. Another productive tactic has been to use medium-sized minnows around the houseboats in the Spillway area for rainbows. Bass fishing is hot for lots of nice fish in the 17- to 18-inch range, on both live bait and plastics, Mello said. Some bass are up to 7 pounds. Anglers are reporting a lot of fish cruising the flats, and lots of plump females are being caught. Motor oil-colored worms, such as the Pro-worm, have been working well. Cottonwood Creek has been the top area for the bass. Crappie fishing in Barrett's Cove and Piney Creek has been good, with minnows the hot ticket. Cats are slow.


Lake Don Pedro

**Bass ***Trout *Kokanee **King Salmon

The trout bite remains good for rainbows up to 3 pounds on a toplined Vance's Slim Willie and a 'crawler pulled 75-100 feet behind a boat, Danny Layne of Fishin' Dan's Guide Service said. King salmon up to 3 pounds can be found in the Tuolumne River canyon at 30-45 feet and will take slow-rolled shad or anchovies off an E-Chip harness. Bass fishing has been fair for anglers throwing dropshot plastics, as well as some bigger swimbait fish.

[vini]

Hey Vince, Whats the chance of me borrowing that heater again? I am going out to the slough at my spot by the bridge tomorrow morn till late evening. I wanna go after some big cats and stipes;) Let me know if it is cool.

Anyone want to tag along, let me know:)


I have some work to do for a lady in Kerman tomorrow call me on the cell and i'll meet you out there after I get done, should be thru I hope around 2-3 and i'll bring the heater i can't stay out late because i have a house to paint on Sunday morning that ones an emergency paint so i have to be there on time and early.

[daystarchis]

Will call you bro. Gonna pick up some minnows and chovies. Got liver already. It should good bite on worms too;)

[daystarchis]

Check your e mail bro, I may head out real early:) If not I willcall you.

[vini]

I'll load up the heater for you be in kerman around 9am hope it only takes me a few hours to nail up 3 sheets worth of drywall patchs.

[daystarchis]

I'll be out there bro with my stringer in the water;)

[daystarchis]

I slept in:mad: I am leaving in a few minutes. "here kitty kitty":p

[vini]

Well:confused: do any good Robb

[daystarchis]

OK, here is the deal..... Fished my hole from very early around 7 or so. It was cold:0a18: The windows were all frozen over. Long story short...... Soaked on the bottom:minnows (bottom/bobber), shad, chovies, liver, Dk's (bottom/bobber), Sonny's blood. Had a few hits on the minnows with a bobber. A huge strike on minnow on the bottom. Thats it then it got about 5 ish and Vince been gone now for bout 3 hrs or so and no fish:mad: Started packing it in and had now only 2 poles out;) lol.... and looking like some rain bout to come in when got my first fish. A lil shaker. caught it on chovie head. Then rebaited and tossed it out there, then caught a 2# on DK's (bout dang time) as I tossed another dk out I had fish on my pole I caught the lil shaker. It was lil bigger than the 2 so i figure 3-4#. By 5:45 caught all three. Fished till about 7 pm. Got cold and only one more bite and that was a love tap:rolleyes: If I had some company, I would of stayed a lil later. I only had my back pack lantern and my head light was running out of juice (i hate when that happens):crying: Thanks Vince for dropping the heater off. Didn't even hook it up. To busy watching them poles:0a5:

[vini]

:worship: They'll wake back up soon you do what it takes i'm a slacker:0a14:

next weekend NO WORK ME FISH:cross:

[vini]

fishsniffer has a new board Ahemmm

[daystarchis]

Sniffer...lol.... Hey, here is what I seen of yesturdays catch at the slough:
A couple of dudes went across the bridge and worked that canal that Brian likes soooo well;) They came back with 3 bass all over 5#. They made a special trip over to me. Might have some new BOC members. Past out a couple of the cards:) Seen 4 different people with stingers of very vey nice crappies :0a26: On the bridge or on a boat under the brindge;) Seen two boat pull up and catch 3-4 a piece at dusk. A few boats and ol timers came by in boats and cars to show off the catch. A boat had a nice 24" stipe and 2 nice bass.

[daystarchis]

I dunno.... I fished all frigen day:mad: 3 fish to show one was pretty nice;) Were gonna get a lot of snow here in cali too. Not down here in the valley though. Your boys stay warm there;)

[vini]

MAN those mountains are now packed with snow did you see them yesterday Robb? even those ranges out there by mendota had snow. Feels almost cold enough to snow right now out there but i fed the cats(wet ones) with no shirt on:0010:

[daystarchis]

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir

**Bass *Crappie *Catfish **Trout *Kokanee

Trout fishing is good for rainbows up to 5 pounds despite stormy conditions, Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sports said. Storms wash insects into the water and create a feeding pattern that anglers can take advantage of during rainy or overcast days. Most anglers are finding fish in the top 20-40 feet or shallower if the cloud cover is heavy. Trollers working the area between the two bridges upriver or the mouth of major creek arms are doing well on Wedding Ring spinners tipped with a 'crawler, Cop Car Needlefish or Countdown Rapalas. Troll the lures far behind the boat to avoid spooking the fish. Use shad scent on lures. Shore anglers are getting fish on fluorescent-orange or rainbow PowerBait, with Angel's Cove the best bet. Anglers are soaking 'crawler/marshmallow combos. Bass fishing is fair to good with brown jigs in creek arms upriver.

Call: (209) 736-4333

Lake Isabella

*Bass **Trout *Crappie *Catfish *Bluegill

Trout fishing slowed to a fair bite on fish up to 5 pounds as weather dumped snow, sleet and rain on the lake, Ed Cordell of Big Ed's Bait and Tackle said. Anglers are averaging 1-2 fish per rod, with quality on green or rainbow PowerBait. Some limits have weighed as much as 20 pounds, Cordell said. A recent plant of 5,000 pounds of fish ranging from 1 to 5 pounds has fueled the action. Catfishing died with the cold front. Crappie fishing disappeared. Bass anglers having a tough time, but it should turn with warming weather.

Call: (760) 379-4170, (661) 833-8657, (760) 376-1812

San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay

**Stripers *Catfish **Bass **Crappie

Fishing is steady for small stripers for anglers using minnows or cutbait at 20-40 feet in both the Forebay and the big lake, Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle said. There has been an improving topwater bite at the big lake along the shoreline near Highway 152 and in the Forebay. Working the weedline with topwater baits or crankbaits is producing good numbers of small linesides in the Forebay. Lots of the small male stripers are plump and in good pre-spawn condition, Bristow said. Trollers working both lakes with silver/black or perch-colored Shad Raps are scoring. Water is at the top. Los Banos Creek Reservoir has a decent bass and crappie bite. One angler weighed in a 12-pound largemouth taken on a minnow. The bass bite should turn on with warm conditions, Bristow said. The Henry Miller Game Refuge has numbers of crappie on jigs and minnows.

Call: (209) 826-5559,

Eastman Lake

***Bass **Trout *Bluegill *Catfish

See Roger's Remarks above. Experienced anglers are having a steady bite on fish in the 2- to 5-pound range on jigs and Brushhogs, Mark Inman of Kerman said. Most fish are at 8-20 feet near isolated rock piles and flats. A Family Bass Club Tournament was won with a 13.08-pound total and most fish were caught on jigs, wacky-hooked Senkos and darters. The trout bite has been good on planter-sized fish for trollers working flasher/'crawler combos, Merritt Gilbert said.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 842-5799.

Hensley Lake

**Bass **Trout *Catfish *Crappie

Bass fishing is good for numbers of bass up to 5 pounds on jigs, Senkos, and Brushhogs in 10-20 feet, Mark Inman said. A recent bass tournament with 21 boats had a big fish of 5.4 pounds taken on a jig. The best bet is to find a good spot and work it awhile, Inman said. The bite should move shallow soon with warmer temps. Trout fishing is fair.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 673-5151, 842-5799

McSwain Reservoir

**Trout

Trout fishing has been "hit and miss" as the heavy flows of water through the lake lowered the temperature and slowed the bite, Diana Mello of A-1 Bait said. Trollers using Half Fast flashers with a green or red Wedding ring spinner tipped with a 'crawler, or Cop Car Needlefish and working the area from the marina to Gilligan's Island at 30 feet were picking up a few fish. Shore anglers were averaging 1-2 fish per rod on PowerBait or inflated 'crawlers.

Call: (209) 378-2534

Delta Mendota Canal and Slough

**Stripers *Crappie **Catfish

The canal north of the forebay has a steady bite on small stripers taking bait, minnows and cranks, Larry Bristow said. The aqueduct is steady for small stripers.

Call: 655-2335, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522

Millerton Lake

**Bass *Stripers

Spotted bass are steady for good numbers of fish up to 5 pounds taking Senkos, "brass and glass" plastics, Carolina-rigged worms and darthead plastics, Merritt Gilbert said. A tournament held by the 100% Bass Club was won with a 14-pound total and a big fish of 5.13 pounds, while the American Bass Tournament produced a winner of 10.74 pounds. Anglers have gotten quality fish working the main lake area, while a good bite on numbers of smaller fish is upriver. The best bet is to work deep trees or main lake points with plastics at 10-50 feet. Striper action is quiet. Water level is up close to a foot a day and is at 408,000 acre-feet storage out of 520,000.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Pine Flat Reservoir

**Bass **Trout

Trout fishing is slow to fair for trollers working the area from the powerlines to the dam with Needlefish at 20-30 feet, Merritt Gilbert said. The average angler was getting two to three fish per rod, mostly planter-sized. Cop Car or Bikini Needlefish, in white or silver colors, and Rapalas and Wedding Ring spinners were the top lures for fish up to 17 inches. Bass fishing is good for scattered fish holding in cuts and biting dropshotted worms, jigs, worms and a few ripbaits in the afternoon. The river-area bite slowed with the inflow of cold water. The best bet is moving from spot to spot: The fish seemed to turn off after a few were taken in any one area, Gilbert said.

Call: 787-2387, 225-1838, 292-3474

Lake Kaweah

**Bass **Crappie **Trout *Catfish

Bass fishing is decent for good numbers of bass from 1.5-2 pounds, Merritt Gilbert said. Trout fishing for planter-sized fish is fair. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows or jigs.

Call: 592-5922

Lake Success

*Bass **Trout *Catfish

Bass fishing is slow, Merritt Gilbert said. Trout fishing is fair with recent plants. Lake level is very low.

Call: 784-2235

McClure Reservoir

***Bass ***Trout *Catfish ***Crappie **Salmon

Trout fishing is steady for up to 4-pounders, with an occasional salmon up to 3 pounds mixed in, Diana Mello said. Trollers working at 25-40 feet with a Cop Car Needlefish tipped with a 'crawler or a Wedding Ring spinner in the dam area, the front of Cottonwood Creek or the narrows going into Bagby were getting limits. Shore anglers were catching fish on PowerBait and white Power Nuggets. Bass fishing is good all over for anglers working plastics in shad, pumpkin and oxblood colors at 20 feet. Dark colors with a blue tone are the best bets. McClure Point and Barrett's Cove are good for bass. Live bait is effective. Lots of fat females were caught showing an approaching pre-spawn trend that should explode with warmer weather. Crappie fishing for limits in Barrett's Cove and Piney Creek is good. Minnows are hot.

Call: (209) 378-2441

Lake Don Pedro

**Bass ***Trout *Kokanee **King Salmon

Trout fishing is good for rainbows and king salmon in the Wood's Creek and Tuolumne River canyon areas on a toplined Vance's Slim Willie and a 'crawler or a green Firetiger Excel pulled 75-100 feet behind the boat, Danny Layne of Fishin' Dan's Guide Service said. Trout are 14-16 inches, with some up to 3 pounds. King salmon up to 3 pounds in the Tuolumne canyon at 30-45 feet are taking slow-rolled shad or anchovies. Bass fishing is fair to good using Senkos, jigs and worms, Tom Schulte of Fishermen's Warehouse in Manteca said.

[vini]

A couple of dudes went across the bridge and worked that canal that Brian likes soooo well


Ahhhh those 2 guys caught some fish back there huh? and they were'nt all that far back right? probably a boat load more further on back :confused:

See what i can do this weekend probably only free day now will be Sunday, here we go again Robb..........

[vini]

You know what man you need to get that boat fixed up and we can take it up on some lakes and do some trolling for some fat trout, fish the banks for bass and at night find a deep hole with some fat cats in it, i'd even go in on whatever the cost is to get that thing running and a fish detector or trolling motor;)

[daystarchis]

The boat is ready, just need to fix them tail lights. They were nver installed right in the first place:confused: I should have originally installed em myself and not relied on someone that "says" they know what they are doing:rolleyes:
I got your message Vince on my answer machine this morning. didn't know you called dude. Make that money brother;) I am gonna go out tomorrow and may hit the canals on bass ave and the delta mendota. Anyone interested in freezing their butts off tomorrow, let me know:)

[vini]

Ok cool sorry man just have to do this, my banks getting low and I have some nice knock off rims I want to get and tires looking at $1,000 plus rotors and calipers need replacing another $200 but I do somehow get over $1,000 on income tax so that will be nice maybe a new penn reel ? LoL

See how I do tomorrow and what the weathers like but probably not after i do a job I can usually sleep a few hours to recover, stay dry out their.

[daystarchis]

hit the slough Sat am till dark. got helled on 3 times and snowed on once. Had a very huge run during one of the hell storms. Lost it. It was pretty cool out there;) good thing I had my jeep. Went through the mud like no ones buisness. I took some pics. I will post em soon.

[Mutt]

hehe you got some snow too huh insane weather for here

[daystarchis]

It was some strange weather:p It was neat though. Took a few naps during the storms. When the storm would pass, the sun would come out for a while.

[daystarchis]

Went out to the slough yesturday. It was beautiful out there. fished it hard with mack, chovie, crawler, sonny's, liver and DK's. hit 6 spots. Was real slow and it was gonna get dark. I though I would head back and fish by the entrance since i was alone. Started soaking mack, liver and Dk's around the boat ramp (next to it). It is deep there:rolleyes: Had my first run at almost 7 pm. 16' strip. hit on liver. I tossed another liver out. 10 min later I had a identical 16'. I thought SOB! I change to my Penn and losened her up a lil to get way out there past the dinks;) Tossed that sucker 60+ yards. lil past 8 and wham! a nice 20' stripe. liver was the ticket. Caught a nice channel as I was getting ready to leave. Caught it on chovie. Storm started blowing in around 5 ish. By 9 it was looing UGLY! I tucked my tail and headed home:)

[vini]

You better lay down some pictures Mr Wyre:worship:

[vini]

Must have found a school if they were all close to the same sze.

Damn why can't I catch a stripper:p

[vini]

Show me the money shots:0a5:

[daystarchis]

You better lay down some pictures Mr Wyre:worship:

After I take some updated shots of our pups, I am putting the pics on disk. Make a believer out of ya bro:)

[daystarchis]

Must have found a school if they were all close to the same sze.

Damn why can't I catch a stripper:p

You need to be hard core like me:rolleyes: ....LOL. Got to put the time in homey;) ROFLOL! You will get yours bro. Gonna hit the aquaduct on the next nice day. Any takers out there:confused:

[vini]

You know how us ex sniffers are we like pichurs then we may still not be believers:p

Not sure what i have going this weekend yet i'm waiting to hear from the college on one they may want done by this weekend, if not and if it's not raining like crazy may be up for this weekend .

I dont wanna see no puppys i'm gonna want one:rolleyes:

[vini]

You need to be hard core like me:rolleyes: ....LOL. Got to put the time in homey;) ROFLOL! You will get yours bro. Gonna hit the aquaduct on the next nice day. Any takers out there:confused:


:worship: Definetly above and beyond the call man LoL, yoo da man!

[daystarchis]

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir

**Bass *Crappie *Catfish **Trout *Kokanee

Trout fishing was good for rainbows up to 4 pounds for the few anglers braving the rain and snow, Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sports said. Most anglers are finding fish in the top 20 feet or shallower if the cloud cover is heavy. The main lake provided the most action on nightcrawler/spinner combos or shad-patterned Apexes or Needlefish. Trolling the lures far behind the boat is crucial to avoid spooking the fish. Anglers also are using shad scent on lures. Shore anglers are picking fish up on fluorescent orange or rainbow PowerBait, with the Angel's Cove area the best bet. Charlie Durr of Angel's Camp got big fish of the week on a marshmallow/'crawler combo fished off the bank at Tuttletown that went 4.8 pounds. Bass fishing is fair to good, with a semi-pro tournament that took place in the snow producing a winning total of 12.42 pounds and a big fish of 3.48. The best action came on Keeper 411 worms, Roboworm Baby Bluegill worms and brown and purple jigs. Most of the fish were spotted bass. Catfish, crappie and perch are slow.

Call: (209) 736-4333

Lake Isabella

*Bass **Trout *Crappie *Catfish *Bluegill

Trout fishing slowed to a crawl as snow pounded the lake. A few anglers are getting a few trout if they fish the right spot with PowerBait, Ed Cordell of Big Ed's Bait and Tackle said. Catfish, crappie and bass fishing has stopped cold.

Call: (760) 379-4170, (661) 833-8657, (760) 376-1812

San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay

**Stripers *Catfish **Bass **Crappie

Striper fishing has been good for small linesides in the 18- to 24-inch range for both bank and boat anglers in the Forebay and the big lake, Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle said. A 22-pounder was taken on an anchovy by the 152 bridge in the Forebay. Snow and rain did not stop the bite on the small fish, with Goosehead Point, the Trash Racks, Basalt and Dinosaur good bets. Anglers are scoring on a variety of baits, but minnows seemed to work best for bigger fish. T.J. Yang of Fishermen's Warehouse said trollers working silver/black Rebels are doing well on good numbers of the small fish. Windy conditions have triggered a good bite for bank anglers throwing Bombers or Rapalas in the morning or evening hours. A topwater bite has developed in both the Forebay and the big lake during low-light conditions. A decent bass bite has broken out in the Forebay, with a 9-pounder coming from the area near the 152 bridge, Bristow said. Water at the lake is at the top, with a capacity of 2 million acre-feet. Los Banos Creek Reservoir has a good bass bite going, Bristow said. The bass bite should continue to turn on with warmer conditions. Crappie and planter trout are coming in good numbers. Wind conditions: (800) 805-4805.

Call: (209) 826-5559, (209) 827-1522

Eastman Lake

**Bass **Trout *Bluegill *Catfish

Anglers are doing well on Carolina-rigged plastics and some swimbait fish to 7 pounds, Jeff Huth said. Bad weather slowed the anglers, but Ranger Nicolas Figueroa said the bite seems to pick up during stormy conditions. Wade Chapman's 16.1-pound largemouth taken last week is the new official lake record. The trout bite has been fair to good on planter-sized fish for trollers working at 3 colors with flasher/'crawler combos near the dam, Merritt Gilbert said.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 842-5799

Hensley Lake

***Bass ***Trout *Catfish *Crappie

Bass fishing has been the best it has been for months for numbers of medium-sized bass from 2-5 pounds taking spinnerbaits in the shallows, Buck Deaner of Fishermen's Warehouse said. Some anglers have caught up to 20 fish a day. There also are some smaller-sized fish coming at 40-50 feet in creek channels on green pumpkin Brushhogs. Trout fishing is good for limits of fish up to 16 inches for trollers pulling Wedding Ring spinners behind a dodger, or blades and a 'crawler at 10 feet near the dam.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 673-5151, 842-5799

McSwain Reservoir

*Trout

Trout fishing has been slow as the cold water from McClure is released into the lake, turning off the fishing, Diana Mello of A-1 Bait said. A few bank anglers are catching fish on Spring Green or Rainbow PowerBait as well as inflated 'crawlers. A few small fish were taken by trollers pulling Cop Car Needlefish behind a Model "A" dodger.

Call: (209) 378-2534

Delta Mendota Canal and Slough

**Stripers *Crappie **Catfish

The Delta Mendota canals, both north and south of the Forebay, have been producing a good bite on small stripers on everything from pile worms to lures, Larry Bristow said. The aqueduct is steady for small stripers.

Call: 655-2335,(209) 827-1522

Millerton Lake

**Bass *Stripers

Spotted bass fishing has been fair for decent numbers of fish taking plastics at 10-50 feet in the main lake, Merritt Gilbert said. Fish up to 1.5 pounds are scattered, with Squaw and Winchell coves the hot areas. The area from Finegold down to the dam has been the key area to focus on. A few small stripers in the 5- to 6-pound range have shown up as accidental catches by bass anglers. The water level is coming up close to a foot a day after the storm, and currently is at 434,000 acre-feet storage out of 520,000.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Pine Flat Reservoir

**Bass ***Trout

Trout fishing has improved to a good bite for trollers working above Windy Gap at 20 feet with red Apexes or Shad Excels, Buck Deaner said. Bruce Beck of Fresno got 20 fish, with half of the catch spanning 18 inches or more. Most anglers are scoring 10 fish per rod. Rapalas, Wedding Ring spinners and chrome-colored Needlefish were working for the rainbows, Merritt Gilbert said. Bass fishing has been fair, with fish taking worms, jigs and a few reaction baits, Gilbert said. A recent ABA bass tournament was won with a 14-pound total. Most fish coming from 10- to 25-foot depths. Main lake points and walls are good structure to target, Deaner said.

Call: 787-2387, 225-1838, 292-3474

Lake Kaweah

**Bass **Crappie **Trout *Catfish

Bass fishing has been decent for bass in the 1.5- to 2-pound range, Merritt Gilbert said. Trout fishing for planter-sized fish is fair. Crappie fishing is still fair on minnows or jigs.

Call: 592-5922

Lake Success

*Bass **Trout *Catfish

Bass fishing has been dead, leaving even tournament anglers wondering what to do, Merritt Gilbert said. Trout fishing has been fair for anglers, with recent plants. Lake level is very low.

Call: 784-2235

McClure Reservoir

**Bass **Trout ***Crappie *Catfish *Salmon

Trout fishing is steady for fish in the 17- to 18-inch range for trollers working the narrows above Barrett's Cove at 30-40 feet with flashers and chrome/blue Kastmasters or Cop Car Needlefish, Diana Mello said. Snow and rain kept most anglers home. Bass fishing slowed with the low-pressure front, but dropshotted or splitshotted pearl blue shad-colored Pro-Worms as well as live bait are working near the shoreline at 20-25 feet. The Piney Creek area has been the best bet. Creek channels have also been productive to fish with the plastics. Crappie fishing for limits in Barrett's Cove, Piney Creek and the back of Cottonwood Creek has been good, with minnows the hot ticket. Dusk and night are the best times to fish. Cats are slow.

Call: A-1 Bait (209) 563-6505, (209) 378-2441

Lake Don Pedro

**Bass ***Trout *Kokanee **King salmon

Trout fishing remains good for rainbows in the Mexican Gulch area for trollers working from the surface down to 20 feet with Needlefish, Mepps or green-backed Excels, Danny Layne of Fishin' Dan's Guide Service said. King salmon are hitting off Big Oak Island and through the cut into Middle Bay. Rolled anchovies or shad using a Pro-troll E-Chip harness at 30-40 feet is producing Kings up to 3 pounds. Bass fishing has been fair, with weather conditions keeping anglers off the water. A Fresno Bass Club tournament was won with a Rattletrap worked through the tops of submerged trees. Plastics were effective for the scattered fish, with some jig action. Sporadic reaction bites off rocky points produced good numbers of fish.

Call: (209) 852-2369

[daystarchis]

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir

**Bass *Crappie *Catfish **Trout *Kokanee

Trout fishing has been off and on, with the bite turning off before a storm, then coming back afterward, said Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sports. Bank anglers are doing better than trollers because the fish are in the coves. Many fish are ready to spawn. The main lake or mouth of Angel's Cove are best to troll with Firetiger Apexes or Needlefish at 25-40 feet. Use shad scent on lures. Bank anglers should throw fluorescent orange or rainbow glitter Power bait at Glory Hole Cove, Angel's Cove or the Tuttletown ramp. Rainbows to 4.5 pounds. Bass fishing improved to a good bite as the water warms, with anglers getting 20-40 fish a day in shallow water. Major creek arms with running water are best. Carolina-rigged Zoom baby Brushhogs in green pumpkin or watermelon red flake, brown jigs and spinnerbaits are catching fish. Huddleston swimbaits dragged over long points are effective for the big spawning bass. Many trout trollers are picking up bass in open water.

Call: (209) 736-4333

Lake Isabella

**Bass ***Trout *Crappie *Catfish *Bluegill

Trout fishing improved to a good bite for shore anglers tossing rainbow or chartreuse Power Bait, with 3-4 fish per rod in the 2- to 5-pound range, said Ed Cordell of Big Ed's Bait and Tackle. The fishing derby April 8-10 will be preceded by a huge trout plant of 16,000 big Alper rainbows from 2-6 pounds in the lake on April 6. Anglers must register before April 7. Bass fishing picked up with good catches by a small club tournament in the 2- to 8-pound range with lures worked at around 8- to 12-feet deep.

Call: (760) 379-4170, (661) 833-8657, (760) 376-1812

San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay

*Stripers *Catfish **Bass **Crappie

Striper fishing is poor to fair for small linesides, with a few bigger fish showing in the Forebay and the big lake, said Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle. A 15-pound striper was taken off Fishermen's Point on a minnow, and a 26-pound fish fell for a minnow near Dinosaur Point. There are a few fish in the 15-pound range coming from the area near the pull-offs on Highway 152 on flukes fished from shore. The Forebay produced mostly small stripers to 24 inches. Bass a fair bite in the Forebay on deep-diving crankbaits. Water at the lake is at the top, with a capacity of 2 million acre feet. Los Banos Creek Reservoir has a good bass bite on crankbaits and minnows. A 13-pound bass was taken. Crappie fishing is good on minnows. Planter trout are coming in good numbers on green Power bait. Henry Miller refuge has a good crappie bite.

Call: (209) 826-5559, (209) 827-1522

Eastman Lake

**Bass **Trout *Bluegill *Catfish

Bass fishing fell off to a slow bite as storms hit, but a few big swimbait fish are hitting, Merritt Gilbert said. Anglers catching fish in the 2- to 4-pound class on Carolina-rigged Brushhogs or jigs at 15-25 feet. Ranger Nicolas Figueroa said Ron Sanches got a 10-pound bass, and Mitch Malikian caught an 11-pounder, both on swimbaits. Several other fish to 7 pounds were taken on brown jigs. The trout bite is fair on planter-sized fish to 14 inches for trollers working flasher/nightcrawler combos or Wedding Ring spinners near the dam.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Hensley Lake

**Bass **Trout *Catfish *Crappie

Bass fishing is fair for small bass in the 1.5- to 2-pound range on Senkos with red-and-black flake and pegged with a nail in one end, Mark Inman said. Fish are biting from the surface to 10 feet in the stained water near shore and are scattered. Dropshotted plastics worked over rocks and humps at 15-30 feet are working, Merritt Gilbert said. Trout fishing is fair for trollers pulling Wedding Ring spinners behind a dodger, or blades and a 'crawler near the dam.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 673-5151

McSwain Reservoir

***Trout

Trout fishing rebounded to a good bite for shore anglers soaking Power Bait or inflated 'crawlers near the Brushpile or the handicap dock. Limits possible. A big plant a week ago of fish in the 3- to 4-pound class by Calaveras for upcoming tournaments, said Diana Mello of A-1 Bait. Trollers pulling Wedding Ring spinners or Cop Car Needlefish behind flashers in the dam to the floating bathroom area at 30 feet kicking out possible limits.

Call: McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534

Delta Mendota Canal and Slough

**Stripers *Crappie **Catfish

The Delta Mendota canal south of the Forebay is producing good fishing, with a 16-pound striper coming from the area where Mendota canal and Highway 33 cross, Bristow said. A 36-pound striper came out of the Aqueduct in the Coalinga area on a Rattletrap. Cranks, swimbaits and rattletraps are good near bridges.

Call: 655-2335, (209) 827-1522

Millerton Lake

**Bass *Stripers

Bass fishing is fair for good numbers of small spotted bass to 2 pounds for anglers working the main lake with dark Senkos, jigs, dartheads and dropshotted plastics at 10-45 feet, Merritt Gilbert said. Green pumpkin or watermelon colors are good for plastics and jigs. Larry Hodge and his son got 15 spots to 2.2 pounds fishing upriver with dropshot plastics. The shallow areas near running water were best. Anglers averaging 10 fish per rod, few keepers.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Pine Flat Reservoir

**Bass **Trout

Trout fishing improved to a good bite in the main lake for trollers working 20-25 feet with Rapalas or Wedding Ring spinners pulled behind dodgers or flashers, or with flasher/'crawler combos, Merritt Gilbert said. Anglers are averaging 4 fish per rod in the 14- to 16-inch range. Bass fishing slowed as the fish scattered, with fewer numbers and smaller sized fish. Fish are coming from water ranging from a depth of 10 feet and down. The area from Windy Gap upriver has been best. Fish taking dropshotted worms and jigs in cuts and creek channels.

Call: 787-2387, 225-1838, 292-3474

Lake Kaweah

**Bass **Crappie ***Trout *Catfish

Bass fishing is good for fish to as much as 8.5 pounds, Jimmy Perez of Sierra Sports said. Minnows and Senkos are working. Trout fishing for planter-sized fish is doing well. Crappie fishing is fair to good on minnows or jigs.

Call: 592-5922

Lake Success

**Bass **Trout *Catfish

Bass fishing picked up for mid-sized bass. Trout fishing has been fair after recent plants. Lake level is low.

Call: 784-2235

McClure Reservoir

***Bass ***Trout **Crappie *Catfish *Salmon

Trout fishing improved for fish to 6.5 pounds taking Wedding Ring spinners tipped with a 'crawler behind a flasher in the Barrett's Cove to Bagby area, Diana Mello said. Anglers are catching 3-4 fish per rod in the 2- to 3-pound class. Cop Car Needlefish are working. Bass fishing improved to a good bite on large 16- to 18-inch spotted bass biting "green weenie" plastics, chartreuse or red flake patterns. Bass are coming from the surface to 20 feet, and are ready to start bedding. Live bait is working well. Piney and Cottonwood creeks are top spots. The spawn should start as soon as the water warms, Mello said. Crappie fishing is good, with a bite at night and during the daytime on minnows.

Call: (209) 563-6505, (209) 378-2441

Lake Don Pedro

**Bass ***Trout *Kokanee **King salmon

Trout fishing is good in the Mexican Gulch, Big Oak Island and into Graveyard Bay. Work the top 25 feet with a Vance's Little Slim Willie/

'crawler combo, Uncle Larry's spinner or an Excel in a shad pattern for trout to 3 pounds. There's a school of King salmon hitting off Hatch Creek and Willow Creek on pearl Excels or rolled anchovies at 45 feet. Fish 18-24 inches. Bass fishing is fair using Pro-Gold/red-flake 6-inch dartheads, 4-inch dropshotted "green weenie" worms, brown jigs or cinnamon/purple flake Yamamoto twin-tailed grubs.

[daystarchis]

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir

**Bass *Crappie *Catfish **Trout *Kokanee

Trout fishing is moderate between storms with a bite turning off just before the storm and then picking up after, said Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sports. Bank anglers are doing better than trollers fishing in Angels or Glory Hole coves with fluorescent orange chartreuse or rainbow glitter Power Bait with fish to 5 pounds. The trollers are having the best luck working the main lake, especially the south side or in major coves such as Angels or Carson at 25-40 feet with shad-patterned Apexes or Needlefish. Nightcrawler/spinner combos are working during or after a storm. Bass fishing is good with 2- to 4-pound spotted bass and some quality largemouth. Many anglers report 20-40 fish caught and released in a day. Bass are moving into shallower water, especially spotted bass. Major creek arms with running water are a good place to fish. Carolina-rigged baby Brushhogs in green pumpkin colors or watermelon red flake, brown jigs and spinnerbaits are working. Some action on swimbaits for large bass. Catfish are slow. Crappie and perch are slow.

Call: (209) 736-4333

Lake Isabella

**Bass ***Trout *Crappie **Catfish *Bluegill

Trout fishing is excellent, when the weather permits, with fish to 9 pounds biting on yellow or green Power Bait, said Ed Cordell of Big Ed's Bait and Tackle. The fishing derby Saturday- Monday will be preceded by a huge trout plant of 16,000 big Alper rainbows Thursday and Friday in the 2- to 5-pound range. Anglers must register before Friday, Cordell said. Many already are set up around the lake. Bass fishing for experienced anglers using white or chartreuse spinnerbaits picked up good catches of fish to 9.5 pounds. The bass are holding at 4-12 feet. Bass fishing should improve with warmer weather. Catfish are on a decent bite on anchovies and shad fished from shore all around the lake. Cats are in the 1- to 8-pound range for anglers willing to brave the snow and wind. Crappie fishing is slow.

Call: (760) 379-4170, (661) 833-8657, (760) 376-1812

San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay

**Stripers *Catfish **Bass **Crappie

Striper fishing is fair for bank anglers using cut bait in the main lake and the Forebay with a few bigger fish to 11 pounds, said Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle. Fishermen's Point, Willow Cove and Goosehead point are good areas for bank anglers. A topwater bite on the north shore near Highway 152 in the coves with trees produced some mid-sized fish. Anglers are finding the fish at 15-40 feet. The Forebay is kicking out mainly small fish. Water at the lake is at the top, with a capacity of 2 million acre feet. Los Banos Creek Reservoir has been affected by the bad weather, with officials closing the lake at times due to water releases, Bristow said. There should be good bass trout and crappie fishing once the lake reopens. Wind conditions: 800-805-4805.

Call: (209) 826-5559, (209) 827-1522

Eastman Lake

**Bass **Trout *Bluegill *Catfish

Bass fishing is hit and miss during the storms with some swimbait fish at more than 7 pounds in shallow water, Mark Inman said. Carolina-rigged Brushhogs and Senkos are good bets when fishing at 8-15 feet. The lake is full and the water is stained with visibility of 2-4 feet. Park Ranger Nick Figueroa reported several anglers did well on green watermelon Senkos and brown jigs. Anthony Tanachion of Atwater got a 7.5-pound bass and several others in the 2- to 5-pound range on Senkos. Traffic at the lake is low to moderate. A warm spell could trigger a good bite. The trout bite has been fair on planter-sized fish to 14 inches for trollers.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Hensley Lake

**Bass **Trout *Catfish *Crappie

Bass fishing has been an "on and off" bite as storms pass through, with mostly small fish from 1-2 pounds taking Senkos, Carolina-rigged Brushhogs, lizards and plastics, Mark Inman said. Bigger fish are hard to find. Water levels are rising rapidly and the stained water is near capacity. Lots of small trash in the water. Dropshot and splitshot plastics worked at a depth of 30 feet in dark purple or neon purple. Junebug colors are working, Jeff Huth said. A few crank bait fish have been caught by the dam. Trout fishing is fair for trollers pulling Wedding Ring spinners behind a dodger, or blades and a 'crawler near the dam.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 673-5151

McSwain Reservoir

**Trout

Trout fishing is good, with limits possible of fish to 4 pounds on inflated 'crawlers or rainbow Power Bait, said Diana Mello of A-1 Bait. Trollers pulling Wedding Ring spinners behind flashers and tipped with a 'crawler, and worked at 30 feet in the narrows from the fence line to the chimney area are getting a decent bite in the murky water. The upper narrows area has the cleanest water due to heavy releases at the dam. Trout plants have been large in preparation for a tournament, Mello said.

Call: (209) 378-2534

Delta Mendota Canal and Slough

**Stripers *Crappie **Catfish

The canal has the best bite on the west side of the Valley with striper anglers picking up fish to 11 pounds on flukes fished near any moving water or head gates, Larry Bristow said. Hunter McCormick, 5, of Los Banos, was fishing with his father when he caught an 11-pound striper on a fluke. The bite up and down the canal is consistent for 2- to 11-pound fish.

Call: 655-2335, (209) 827-1522

Millerton Lake

**Bass *Stripers

Bass fishing is fair for good numbers of small spotted bass for fishermen working the boulders above the no-ski area with 1/8th-ounce dartheads tipped with 4- to 6-inch shad-colored plastics, Jeff Huth said. The MM3 color is good. Most fish are coming from shallow water 5-25 feet deep. The better size fish are coming from the main lake area. Lots of fish in the 12- to 13-inch range, while bigger fish have disappeared with the latest storms. Striper action slow. Water level rising.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Pine Flat Reservoir

**Bass **Trout

Trout fishing is fair for fishermen using Cop Car or Bikini Needlefish tipped with a 'crawler and trolled shallow in the dam area or in the area between the two power lines from the surface to 40 feet, Jeff Huth said. Most fish are 12-13 inches with an occasional 18-incher. Limits of the small fish are possible. Guide Paul Kalpakoff, Terry Walton and Dave Schumacher of Lemoore fished Deer Creek and by the powerlines with silver fleck Hum Dingers behind a silver blade for several planter-sized fish and some 14- to 16-inch rainbows off the Lake View buoys. Bass fishing is good for lots of fish from 1.5-2 pounds on dartheads and dropshot plastics. A few reaction fish are being caught on ripbaits. Worms and jigs are working. Huth said it's the best local bass fishing going.

Call: 787-2387, 225-1838, 292-3474

Lake Kaweah

**Bass **Crappie **Trout *Catfish

Bass fishing is fair to good for fish to 7 pounds, with Chandee Se of Visalia catching a 7.75-pound bass on a Senko, said Jimmy Perez of Sierra Sports. Trout fishing for planter-sized fish is doing well. Crappie fishing is fair to good on minnows or jigs.

Call: 592-5922

Lake Success

**Bass **Trout *Catfish

Bass fishing has been decent for mid-sized bass, Success Market reported. Trout fishing is fair after recent plants.

Call: 784-2235

McClure Reservoir

***Bass ***Trout **Crappie *Catfish *Salmon

Trout fishing is excellent for rainbows to 4 pounds for fishermen trolling Kastmasters and Needlefish behind flashers, or flasher/'crawler combos with limits possible, Diana Mello said. The narrows above Barrett's Cove to Bagby is the best area to troll. There are no reports of salmon. Bass fishing is good for spots in the 16-inch range all over the lake on live bait and motor oil-colored worms fished at a depth of 20 feet. Some of the bass are on their beds. A few swimbait fish are being caught. The water level at the lake is stable and visibility is clear. Limits of the spots are coming from McClure Point on live bait. Cat fishing has picked up with one 10-pound fish falling for a 'crawler and numerous other cats coming out of coves on cut bait. Crappie fishing is decent in Barrett's Cove or Piney Creek over submerged trees or under houseboats on minnows or jigs.

Call: (209) 563-6505, (209) 378-2441

Lake Don Pedro

**Bass ***Trout **Kokanee **King salmon

Trout fishing is good for rainbows and King salmon, Danny Layne said. The best bet for trout is to work the top 25 feet with flasher/'crawler combos or an Uncle Larry's green spinner tipped with a nightcrawler for fish in the 14- to 16-inch range. There is a good bite in Hatch Creek on salmon holding at 45-55 feet and taking rolled shad or anchovies. Fish are running 14-20 inches, with some reaching 4 pounds. Kokanee in the 15-inch range are active in the South Bay area from the surface to 20 feet. Try an Uncle Larry's Too Hot spinner tipped with Pautzke's Yellow Fire Corn. Bass fishing is fair for experienced anglers working dropshot plastics and Senkos. There has been a few swimbait fish, but warmer weather could open the bite, said Dwayne King of Fishermen's Warehouse in Manteca.

[daystarchis]

My friend Sarah and I went out yesturday evening. She landed a 18 lb channel on liver. Caught at the slough in the back.

[Mutt]

good deal glad to see someone is catching fish. aint got no place around here now i will go to with the rivers up so high

[daystarchis]

Several rivers down here are flooded as well. The slough never floods. They just pump it into the wetlands.

[Capt Steve]

I'm thinking about hitting Mendota tomorrow morning or Sunday.

[daystarchis]

Hey capt, I caught that cat in the back there around the bin past the pipe. If I didn't have a family coming to pick up their puppy today, I would be out there. Did you go today?

[Capt Steve]

The gate by the ramp was shut today. I did manage a 4 pounder by the gas pipe. Liver as usual. Lots of current flowing thru the refuge, water level full to the top.

[vini]

MAN that's a big channel that gal must be quite the fisherwoman, like to meet her;)

You guys are giving me that certain "ITCH" in my casting hand:p

[Mutt]

nice fish thats for sure. not sure how much fishing ill be doing this year may not be much of anything for a while have a couple of irons in the fire that may be taking a lot of time up for the next 5 or 6 months.

[daystarchis]

nice fish thats for sure. not sure how much fishing ill be doing this year may not be much of anything for a while have a couple of irons in the fire that may be taking a lot of time up for the next 5 or 6 months.
WHAT????? I was planning on wetting a line with you:sad: Gotta make a lil time for the fishies;)

[Mutt]

Well couple buds and me are opening a new business and its going to take a lot of time away for a while. and i mean a lot of time. but such is life maybe if things take off super smooth i wont be tied up so dang long. we should be opening the doors around may 15th.

[daystarchis]

Well couple buds and me are opening a new business and its going to take a lot of time away for a while. and i mean a lot of time. but such is life maybe if things take off super smooth i wont be tied up so dang long. we should be opening the doors around may 15th.
I want to wish you the best in the new buisness. It is always exciting to start somthing new;) Keep us posted.

[Mutt]

Thanks Robb
Yea we will have fun with it thats for sure when we get the sign installed and stuff Ill post some pics here to show you the store and some pics from inside. I am hoping that maybe after a month I will be able to not have to work on weekends and be able to enjoy myself. Needless to say I have cancled all my tourney fishing this year lol.

[hopnbrly]

What type of business are you opening?

[Mutt]

well this town has been in a sad need of a hobby shop for many years and now with the onslaught of fuel prices and the way oakdale and modesto hobby are extremely high priced becasue they know they can get away with it it is now time to open one. and i cant wait till its open.

[Lil Hooker]

good luck mutt hope you get a chance to fish soon

[hopnbrly]

Sounds like your business has a really good chance of making you some derious dollars.Good luck with it.

[Mutt]

Thanks guys! I am really hopeing it will bring in some money and do good we do want to be around for a long time to come. The biggest compiter is the hobby stores that are online they are so big and have such buying volume it will be hard to compete with them. But I feel with the home town attitude and the friendliness of the people involved with the store will win the customers back. Plus we will offer a few things the others dont like a electric rc car race track and we have things in the works for a nitro rc race track too. When we get the store going I will post some pics of it. I hope for the store to go online too in about 6 months or so. We also will offer building services and repairs.

[Lil Hooker]

Customer Service is what it's all about good luck. Sounds like you got a plan so stick to it and let the chips fall where they may. Risk nothing gain nothingb

[Mutt]

yep way i see it too my trucking business ive had for ever doing good but this is my retirement lol i do not care to ever see the inside of a peterbilt again as long as i live! lol

[Capt Steve]

Confusing.. The first post of every thread appears at the top of each page. So a report from back in January appears at the top of this page.

Met another catman at my diabetes class today. Didn't learn any new hotspots though. He fishes the same area I fish.

I'm thinking a bunch of big cats are entering the slough area in this runoff. Should improve the fishing.

[daystarchis]

Confusing.. The first post of every thread appears at the top of each page. So a report from back in January appears at the top of this page.

Met another catman at my diabetes class today. Didn't learn any new hotspots though. He fishes the same area I fish.

I'm thinking a bunch of big cats are entering the slough area in this runoff. Should improve the fishing.

I went in the back of the slough yesturday capt. The water is moving really quick. A lot of debris flowing also:sad: I havn't seen the slough like this in some time. My thinking too capt. I think this will open up the stripes and cat bite wide open. Now if the sun will drop bye;)

[vini]

Heya Capatain, go git ya a biggun.


I might be able to get out Saturday night if you're game Robb

[daystarchis]

Heya Capatain, go git ya a biggun.


I might be able to get out Saturday night if you're game Robb

Let me know Vince. You know I's always willing;)

[Lil Hooker]

I was hearing on the news that the leeves over in that area are in bad shape hope no one gets flooded.

[daystarchis]

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir

***Bass *Crappie **Catfish *Trout *Kokanee

Trout fishing is tough with muddy and rising water discouraging anglers, said Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sports. Trollers are catching lots of grass and few fish. Most trout have been caught shallow on shad patterned lures. Bank anglers should head to the Angels or Glory Hole cove areas and use fluorescent orange or rainbow glitter Power Bait. Bank anglers are also having luck throwing chrome Kastmasters. Big fish of the week was a 4-pound trout. A few salmon in the 12- to 14-inch range are coming from the main lake near Rose island. Bass fishing has been very good with 2- to 4-pound spotted bass as well as some quality largemouths being caught. Some fishermen report 20 to 40 fish days. Bass are moving into shallower water, and major creek arms with running water are good bets. Carolina rigged Baby Brush Hogs in pumpkin or watermelon with red flake, as well as spinnerbaits, were working. Some catfish action starting in areas with running water for anglers soaking night crawlers. The warmer inflow of water is triggering the bite. Crappie and perch are slow.

Call: (209) 736-4333

Lake Isabella

*Bass **Trout *Crappie *Catfish *Bluegill

Trout fishing is good for fish from 2 to 7 pounds on almost any color of Power Bait, said Ed Cordell of Big Ed's Bait and Tackle. The fishing derby last weekend was packed with anglers catching lots of trout during the breaks in the bad weather. Heavy plants should continue to produce good fishing between storms. Bass fishing has been slow.

Call: Big Ed's Bait and Tackle (760) 379-4170, Bob's Bait (661) 833-8657, North Fork Marina (760) 376-1812

San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay

**Stripers *Catfish

Striper fishing has been fair for lots of small-sized fish, with one huge 33-pound lineside taken on a minnow by Pete Roman of Hollister out of the big lake, said Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle. Fishing in the big lake has been decent for stripers in the 22- to 24-inch range on cut bait and minnows. The Forebay has a similar bite on small fish. Trollers working Rapalas or Rebels in the Forebay are having some success. There has been a sporadic top water bite at times in the big lake along Highway 152 and the boat ramp area. The top water bite could explode soon with warming weather, Bristow said. Los Banos Creek Reservoir has been affected by the bad weather, with water releases closing the lake. There should be good bass trout and crappie fishing once the lake reopens. Wind conditions: 800-805-4805.

Call: Mitchell's Outpost (209) 826-5559, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522

Eastman Lake

**Bass **Trout **Crappie

Bass fishing has been decent in spite of the bad weather and heavier pressure, Jeff Huth said. Fish are holding in water from 5 to 25 feet deep along the bank and are biting black and blue jigs or Carolina rigged plastics. The water level was dropped around 10 feet to make room for new inflows. Mark Inman said that the outflow would possibly be shut down, giving the lake some stability. The 5-mph area has been good, especially in the flats areas. The Kids Fishing day was a success with some bass to over 4 pounds, ranger Nicolas Figueroa said. There have been few swim bait fish caught recently. Some crappie starting to show on minnows and jigs. A warm spell could trigger a good bite. The trout bite has been fair on planter-sized fish.

Call: 689-3255

Hensley Lake

**Bass *Trout *Crappie

Bass fishing has been fair at stained water lake for fishermen throwing dark colored Senkos, or plastic worms, Huth said. Black and blue Senkos lizards or lizards fished shallow in water from 5 to 20 feet deep is a good bet. Worms fished in the dam area are good for bass to 2 pounds. Once the water stabilizes the bite should be wide open, Inman said. The lake is nearly full, but has been dropping each day. Trout fishing is fair for trollers.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 673-5151

McSwain Reservoir

**Trout

Trout fishing is fair for bank and boat fishermen said Diana Mello of A-1 Bait. Trollers pulling Cop Car Needlefish behind flashers at 30 feet around the dam area or the first fence line were picking up possible limits of trout in the 12- to 16-inch range. Bank anglers are doing well on white Power Eggs or inflated night crawlers fished near the Brushpile.

Call: McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534

Delta Mendota Canal and Slough

**Stripers **Catfish

The canal continues to be the best bet for good numbers of stripers up to 11 pounds on white flukes fished behind gates where there's any turbulent water, Larry Bristow said. There have also been some nice catfish coming from the Delta Mendota canal.

Call: 655-2335, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522

Millerton Lake

**Bass *Stripers

Bass fishing is decent for good numbers of spotted bass in the 2-pound range for fishermen working the steep walls above the no-ski area with dropshotted worms, or eighth-ounce dartheads tipped with 4- to 6-inch plastics, Huth said. Fewer but bigger fish are coming from the main lake area. Kevin Hodge of Fresno found dropshotted cinnamon blue or summer moss plastics fished around 15 feet deep on rockpiles in the main lake produced fish to over 2 pounds. Striper action slow. Water level at the top.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Pine Flat Reservoir

**Bass **Trout

Trout fishing is good for fish to 16 inches for trollers working the main lake and dam area with chrome or Cop Car Needlefish, with easy limits possible, Jeff Huth said. Flasher and 'crawler combos were also good for planter-sized fish and occasional bigger rainbows. Bass fishing has been consistent for anglers working main lake points at 20 to 30 feet deep. Smaller fish are usually holding in shallow water from 5 to 15 feet deep, with better quality coming from the deeper water. Lots of fish in the 12- to 13-inch range. Water clarity is cloudy, but fishable.

Call: 787-2387, 225-1838, 292-3474

Lake Kaweah

**Bass **Crappie **Trout

Bass fishing is tough but Senkos, spinnerbaits, ripbaits and worms provided the best bite at a recent tournament, Bill Kunz said. Average fish is small and few bites per day. A 141/2-pound bass was taken at the lake by Gary Wasson of Visalia on a Senko, Kunz said. Trout fishing for planter-sized fish is fair. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows or jigs.

Call: 592-5922

Lake Success

**Bass **Trout

Bass fishing has been decent to good for mid-sized bass, Success Market reported.

Call: 784-2235

McClure Reservoir

***Bass ***Trout **Crappie **Salmon

Bass fishing is wide open for spotted bass to five pounds for anglers throwing Senkos, lipless crankbaits and some swimbaits into the back of cuts with flowing water, Larry Hodge of the Fresno Bass Club said. Working the waterfalls in the back of creeks with wacky rigged chartreuse, white or smoke colored Senkos produced an excellent bite. Crankbaits worked off shallow rocky points also caught fish. Mixed bags of spotted, largemouth and smallmouth bass were common. A reaction bite on spinnerbaits is also working. Trout fishing is excellent for rainbows averaging 2 pounds, for anglers working flashers and Needlefish or Wedding Ring spinners in Cottonwood Creek or in the front of Temperance. Bagby has also been hot area. Trollers working the 35-foot range. Some salmon action in the dam area for angler's drifting night crawlers or shad at around 80 feet, with fish to 5 pounds possible.

Call: A-1 Bait (209) 563-6505, (209) 378-2441

Lake Don Pedro

**Bass **Trout **Kokanee **King salmon

Trout fishing is good for rainbows with the limits possible, Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing said. The best lures to use are still Uncle Larry's Spinners tipped with night crawlers and fished from the surface to 15 feet. deep. Fleming Bay and School House Point are good areas to fish. King salmon to 4 pounds have been caught while rolling shad or anchovies injected with bait oils at depths of 30 to 60 feet deep in the dam area and Jenkins' Hill. Kokanee in the 12- to 14-inch range are starting to bite and are found in the top 20 feet of water. Jenkins Hill and Fleming Bay area's are good bets. Bass fishing is fair to good for good numbers of midsized fish for anglers working dropshot plastics and reaction baits. A wide open bite could develop with warmer weather.

[daystarchis]

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir

***Bass *Crappie **Catfish **Trout *Kokanee

Trout fishing is tough, but the best bet is to fish close to running water, such as in the back of creek arms, said Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sports. Trollers are picking up lots of debris, but shad-patterned lures or nightcrawler spinner combos pulled behind dodgers are working. Fishing from a boat in the back of the creeks is working for anglers tossing chrome Rattletraps. Bank anglers should head to Angels or Glory Hole coves areas and use fluorescent orange or rainbow glitter Power Bait for trout to 3.5 pounds. Bank anglers are having luck throwing chrome Kastmasters. The big fish of the week was a 4.7-pound rainbow. A few salmon to 14 inches are coming from the main lake near Rose island on bright- colored Apexes trolled behind a dodger at 30-40 feet. Bass fishing is good with lots of 2- to 4-pound spotted bass and some quality largemouths. Bass are moving into major creek arms with running water and biting Carolina-rigged Baby Brush Hogs in pumpkin or watermelon with red flake. One angler caught 28 fish in a day on Brushhogs, Rapalas and Rattletraps. The fish are shallow. Catfish action is good on marshmallow and 'crawler combinations fished near running water. Some cats are close to 10 pounds. The warmer inflow of water is triggering the bite. Crappie and perch are slow.

Call: (209) 736-4333

Lake Isabella

*Bass ***Trout *Crappie ***Catfish *Bluegill

Trout fishing is good for fish from 2-6 pounds on chartreuse or rainbow Power Bait, said Ed Cordell of Big Ed's Bait and Tackle. Heavy rain and wind has slowed fishing, but anglers willing to work are getting good numbers of big fish in the 5- to 6-pound range. The bigger brood trout have slowed. Limits are possible for experienced anglers. Heavy plants should continue to produce good fishing between storms. Bass fishing has been slow with few fishermen. Catfishing at the east end of the lake is solid for good numbers of 1- to 8-pound fish. Fresh shad or anchovies are producing five to seven fish per rod. The fish are holding in shallow water from 2-10 feet. Crappie are slow. Water is coming up about 6 inches a day, and the lake is almost full, Cordell said.

Call: Big Ed's Bait and Tackle (760) 379-4170, Bob's Bait (661) 833-8657, North Fork Marina (760) 376-1812

San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay

**Stripers **Catfish **Bass **Crappie

Rain and wind slowed the striper bite, but bank anglers using cut bait or pile worms are catching decent numbers of small stripers up to 24 inches in both lakes, said Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle. Winds up to 30 mph kept boats off the big lake and the Forebay as the storm moved in. Stripers should be close to spawning soon, Bristow said. The bite should improve with better weather. Water is at the top of the lake. Los Banos Creek Reservoir has had a good crappie and trout bite. Bank anglers are catching rainbows by the boat ramp and campgrounds on Power Bait and silver Kastmasters. There is a good bite on bass in the 2- to 3-pound range, with two to three fish per rod the average. The bites should continue to improve. Wind conditions: (800) 805-4805.

Call: (209) 826-5559, (209) 827-1522

Eastman Lake

***Bass **Trout **Bluegill **Catfish **Crappie

Bass fishing slowed with the storm, then picked up for anglers tossing Senkos near any shallow structure, Mark Inman said. Fish to 4 pounds in good numbers can be found in flats-type spawning areas. Paul Baker and his son fished the lake for the first time, and had five fish that went 17 pounds. Tom Work of Caruthers got three fish at more than 7 pounds, and two more than 5 pounds on Senkos, James Mize said. Carolina-rigged lizards and Brushhogs in junebug or watermelon with red/black flake colors are good bets. The 5-mph area and the east side (camper side) of the lake in the major coves are holding fish. A big bass bite could explode any day with the good weather. Ranger Nicolas Figueroa said Richard Mesa of Madera got a total of 15 fish, topped by an 8-pounder on a Senko. Big bluegill to 1.5 pounds are showing up on 'crawlers in decent numbers. Some crappie biting on minnows and jigs. A warm spell could trigger a good bite. The trout bite is fair on planter-sized fish. Shore anglers should be watching for snakes. Lake level is high.

Call: 689-3255

Hensley Lake

**Bass *Trout *Catfish **Crappie

Bass fishing is fair to good on shallow-fished Senkos as the weather improves each day, with the potential for a wide-open bite, Mark Inman said. Working depths from 3-10 feet with Carolina-rigged lizards is a good bet. There is a good blade bite past the 5-mph buoys. Fish are up to 3 pounds. Bank anglers should have success throwing Senkos in junebug or watermelon colors, but watch for snakes as the weather warms. Crappie starting to show on small minnows or red/white jigs. Slab fishing should improve. Trout fishing is fair for trollers.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 673-5151

McSwain Reservoir

**Trout

Trout fishing is good for trollers working Cop Car Needlefish behind flashers tipped with a 'crawler at 30 feet from the dam to Gilligan's Island for good-sized rainbows in the 14- to 18-inch range, said Diana Mello of A-1 Bait. Bank anglers are using inflated 'crawlers or Power Bait for a slow to fair bite. Water is stained but clearing as the releases slow.

Call (209) 378-2534

Delta Mendota Canal and Slough

**Stripers **Catfish

The canal is a good bet for good numbers of stripers up to 11 pounds on white flukes fished behind gates where there's moving water. There is good catfishing, with one 25-pounder taken on a crawdad, Larry Bristow said. The area where the San Joaquin and the Merced rivers join is kicking out large stripers.

Call: 655-2335, (209) 827-1522

Millerton Lake

***Bass *Stripers

Bass fishing is good for spotted bass working on shad schools holding near the shoreline over trees and biting Senkos, James Mize said. Most fish in the solid 1.25-pound range with an occasional 2-pounder. The Madera ramp area is good. Salt-and-pepper-colored Senkos wacky-rigged produced 35 fish for one angler. Some reaction bite early and late. The area from the 35-mph zone up is fairly cloudy from incoming run off. Fishermen's Warehouse Open Bass Tournament this weekend. Striper action slow but should pick up as bait moves near the surface. One 12-pounder caught and released on trolled lure. Dam area is closed with high-water conditions. Water level falling about a foot a day and is at 423,000 acre-feet storage out of 520,000.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Pine Flat Reservoir

***Bass ***Trout ***Crappie

Trout fishing is hot for easy limits of fish to 18 inches for main lake trollers working Cop Car or Frog Needlefish behind chrome or watermelon dodgers at 20-25 feet, James Mize of Valley Rod and Gun said. Working the lures below the shallow holding smaller fish in the main lake area is the best bet for better trout in the 16- to 18-inch class. Once a school of fish is found, the best tactic is to go back over it again as soon as possible. Jack Erickson and Dewey Johnson got limits of rainbows to 17.5 inches working flatlined Excels in the Trimmer to powerline area. Bass fishing is good, with fish to 4 pounds for anglers throwing cinnamon-blue Pro-worms in the back of cuts with running water, Fresno Bass Club's Larry Hodge said. Anglers can have 30-fish days, as the fish congregate and school around trees in the cuts. Lots of small fish in the 10- to 12-inch range schooled up shallow, but just a few fish on beds. Mize said 3/8-ounce Yamamoto Hula Grubs in cinnamon/purple or watermelon with red/black flake worked at 15-20 feet were working for bigger fish and helping get past the little fish. Water temps in some coves are 65 degrees and rising. Crappie fishing has exploded with a good night bite on minnows and red/white jigs fished under lights in the back of Lefevre Creek, Mize said. The Sycamore and Big Creek areas are good. Docks and big creeks with warmer inflows of water are holding the schooling fish.

Call: 787-2387, 225-1838, 292-3474

Lake Kaweah

**Bass **Crappie **Trout

Bass fishing is decent for bass biting Senkos, spinnerbaits and some bright-colored ripbaits in the cloudy water, James Mize said. Better-quality fish coming from 12-15 feet on plastics, while smaller fish are holding near shore. Bite could go into high gear soon. Trout fishing for planter-sized fish is fair. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows or jigs.

Call: 592-5922

Lake Success

**Bass **Trout

Bass fishing is decent for mid-sized bass, but cloudy water at the low level lake has slowed the bite, Mize said. Trout fishing is fair after recent plants.

Call: 784-2235

McClure Reservoir

***Bass ***Trout ***Crappie **Salmon

Bass fishing is great for spotted bass getting ready to spawn and biting splitshotted Roboworms in Witches Tea or motor oil colors, Diana Mello said. The Piney Creek, Cottonwood and Horseshoe Bend areas are good bets. Crawdads have been effective for the bass and some catfish. Working at 20 feet in areas that have gravel bottoms is producing three to four keeper fish per rod. Creeks with running water are areas to target for a good bite. A reaction bite on spinnerbaits and jerkbaits is working. Trout fishing is excellent for rainbows averaging 2 pounds for anglers working flashers and Cop Car Needlefish tipped with a 'crawler in the Horseshoe Bend or Bagby areas. Limits are possible, with some fish to 4 pounds. Some salmon action in the Bagby area for trollers working Wedding Ring spinners in ruby red colors at 60 feet on downriggers for fish to 2 pounds. Crappie fishing is good for anglers working the Horseshoe Bend and Cottonwood Creek areas in the evening with minnows or red/white jigs. Easy limits of .75-pound fish coming from creek channels or sunken willow trees.

Call: (209) 563-6505, (209) 378-2441

Lake Don Pedro

**Bass ***Trout **Kokanee **King salmon

Trout fishing is good for rainbows with limits possible. The best lures are Uncle Larry's Spinners tipped with 'crawlers and fished from the surface to 15 feet. Be sure to long line your lure behind the boat so you don't spook the fish. Fleming Bay and School House Point are good areas to fish. Bass fishing is fair for anglers working spinnerbaits or Carolina- rigged Brushhogs, said Dwayne King of Fisherman's Warehouse. Anglers waiting for the lake to turn on.

[daystarchis]

Hit the slough around 5 pm. It soon became cloudy and a huge thunder stoem passed over. Threw out 2 poles. One with DK and the other with chovie and liver. Lightning was hitting all around me, so had to sit it out in my car for bout an hour. It cleared and the fishing quickly got hot. Caught 2 nice cats about 2-3 lb. Nothing to brag about. Caught 2 dinks about 14 and 16 in. A lot of folks out there. The river is higher Fri than Thur. It rose pretty quick. I have a feeling, that it is gonna get a lot higher as well. I left around 9 pm.

[Mutt]

glad to hear someone is getting to go fishing. :p I was listening to the radio in the wifes new truck last nite we were out shopping and a emergency broadcast came over warning about the lightening strikes and the funnel clouds down your way Robb. Sure glad none of them hit ya. Ok have fun catch one for me lol.

[daystarchis]

glad to hear someone is getting to go fishing. :p I was listening to the radio in the wifes new truck last nite we were out shopping and a emergency broadcast came over warning about the lightening strikes and the funnel clouds down your way Robb. Sure glad none of them hit ya. Ok have fun catch one for me lol.
LOL!!! I am telling you Merle. I was getting huge hits on liver and couldn't get out of my car do to lightning strikes. It was beautiful though. I took some picts. Need to download them.

[daystarchis]

Fishing report: http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/outdoors/fishing/story/12101177p-12852411c.html

[daystarchis]

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir

***Bass **Crappie **Catfish ***Trout ***Kokanee

Trout and Kokanee fishing has been fair to good for trollers working the dam area or the main lake, with mixed limits possible, Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sports said. Bank fishing has slowed to a crawl as the trout moved into deeper water, with most trollers finding 23-45 feet the best. Browns are holding at 25-50 feet. A 3-pounder took a pink Hoochie trolled by the dam at 25 feet by Wiley Hutto of West Point. Clearing water has turned on the kokanee bite, with most salmon about 1 pound and taking silver Needlefish or bright-colored Apexes at 25-45 feet in the main lake. Bass fishing is good, with high daily rod counts of 2- to 4-pound spotted bass taking reaction type baits, jigs and Carolina-rigged Baby Brushhogs in green pumpkin or watermelon colors. Bass are in major creek arms with running water. Jigs and Senkos are working. Catfish action has been good on marshmallow and night crawler combinations floated off the bottom and fished near running water. The fish are feeding aggressively in the warmer water in Bear Creek and Angel's Cove. Crappie fishing is picking up in the brushy cuts upriver.

Call: (209) 736-4333

Lake Isabella

***Bass **Trout *Crappie **Catfish **Bluegill

Trout fishing is fair for anglers willing to work for their fish, with fish from 1 to 5 pounds biting chartreuse or rainbow Power Bait from shore, said Ed Cordell of Big Ed's Bait and Tackle. There is a two-three fish per rod average on the quality rainbows. Bass anglers are doing well on the shallow holding fish taking watermelon-colored plastics with red/black flake, with a huge 12.9-pound largemouth taken on a Senko, as well as several other 10- to 11-pound fish. Anglers are getting two to three quality fish per rod, with some bedding action starting in the shallows. Weeds and bushes near shore have been the best bet. Catfishing has been good for lots of fish from 1-8 pounds on fresh shad, mackerel or clams fished shallow near the shoreline at the east end of the lake.

Call: (760) 379-4170, s Bait (661) 833-8657, (760) 376-1812

San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay

**Stripers **Catfish **Bass **Crappie

Heavy winds continue to slow the boat anglers, but shore fishermen working main points in the big lake and areas of the Forebay are having some decent action on small stripers, said Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle. One 23-pound, 38-inch fish was taken by Ed Magdaleno of Los Banos on anchovies in the Forebay. Goosehead Point and Fishermen's Point in the big lake have been good areas for bait anglers, with good numbers of 5- to 8-pound fish. Windy points with nearby deep channels seem to be the best bet. There also has been some topwater action early and late on Zara Spooks around the point areas, Bristow said. Catfishing picked up to a good bite in the Forebay on cutbait fished near the powerlines or the 152 bridge area. A few bass also coming from the Forebay area on Zara Spooks. Los Banos Creek Reservoir has a good crappie and trout bite. Bass fishing is good with fish up to 5 pounds. Crankbaits are a good choice. Wind conditions: 800-805-4805.

Call: Mitchell's Outpost (209) 826-5559, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522

Eastman Lake

**Bass **Trout ***Bluegill **Catfish ***Crappie

Bass fishing has been fair to very good, with heavy angler pressure affecting the bite. Senkos or plastics in purple neon colors fished shallow in the 5-mph area or the creek channels near the dam is the best bet, Jeff Huth said. Senkos in watermelon colors with red/black flake worked at 3-5 feet did well on good numbers of small fish, with bigger bass holding at 8-12 feet, Mark Inman said. Brushhogs and jigs were also working, as well as a reaction bite on some topwater baits, spinnerbaits and ripbaits. Ranger Nick Figueroa said anglers were getting lots of fish but only a few of the really large bass. Big Red-Eared Bluegill are showing up in the spillway area on meal or red worms. Crappie fishing is fair for anglers working the cockleburs and willow trees with minnows. Trout fishing has been fair to good with fish up to 17 inches taking flasher/'crawler combos pulled at 20-30 feet, Inman said.

Call: 689-3255

Hensley Lake

**Bass ***Trout *Catfish **Crappie

Bass fishing has been fair to good for smaller-sized bass up to 3 pounds on green-colored Senkos or crawdad-colored crankbaits, Buck Deaner of Fishermen's Warehouse said. The river area is the best bet, with grassy flats the most productive structure. Bagley "Balsa Bs" or Deep 10 Rapalas in bright crawdad colors fished shallow also were effective. Some action on Rico's or Pop'R's near shore structure, Huth said. Crappie fishing is good for hand-sized fish on minnows or small red/white mini-jigs worked near trees. Trout fishing is good for limits of fish in the 14- to 16-inch range on blades and crawlers at 20-30 feet by the dam, Inman said.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 673-5151

McSwain Reservoir

**Trout

Trout fishing is fair for trollers working Wedding Ring spinners or Cop Car Needlefish behind a dodger, fished at 10- 30 feet from Gilligan's Island to the dam in the slightly muddy water, with limits possible, said Diana Mello of A-1 Bait. Bank anglers are on a slow bite, with the Handicap dock or the Brushpile the best bets.

Call: McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534

Delta Mendota Canal and Slough

***Stripers ***Catfish

The canal is producing good numbers of small stripers as well as catfish up to 8 pounds on cutbait, Larry Bristow said. Lots of catfish in the 4- to 5-pound range. The Aqueduct is kicking out lots of small stripers and catfish up to 13 pounds.

Call: 655-2335, (209) 827-1522

Millerton Lake

***Bass *Stripers

Bass fishing is good for large numbers of small spotted bass, with anglers finding Senkos, dropshotted plastics and a wide variety of reaction baits working in the main lake area. Squaw Cove and Winchell Cove are both good bets. Flat grassy areas have been holding fish, Deaner said. Lots of fish in the 11- to 13-inch range, and an occasional bigger spot. Striper action slow. Lake level is slowly rising and is at 338,000 acre-feet out of 520,000 acre-feet.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Pine Flat Reservoir

***Bass ***Trout **Crappie

Trout fishing is good for limits of fish in the 13- to 15-inch range on perch-colored Excels or Wedding Ring spinners tipped with a 'crawlers and pulled behind a Jumbo Jack Blade at 20 feet, Buck Deaner said. The main lake and dam areas are good areas to troll, while bank anglers are doing fair, Huth said. Bass fishing has been good on worms, jigs, and ripbaits worked in the Windy Gap area and the back of Sycamore. Recent tournament produced a 12.54-pound bass. The fish are from the surface to 20 feet, with anglers getting easy limits in the 1.5- to 3-pound class, with 15-20 fish days average, Deaner said. Senkos and some topwater action on Rico's also working.

Call: 787-2387, 225-1838, 292-3474

Lake Kaweah

**Bass **Crappie **Trout

Bass fishing is decent for lots of small fish taking worms, jigs and some reaction baits at the heavy-pressured lake, Huth said. A 7.5-pound bass was taken by Jeff Matthews. Senkos and green weenie worms are the best bets, with some early topwater action. Big fish are hard to find, Deaner said. Trout and crappie fishing is fair.

Call: 592-5922

Lake Success

**Bass **Trout

Bass fishing has been fair for small- to mid-sized bass at the low level lake. Trout fishing is fair.

Call: 784-2235

McClure Reservoir

****Bass **Trout **Crappie **Catfish *Salmon

Fishing is wide open for spotted bass biting plastics, cranks and topwater baits fished early, with 30-40 fish days common, Diana Mello said. One angler got 87 in one day fishing Senkos and ripbaits, with fish up to 7 pounds. Bass are on beds now. Gravel banks that are gently sloping are the best structures to fish, at around 15 feet. The average fish is 2.5 pounds with lots of 5-pounders. Water level is coming up fast, so watch out for rattlesnakes. Trout fishing is good, with fish up to 4.5 pounds, for trollers working the Bagby area with flasher/'crawler or flasher/Apex combos at 30 feet. Salmon are holding deeper, just under the trout. Crappie action has slowed, but is good for anglers fishing minnows over submerged islands or rocky structures at 25 feet. Houseboats are also holding fish. Catfish are showing in muddy shorelines at about 10 feet on mackerel, with several 10-pound fish taken.

Call: (209) 563-6505, (209) 378-2441

Lake Don Pedro

***Bass **Trout **Kokanee ***King salmon

King salmon fishing has been good, with most anglers targeting fish to 4.5 pounds in the main lake and dam area and using rolled anchovies or shad at 60-90 feet, Dwayne King of Fishermen's Warehouse in Manteca said. Trout and Kokanee are also on a good bite. Kokanee are showing up in the South Bay and Jenkin's Hill area, and taking small Kokanee bugs behind silver dodgers. Bass fishing is good for numbers of good-sized fish taking 1049 Keeper worms, Brushhogs and swimbaits, King said. A night bite on 7- and 10-inch Berkeley Power Worms in black/chartreuse is also working.

Call: (209) 852-2369, (209) 989-2206

[Capt Steve]

The Fresno Bee no longer allows free access to the online fishing report. You have to register on the web site, which I refuse to do.

[daystarchis]

No worries Capt.....I will keep posting the reports

[daystarchis]

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir

***Bass **Crappie **Catfish **Trout ***Kokanee ****King salmon

Kokanee fishing has been very good for trollers working Glory Hole Point and the spillway area with red, chartreuse, pink or silver Apexes at 25- to 35-feet deep behind silver-prismatic or watermelon colored dodgers, with mixed bags of salmon and trout the rule, said Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sports. Trolling speed needs to be a slow 1.2 mph for the best results. Biggest trout of the week went 3.7 pounds and was taken near the spillway at 25 feet deep on a Uncle Larry's Lure. Trout are holding from 23- to 45-feet deep, while Browns are at the 25- to 50-foot depth. Bank fishing has slowed to a crawl in the main lake, but anglers working the local creeks, like Camp 9, are doing well on lures or salmon eggs. Bass fishing is still very good with high daily rod counts of 2- to 4-pound spotted bass taking reaction type baits, jigs and Carolina rigged Baby Brushhogs in green pumpkin or watermelon colors the best bets. Both spawned and post spawn fish are holding in the back of coves with lots of brush. Catfish action has been good on 'crawlers, sardines or anchovies fished in major coves or creek arms, with fish to 8.2 pounds. Crappie fishing is picking up in the brushy cuts upriver for anglers using small minnows.

Call: (209) 736-4333

Lake Isabella

**Bass **Trout *Crappie ****Catfish **Bluegill

Trout fishing is still good, with fish from 1 to 6 pounds biting chartreuse or rainbow Power Bait fished from shore or trolled lures fished shallow, said Ed Cordell of Big Ed's Bait and Tackle. There is a two to three fish per rod average on the quality rainbows. Bass fishing fell off, as anglers blamed post spawn conditions for smaller and fewer fish that are holding deeper at around 18 feet and taking some plastics, jigs and spinnerbaits. One 12-pound bass caught and released. Catfishing has been excellent with lots of cats coming on mackerel and frozen shad fished shallow all over the lake. Lots of fish in the 3- to 4-pound range, with several 10 pounders. Crappie fishing is very slow. Lake full.

Call: Big Ed's Bait and Tackle (760) 379-4170, Bob's Bait (661) 833-8657, North Fork Marina (760) 376-1812

San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay

**Stripers **Catfish **Bass **Crappie

Striper fishing has been decent for anglers working the Forebay or main lake with minnows or cutbait, with a couple 8- to 10-pound fish weighed in, said Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle. Several anglers were fishing minnows on a slow troll across the face of the dam for limits of fish to 10 pounds. Goosehead Point produced one 10-pound fish and lots of 22- to 24-inch fish on cutbait. Fishermen's Point is another good bet for shore anglers. There also has been some topwater action early and late on Zara Spooks around the point areas, and the Basalt ramp area, Bristow said. Catfishing is on a good bite in the Forebay on cutbait fished near the powerlines or the 152 bridge area. The lake has started to drop a half foot a day, and is at 1.9 million acre feet storage. Los Banos Creek Reservoir has a good crappie and great trout bite. Trout fishing for limits on bait and lures, with some fish to 18 inches, Bristow said. Bass fishing is still good with fish to 5 pounds. Crankbaits are a good choice. Wind conditions: 800-805-4805.

Call: Mitchell's Outpost (209) 826-5559, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522

Eastman Lake

**Bass **Trout ***Bluegill **Catfish **Crappie

Bass fishing has been fair, with heavy angler pressure still affecting the bite. Fish are clumped together more now, with worms, dropshotted plastics, and some reaction lures like buzzbaits and topwater lures producing fish, Jeff Huth said. Senkos or plastics in purple neon or watermelon colors fished from 5- to 15-feet deep near structure is a good bet. Big Red-Eared Bluegill are showing up in the spillway area on meal or red worms. Crappie fishing is fair for anglers working the cockleburs and willow trees with minnows. Trout fishing has been fair. Lake level is high and water is stained.

Call: 689-3255

Hensley Lake

**Bass **Trout **Catfish **Crappie

Bass fishing has been fair for smaller sized bass, with a 10 fish per rod average on reaction baits early in the day by the dam area, then fish deeper with purple or crawdad colored worms or jigs as the sun rises, Jeff Huth said. Angler pressure has been heavy at times, so early morning fishing is the best bet. Crappie fishing is fair for hand-sized fish on minnows or small red/white mini-jigs worked near trees. Trout fishing has slowed to a crawl. Some catfish action.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 673-5151

McSwain Reservoir

***Trout

Trout fishing is decent to good for trollers working blades and 'crawlers at around 15 feet, or bank anglers soaking Power Bait, for possible limits of fish, Walt Butler of McSwain Marina said. Inflated 'crawlers or Power bait need to be floating over a foot above the bottom. Lots of 2- to 3-pound fish showing. The spillway area is the best bet for trollers.

Call: McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534

Delta Mendota Canal and Slough

***Stripers ***Catfish

The canal still is producing good numbers of small stripers to as much as 10 pounds, as well as a very good catfish bite for lots of fish in the 4- to 5-pound range and up to 8 pounds on cutbait, Larry Bristow said. The Aqueduct also is kicking out lots of small stripers and catfish.

Call: 655-2335, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522

Millerton Lake

***Bass *Stripers

Bass fishing is very good for large numbers of small spotted bass, with anglers throwing dartheads and dropshotted plastics in the top 25 feet of water for good numbers and limits of active fish, Jeff Huth said. A wide variety of reaction baits in shad patterns also are working. The no-ski buoys upriver in the canyon are a good place to fish.Heavy boat traffic on weekends. Striper action slow. Lake level is rising and is at 359,000 acre feet storage out of 520,000 acre feet.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Pine Flat Reservoir

***Bass **Trout **Crappie

Trout fishing is good for possible limits of stocker-sized fish on Cop Car or Chrome Needlefish worked in the Windy Gap or main lake areas at a depth of 20 to 40 feet, Jeff Huth said. Fishing early in the morning is key to the best fishing. Bass fishing has been very good on small ripbaits and dropshotted plastics fished on lighter line and cast farther from the boat to shore. Anglers are having 60 fish days, with lots of small fish and an occasional bigger fish. Recent ABA tournament had a big fish of 7.04 pounds.

Call: 787-2387, 225-1838, 292-3474

Lake Kaweah

**Bass **Crappie **Trout

Bass fishing is decent for lots of small bass taking worms, jigs and some reaction baits fished shallow at the heavy pressured lake, said Jimmy Perez of Sierra Sports. A 14-pound bass was weighed in by an unidentified angler. Trout fishing for planter-sized fish is has slowed to fair in the river. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows or jigs.

Call: 592-5922

Lake Success

**Bass **Trout

Bass fishing has continued to be fair for small to mid-sized bass at the low level lake. Trout fishing is fair.

Call: 784-2235

McClure Reservoir

****Bass ***Trout **Crappie **Catfish **Salmon

Bass fishing still is wide open for lots of small juvenile spotted bass,and some bigger fish to 5 pounds, biting plastics, cranks and topwater baits fished early near shore, with 40 to 50 fish days common, Diana Mello said. Plastics in darker colors with red and green flake and a chartreuse tail have been good. Some post-spawn fish coming from deeper water to 30 feet on the tops of submerged island tops. Some sight fishing for big spawning females on nests. Reports of several 9- to 10-pound fish. Water level is coming up fast, so watch out for rattlesnakes. Trout fishing is good, with lots of fish in the 2- to 3-pound range for trollers working the area from Barrett's Cove to Bagby on flasher/'crawler combos. Some salmon showing up just beneath the trout. Crappie action has slowed, but is still good for anglers fishing around Horseshoe Bend or the houseboats. Catfish to 7 pounds are showing in the late evening in small coves out of the wind with muddy shorelines at about 10 feet deep on mackerel.

Call: A-1 Bait (209) 563-6505, (209) 378-2441

Lake Don Pedro

***Bass ***Trout **Kokanee **King salmon

King salmon fishing has been very good with most anglers targeting fish to 5.1 pounds, with mixed limits of kokanee and trout included, said Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing. King salmon at holding at 30 to 60 feet in the triangle area from Buzzard Point to Big Oak Island to Jenkin's Hill and taking downsized rolled anchovies and shad. Numerous Kings to 4.5 pounds. Trout are biting a Vance's Little Slim Willie combined with an Uncle Larry's Spinner at depths from the surface to 20 feet and are running around 14 to 16 inches. Kokanee are found in the open water of South Bay and are at 25 to 30 feet deep and the best bet is Uncle Larry's Red Tiger tipped with Pautkze's pink Fire Corn for solid 14- to 15-inch salmon. Bass fishing has been good for lots of topwater fish on Super Spooks and Sammy's, said Dwayne King of Fishermen's Warehouse in Manteca. Senkos in the 4-inch size and rigged wacky are also good.

Call: (209) 852-2369, (209) 989-2206

[daystarchis]

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir ****Bass ***Crappie **Catfish **Trout ***Kokanee

Kokanee fishing for limits of salmon to 1.5 pounds has been very good for trollers working the spillway area or Glory Hole Point with red, chartreuse, pink or silver Apex's at 20-30 feet behind silver-prismatic or watermelon-colored dodgers, said Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sports. Trolling speed needs to be a slow 1.2 mph for best results. Trout fishing has been slow, with most fish coming incidentally from anglers working for kokanee. Trout are holding at 20-45 feet deep, while Browns are at the 25-50 feet. Bank fishing is best in the local creeks, such as Angel's Creek, where there have been lots of plants. Anglers are getting limits on salmon eggs and inflated nightcrawlers. Bass fishing is wide open for lots of good-sized fish on almost any type of plug, spinnerbait or plastic bait you care to throw, said Dwayne King of Fishermen's Warehouse in Manteca. Catfish action has been good on 'crawlers, sardines or anchovies fished in major coves or creek arms, with fish to 8.5 pounds. Crappie fishing is picking up in the brushy cuts upriver for anglers using small minnows, with some limits being reported.

Call: (209) 736-4333

Lake Isabella

**Bass **Trout *Crappie ***Catfish **Bluegill

Trout fishing is slow to fair for fish from 5 pounds for anglers using Power Bait and willing to work, with a two to three fish per rod average, said Ed Cordell of Big Ed's Bait and Tackle. Bass fishing has been slow for regular anglers, but experienced fishermen are scratching out limits at times on plastics fished at 8-15 feet. Catfishing has been good. Crappie fishing is slow. The lake is full.

Call: Big Ed's Bait and Tackle (760) 379-4170, Bob's Bait (661) 833-8657, North Fork Marina (760) 376-1812

San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay **Stripers **Catfish **Bass **Crappie

Striper fishing is decent to good for anglers working the Forebay or main lake with minnows or cutbait, with good numbers of fish in the 8- to 10-pound range weighed in, said Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle. Slow trolling minnows across the face of the dam has been a productive tactic for limits of fish in the 10- to 12-pound class. The Trash racks, Romero Point and the turnouts off Highway 152 where there are trees all have been producing fish. Some early action on flukes and topwater plugs. Catfishing is on a good bite in the Forebay on cutbait fished near Check 12 area, with numerous fish in the 9- to 10-pound range on cutbait. The lake is holding at 1,869,000 acre-feet storage out of a 2 million acre-feet capacity. Los Banos Creek Reservoir reports a good crappie and trout bite. Fishing should continue to be good as long as releases from the dam don't close the lake, Bristow said. Bass fishing is good. Wind conditions: 800-805-4805.

Call: Mitchell's Outpost (209) 826-5559, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522

Eastman Lake

**Bass **Trout ***Bluegill *Catfish **Crappie

Bass fishing has been "hit and miss," with heavy angler pressure affecting the bite and pushing the fish down, Jeff Huth said. Jigs, Carolina-rigged and dropshotted plastics the best bets. There is a reaction bite at times. Darker-colored plastics in purples and grape fished at 10-20 feet is good place to start, but during bright sunshine fish are dropping into the 25- to 35-foot range. Not a lot of bigger fish showing. One 8-pound fish was reported by Ranger Keith Willis for Stephen Diaz, who caught it with a Brushhog. Big Red-Eared Bluegill are showing up in the spillway area on meal or red worms. Crappie fishing is fair. Trout fishing has been fair. Lake level is high and water is stained.

Call: 689-3255

Hensley Lake

**Bass **Trout **Catfish **Crappie

Bass fishing has been fair to good for decent numbers of smaller bass, with an occasional bigger fish for anglers working early and late topwater baits for limits, Jeff Huth said. Plastics dropshotted and Carolina-rigged also are productive for the shallow holding fish. Some decent catfish action in the 5-mph area on chicken livers. Bluegill and crappie action is good once you locate a school. Trout fishing has slowed to a crawl. Some catfish action.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 673-5151

McSwain Reservoir

***Trout

Trout fishing is good for both bank anglers and trollers, with more plants of big Calaveras trout scheduled this week, said Walt Butler of McSwain Marina. The Brush pile and the Handicap Dock are the best bets for shore fishermen, while trollers pulling Ford Fenders and 'crawler combos from Gilligan's Island to the second fenceline are scoring on lots of fish in the 2- to 3-pound range.

Call: McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534

Delta Mendota Canal and Slough

***Stripers ***Catfish

The canal is kicking out buckets of nice catfish, with the biggest fish coming at night on cutbait, Larry Bristow said. Striper action is good for lots of small fish, but several in the 13- to 17-pound class have been caught. The Aqueduct also is kicking out lots of small stripers and catfish.

Call: 655-2335, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522

Millerton Lake

***Bass *Stripers

Fishing is good for large numbers of small spotted bass, with anglers throwing dartheads and dropshotted plastics at 5-25 feet for limits of active fish, Jeff Huth said. The best tactic is to keep moving until you find a concentration of fish, with the points and cuts above the no-ski buoys the best areas for fast action. The main lake is better for quality fish but the number of fish is lower. Most spots are in the 10- to 14-inch category. Heavy boat traffic on weekends. Striper action slow, with several 10- to 12-pound fish taken on plugs in the main lake and the river area. Lake level is rising quickly and is at 428,000 acre-feet storage out of 520,000 acre-feet.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Pine Flat Reservoir

***Bass **Trout **Crappie

Trout fishing is good for possible limits of planter-sized fish on shad-patterned or chrome-colored lures worked at two to three colors in main lake areas, Jeff Huth said. A night bite around the houseboats also is developing as the weather gets warmer for rainbows. Fishing has been good for lots of small black bass on a wide variety of lures and plastics fished near the shoreline. For pure fun it's a great place to go now, Huth said. Lots of small fish with bigger fish taking some work to find. Small ripbaits and dartheads with a 4- or 6-inch worm working well. Crappie fishing is improving at night around the houseboats on minnows.

Call: 787-2387, 225-1838, 292-3474

Lake Kaweah

**Bass **Crappie **Trout

Bass fishing is decent for lots of small bass taking worms, jigs and some reaction baits fished shallow. Trout fishing for planter-sized fish is slow to fair in the river. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows or jigs.

Call: 592-5922

Lake Success

**Bass **Trout

Bass fishing has continued to be fair for small- to mid-sized bass at the low level lake. Trout fishing is fair.

Call: 784-2235

McClure Reservoir

****Bass ***Trout **Crappie ***Catfish *Salmon

Bass fishing is still wide open for 40 to 50 fish per rod days on dark plastics with chartreuse tails fished at the 15- to 25-foot level all over the lake, said Diana Mello of A-1 Bait. Some post-spawn fish are coming from deeper water to 30 feet on the tops of submerged island tops with brush. Anglers tossing crankbaits and some topwater with success early. Brendon Terley, 13, of Merced caught a limit of spots in the 17-inch class on live crawdads. Watch out for rattlesnakes. Trout fishing is good, with fish in the 2- to 3-pound range taking Needlefish or silver Kastmasters at the 35-foot level in the area from the narrows above Barrett's Cove to Bagby. Wedding Ring spinners tipped with a 'crawler also are working. Few salmon caught. Crappie action has slowed. Catfish to 7 pounds are showing in the late evening in small coves with muddy shorelines at about 10 feet on mackerel.

Call: A-1 Bait (209) 563-6505, (209) 378-2441

Lake Don Pedro

***Bass ***Trout ***Kokanee ***King salmon

King salmon, kokanee and trout are all on a good bite, said Danny Layne of Fishin' Dan's Guide service. Working the top 10 feet with Excels, rolling shad or a Slim Willie with a 'crawler are producing rainbows to 5 pounds. Kokanee fishing has improved, with the Jenkin's Hill, Graveyard Bay and Copper Mountain areas kicking out kokanee to 15 inches. King salmon anglers should use rolled shad in the top 20 feet before the sun comes up, then target the fish at 55-80 feet with rolled anchovies or shad in the Mexican Gulch, Fleming Bay, Big Oak Island, Copper Mountain and off Hatch Creek. Bass fishing has been good for anglers working red shad Senko's, half ounce spinnerbaits with a big Colorado blade, and Aurora Black Sammy 115s for lots of good-sized fish, said Dwayne King of Fishermen's Warehouse.

Call: (209) 852-2369, (209) 989-2206

[daystarchis]

A report just came in last night from some fishing buddies that the cats (7) after being cleaned, had in there stomach, at least 2-3 mice. So that is the hot bait around the shore of the mendota slough.

[daystarchis]

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir

***Bass ***Crappie **Catfish **Trout ***Kokanee

Kokanee fishing is still wide open for limits of salmon to 1.5 pounds for trollers working the spillway area or Glory Hole Point with red, chartreuse, pink or silver Apexes at 20 to 35 feet deep behind silver-prismatic or watermelon-colored dodgers, said Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sports. Many anglers are using ball troll flashers on their downriggers as an added attraction. Slow troll the lures at 1.2 mph for best results. Trout fishing has been slow, with most fish part of mixed limits from anglers working for kokanee. Biggest trout of the week went 3.5 pounds and was taken on a trolled Apex behind a dodger worked near the spillway. Trout are holding from 20 to 45 feet deep, while browns are at the 25- to 50-foot depth. Bank fishing has slowed in the main lake, but is good in the local creeks, such as Angel's Creek. Anglers are getting limits on salmon eggs, Mepp's spinners and inflated nightcrawlers. Bass fishing is wide open for lots of good-sized post-spawn fish on Senkos and Carolina-rigged Baby Brushhogs in green pumpkin or watermelon red/flake colors. Use Zara Spooks and Pop R's in the morning for a good topwater bite. Spinnerbaits, ripbaits and crankbaits all producing fish during the day. Catfish action has been good on 'crawlers, sardines or anchovies fished in major coves or creek arms, and should continue all summer. Crappie fishing is the best it's been in years, with limits of crappie possible for anglers fishing small minnows in the brushy cuts upriver.

Call: (209) 736-4333

Lake Isabella

**Bass **Trout *Crappie ***Catfish ***Bluegill

Trout fishing is slow for quality fish in the 2- to 7-pound range for anglers willing to work using green Power Bait with a 1 to 2 fish per rod average, said Ed Cordell of Big Ed's Bait and Tackle. Bass fishing has picked up to a slow to fair bite for anglers fishing plastics in 4 to 18 feet of water with good numbers of 2- to 3-pound fish. A 10- and a 13-pound bass were weighed in, both caught on a worm. Catfishing has been good for anglers fishing during the day or night, with lots of cats in the 1.5- to 9-pound range still coming on mackerel and frozen shad fished shallow all over the lake. Crappie fishing is very slow, but the bluegill bite has exploded for fat fish to 1 pound taking crappie jigs tipped with a meal worm. The lake is full.

Call: Big Ed's Bait and Tackle (760) 379-4170, Bob's Bait (661) 833-8657, North Fork Marina (760) 376-1812

San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay

**Stripers **Catfish **Bass **Crappie

Striper fishing has improved to a good bite for fish to 12 pounds in the main lake, while the forebay is kicking out both stripers and catfish, said Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle. The Forebay catfish action has been very good on cutbait at night for whiskerfish to 14 pounds, while stripers have been active near Check 12 and the powerlines. One huge 35-pound lineside was taken on a 'crawler at night in the Check 12 area. A few bass are being taken in the forebay and seem to be on a good bite. Slow trolling minnows across the face of the dam has been very productive for bigger-sized fish in the 10- to 12-pound class in the main lake. Goosehead Point has produced several 12-pound fish for bank anglers, while early and late evening fishermen working the Fisherman's Point area with topwater plugs are scoring on quality fish. The lake is coming up slowly at 1.87 million acre-feet storage out of a 2 million capacity. Los Banos Creek Reservoir has had water releases that have closed the lake at times, Bristow said. Fishing should continue to be good as long as releases from the dam don't close the lake. Bass fishing is still good. Wind conditions: (800) 805-4805.

Call: Mitchell's Outpost (209) 826-5559, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522

Eastman Lake

**Bass **Trout ***Bluegill **Catfish **Crappie

Bass fishing has slowed to a fair bite for anglers working the willows near the dam area with worms, jigs, dropshotted plastics, Carolina-rigged Brushhogs and flukes fished early, Jeff Huth said. There is an early topwater and reaction bite as well. Senkos fished on dropshot rigs, hooked wacky style and fished at 15 to 25 feet deep are working well for the post-spawn fish, Buck Deaner said. Not a lot of bigger fish are showing now. Big red-eared bluegill to 2 pounds are biting 2 to 3 red worms threaded onto a #8 hook and fished around submerged trees with a rock base at about 15 feet deep, Deaner said. There are few crappie reports. Trout fishing has been fair for trollers working chrome/black or watermelon colored Excels pulled at 10 to 20 feet deep for possible limits of fat 14- to 17-inch rainbows.

Call: 689-3255

Hensley Lake

***Bass *Trout **Catfish **Crappie

Bass fishing has been good for easy limits of bass in the 13- to 14-inch class, with an occasional bigger fish for anglers throwing dropshotted purple-blue neon plastics, spinnerbaits or flukes, Jeff Huth said. Senkos fished just off the bank, as well as crankbaits in shad colors, have produced fish to over 4 pounds, Buck Deaner said. Some decent catfish action in the 5 mph area on chicken livers. Letting the bait soak slowly in the same area seemed to be the best bet. Bluegill and crappie action is fair to good once you locate a school. Trout fishing is slow for trollers working Wedding Ring spinners or chrome Excels behind dodgers at 15 to 25 feet for fish in the 14- to 16-inch range, Deaner said.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474, 673-5151

McSwain Reservoir

***Trout

Trout fishing is good for both bank anglers and trollers, with limits possible, Diana Mello said. The Handicap Dock and the dam areas have been the best bets for shore fishermen soaking Power bait or 'crawlers. Bank anglers also are scoring on Roostertails. Trollers pulling Wedding Ring spinner outfits or flasher/'crawler rigs are catching fish. Green has been the best overall color for lures and bait, Mello said.

Call: McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534

Delta Mendota Canal and Slough

***Stripers ***Catfish

The canal still is kicking out lots of nice catfish biting cutbait, with filleted sardines the best bet, Larry Bristow said. Striper action is good for fish to 10 pounds on bait and lures. The Aqueduct also is kicking out lots of small stripers and catfish, with Bob McCormick catching a 22-pound striper on a fluke in the Volta Road area.

Call: 655-2335, Lucky Larry's Bait (209) 827-1522

Millerton Lake

**Bass *Stripers

Bass fishing has slowed to a good bite on small spotted bass holding in deeper water from 25 to 35 feet and biting shad-colored plastics, Jeff Huth said. The no-ski area is the best bet for numbers of small fish, averaging around 8 to 10 per rod, while the main lake is the place for better quality. Shad-colored Senkos and dropshotted plastics are good bets for the little bass in the 10- to 12-inch range, but white/chartreuse-colored crankbaits thrown near shore and worked back also are catching the deeper suspended post-spawn fish holding offshore, Buck Deaner of Fisherman's Warehouse said. Some reaction bite fish coming early, but keeper-sized fish are hard to find. It's a good place for the kids to fish with lots of action. There is heavy boat traffic on weekends. Striper action is slow, with several 10- to 12-pound fish weighed in, with plugs worked in the main lake around the courthouse the best bet. The lake level is rising quickly and is at 464,000 acre feet storage out of 520,000 acre feet.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Pine Flat Reservoir

***Bass **Trout **Crappie

Trout fishing has improved to a good bite for anglers trolling early in the main lake area as well as the area from the powerlines to Lombardo's with silver/black back or silver/red head Excels at 25 feet behind a dodger for possible limits of rainbows in the 14- to 16-inch range, Buck Deaner said. Flatlined chrome or 'crawler rigs worked in the main lake are also a good bet, but the area from Lombardo's to the mouth of the river was the best, Jeff Huth said. Bass fishing has been very good for lots of small black bass on a wide variety of lures and plastics fished near the shoreline, although the night bite slowed, Jeff Huth said. Dropshotted plastics, jigs, Senkos, ripbaits and some early morning topwater action are getting lots of fish. An early morning bite on pearl-white flukes during calm water times has started, but long casts are important to not spook the fish. Poppers and propbaits are producing lots of fish to 4 pounds, with Ted Rhode of Fresno getting an 8.5-pound fish on an early-fished topwater, Deaner said. Crappie fishing has slowed, possibly from the passing cold front.

Call: 787-2387, 225-1838, 292-3474

Lake Kaweah

**Bass **Crappie **Trout

Bass fishing is decent for lots of small bass taking worms, jigs and some reaction baits. Trout fishing for planter-sized fish is slow to fair in the river. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows.

Call: 592-5922

Lake Success

**Bass **Trout

Bass fishing has continued to be fair for small- to mid-sized bass at the low-level lake. Trout fishing is fair.

Call: 784-2235

McClure Reservoir

***Bass ***Trout **Crappie **Catfish *Salmon

Bass fishing is wide open for large numbers of spots biting topwater baits, deep cranks, chartreuse spinnerbaits, dark-colored plastic worms and live bait fished in 20 feet of water, Diana Mello said. There still are some fish on beds, but most fish are done spawning. Creek channels and submerged island tops are the best structure to fish. Bank anglers are doing well on both bass and trout. Watch out for rattlesnakes. Trout fishing is good for fish to 4 pounds on flasher/'crawler rigs trolled above Barrett's Cove and in the dam area, with limits possible. Some trout coming at night on small minnows fished under the houseboats. Few salmon caught. Crappie action for medium-sized slabs is fair at night on small minnows, with Barrett's Cove Marina and Piney Creek the best bets. Catfish have slowed, but the bite should resume with better weather.

Call: A-1 Bait (209) 563-6505, (209) 378-2441

Lake Don Pedro

***Bass ***Trout ***Kokanee ***King salmon

King salmon are on a hot bite, with limits of fish from 1 to 5 pounds the norm, on trolled shad or anchovies worked at 55 to 80 feet deep in the Jenkins Hill, Willow Tree area and South Bay, said Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing. Kokanee fishing has a solid bite going on a trolled Sep's green Splat dodger with Uncle Larry's spinners in Copper Pop and Pink Tiger colors tipped with corn soaked in garlic scent in the Jenkins Hill or Willow Tree areas. Trout fishing is good for fish to 3 pounds on trolled shad or small lures such as the Excel in the green-back pattern pulled at 15 to 50 feet deep in the Jenkins Hill, Willow Tree area and South Bay region. Bass fishing has been very good for numbers of medium-sized fish, for anglers working root beer-colored Senkos with red/gold flake or Pro Gold worms with red flake, Dwayne King said. An early-morning topwater bite also is producing fish.

Call: (209) 852-2369, (209) 989-2206

[daystarchis]

Buddies Scott and Joe pulled an all nighter at the "pipe" at the slough last night. Only landed 2 biggest being 9# on liver. Joe said the bite was slow.

[Capt Steve]

Fished from 6 to 10 this morning, at the pump in the Reserve where the Gathering was located. No fish, but here's the good news. No current! The water level was down about 2 ft. Lot's of weak hits, probably small stripers. Used liver and creamed corn. I gotta try shoepeg corn again next time out. Saw a big muskrat and a family of pheasants. Nice and cool in the shade with a little breeze.

[daystarchis]

Good report Steve, thanks:wink: Hopefully this lowering of the water will allow that honey hole spot to be fished:smile2: :smile2: :smile2:

[vini]

Fished from 6 to 10 this morning, at the pump in the Reserve where the Gathering was located. No fish, but here's the good news. No current! The water level was down about 2 ft. Lot's of weak hits, probably small stripers. Used liver and creamed corn. I gotta try shoepeg corn again next time out. Saw a big muskrat and a family of pheasants. Nice and cool in the shade with a little breeze.


Thats good news hopefully this will make better fishing especially in our honey holes that we're going to get you to Steve in the san jauquin theres still some big cats needing to be caught.

[daystarchis]

Yep, thats were I plan to be this evening:wink: Hope the water is low enough:0a32:

[vini]

Let me know I have a feeling your going to have a nice string of fish , water should be down quite a bit not sure you'll be able to get into that main channel but if you do your going to have fish.

[daystarchis]

After yesturday brothers, I am a firm believer that trophy cats can be caught in the day:embarassed: I took fresnofishfan around 10 pm over to the honey hole to show him a few spots. His uncle and brother was back at the pump fishing. Well I told him lets soak a few lined since we were over there. He had to get back soon since they were leaving around 2 am. We fished 30 min and fishfan landed the biggest cat so far. It was a smiggon over 5#:smile2: He was stoked! They left and I got busy setting up my lil camp for the night. Went to sleep around 4 am (it got chilly) I was burnt out:roll_eyes: so I missed the sun coming up and crawled out and hooked up some DK on my 9 ft ugly stick and bait runner. started getting some hits and around 9 am after an hour of nibbles I was about to get up and rebait when my pole bent downand all of a sudden my pole popped up and my bell flew about 20 ft and almost hit me. I brabbed my pole and the fight was on!!!!I have 30# spider and that cat was pulling my drag it sounded like a motor:ooooh: fought it for 15 min but my net was aways from me and when the cat surfaced out about 20-30 yards out I knew right then and there I needed the net. Thank God for riverbuds awesome pole holders:wink: I quicly stuck my pole back in and ran and got the net. I managed to play the fish in to net it. I tried with my left hand to scoop the cat up and the hook came flying out:ooooh: :ooooh: :crazy: : the fish was so big it was kind of stuck in the 3 ft of water and I attemted to net the cat again when the cat seen the net or me it took its huge tail and did a splash like a muscrat and off it went. It was well over 20# no daught. My arm has shaking from the strenght of the fight, my heart was beating quick. I have hooked huge fish that did the same thing, but could never land them since they always swim to a structure and get tangled up and then resorting to cutting my line:angry: I seen this cat, I don't know if it is the same one, or others, but several buddy's have caught huge fish and they always take the line to this one spot and then it's over:crazy: It was the coolest thing even though it "got away". That cat deseved to win that battle, but next time I will win the WAR:big_smile: !
Hey vini, hope you catch some nice koko. post up when you get back.

[Capt Steve]

Robb, how far down is the water now?

[daystarchis]

Well I would say 3-5 ft? The water is half way down that ol rusty trash can at the pipe. I am itching to get out there again:smile2: Capt, that was a big cat!

[vini]

When I saw that 16 pounder that your friend caught this winter that blew me away so I know there out there for sure to bad you did'nt catch that it would have been a trophy size fish for sure, he/she probably has no less then ten broken off hooks in its mouth LOL

[daystarchis]

When I saw that 16 pounder that your friend caught this winter that blew me away so I know there out there for sure to bad you did'nt catch that it would have been a trophy size fish for sure, he/she probably has no less then ten broken off hooks in its mouth LOL
Bro.....I am going to catch that sucker!!!!! He/she has been breaking line and all for a long time:crazy: Not just me too. Several I fished with. I think it was Lloyd or another brother at one of the gatherings hooked up with a very large fish and same thing. People laugh when they ask me what line I use and I tell them 30# ans 60#:lol: I dunno if there are more than one. I tend to believe there are. I will say that the big fish that I hook always come when I cast over 50 yards out. I like to get near that channel as possible:roll_eyes: That is one reason that honey hole spot is so dang good. It is right on the channel and at a bend. Deep cut in that channel and there should be some nice stripers as well:smile2:

[Fishnhuntforever]

Are you using braided line when you fish? That must have been fun to fight it but frustrating to lose it. So close yet so far away! Sounds like it was a great time:big_smile:

[daystarchis]

Are you using braided line when you fish? That must have been fun to fight it but frustrating to lose it. So close yet so far away! Sounds like it was a great time:big_smile:
Yep, it is the stealth. It fought for at least 15-20 min. Fun to say the least.

[vini]

I got pline now bet he don't beak that shiznit:lol:

[daystarchis]

I am going out in the morning. Should be at the slough or honey hole around 8 or 9 am.....:cool2:

[Mutt]

I am going to be at new malones next week from the 13th to the 15th cant wait take and go get me some kokes and trout and BASS and panfish and if I have any time at nite some kittys.

[daystarchis]

I hope ya catch some nice ones bro:smile2: Getting out is enough for me. I went out to both honey holes Sat. We ended up camping at the slough. Water was still to high Vince:crazy: Came down a lil, went to the honey hole 1 and drove all back there. It is cool for us to go through that gate. Need to go through it before they close it:big_smile: I caught a giant blue gill :lol: and a 4# bullhead and a 3# channel. Scott caught a very nice 9# channel and 3 nice bass 3#, 3 1/2# and 5#:roll_eyes:

[vini]

Got any pictures:lol: :crazy: :tounge_out: :cool2: :wink:

[daystarchis]

I got a card full of em. Just can't down load em. Need to get me one of those things you got.

[vini]

All under $10.00 just figure out which card you have and get the reader, probably should get something simple just a single reader that only reads the card you use mine nust have been too big a program since we could'nt get it to install a single reader might have a smaller program.

Card readers (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?N=2000170069+4024&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=69&Description=card+readers)


link above

[daystarchis]

All under $10.00 just figure out which card you have and get the reader, probably should get something simple just a single reader that only reads the card you use mine nust have been too big a program since we could'nt get it to install a single reader might have a smaller program.

Card readers (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?N=2000170069+4024&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=69&Description=card+readers)link above
Thanks bro, I always forget to buy one when I go to walley world:crazy: I need one real bad. I have about 200 pics on the card already:roll_eyes: