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

[vini]

Pine Flat Reservoir

***Bass **Trout

Trout fishing has gotten tougher,

YEP we got skunked today but i had a chance to get out and pratice with my fly rod , snapped one fly off and caught alot of brush branchs etc. :p

We fished from pineflat damn down to avacado lake in about 5 places, saw one fish caught at avacado.

[Capt Steve]

Vini, you gotta tie a fly that looks like a hatchery food pellet. :)

[vini]

LMBO:worship: Captain now thats a thought:0a32:

[hopnbrly]

Fly fishing is something that I have always wanted to learn how to do.Guess Im going to have to find the time to take a class in it.

[centralcalcat]

Pine Flat Reservoir

***Bass **Trout

Trout fishing has gotten tougher,

YEP we got skunked today but i had a chance to get out and pratice with my fly rod , snapped one fly off and caught alot of brush branchs etc. :p

We fished from pineflat damn down to avacado lake in about 5 places, saw one fish caught at avacado.


Robb what happened to ya saturday??????????? I go ta call in the mornign saying you couldn't go???????

Vini we need to hook up I have your fishing pole in my garage.

[vini]

Vini we need to hook up I have your fishing pole in my garage.


What you stold one of my poles or what man:p I did'nt even notice :confused:

Hey i'm going to be starting work in Kerman looks like at least for a week so going to be hitting the mendota maybe after work one day this week, see how it goes, I don't like the supervisor who runs that crew so this might not last very long, its a long story but he's got little mans complex:mad: which doesn't work well with my big mans complex LOL:cool:

[centralcalcat]

Yeah I stole it fair and square when you dropped me off the other night, btu I figure and I'll be nice and give it back:p

Give me a call, i will be busy for most of the week, but maybe we can hook up this weekend.

[vini]

That'll work i am DEFINETLY not working this weekend

[centralcalcat]

Gimme a cal I will even be nice and not charge a ransome for the fishing pole:evil-big:

[daystarchis]

Hey Vince..... Got your message on the recorder. You better leave us some fish. You know you will be hitting the slough everyday this week:rolleyes: I am good to go this Sat or Sun. Need to fill up my propane tank;) I will do that today or tomorrow.
Hey Brian, Sorry dude. I got sicker than a dog and could make it SAt.

[centralcalcat]

Hey Vince..... Got your message on the recorder. You better leave us some fish. You know you will be hitting the slough everyday this week:rolleyes: I am good to go this Sat or Sun. Need to fill up my propane tank;) I will do that today or tomorrow.
Hey Brian, Sorry dude. I got sicker than a dog and could make it SAt.


Excuses excuses, jk buddy. let me know if you want to head to Pine Flat sometime during the week over the next couple of weeks. i am game pretty much anyday.

[Mutt]

hope i get to go fishing one day this month :sad:

[centralcalcat]

hope i get to go fishing one day this month :sad:


Come on down Mutt. I always welcome another brother along.

[daystarchis]

Hey Brian,
I hear Vince ordered a gallon of DK'S...... I think he be useing it as sandwich spread. lol!

[centralcalcat]

Hey Brian,
I hear Vince ordered a gallon of DK'S...... I think he be useing it as sandwich spread. lol!


I can't blame him Robb it is tasty stuff,. when we going fishin Robb????? You are hack...hack...sick remember?????? So call into work and i'll come get cha

[daystarchis]

Sat looks good to me.

[centralcalcat]

Sat looks good to me.


I am thinking about taking Friday off and going you interested??

[daystarchis]

Fri I have a training I have to attend.

[centralcalcat]

Fri I have a training I have to attend.


Yeah I have to train you how to catch trout....:p

That's cool, just let me know I may not be able to make Saturday though.

[vini]

You guys need to come out Friday afternoon IF i'm still working in kerman right after work i'm going over to the sleugh to fish going to bring the BBQ and some meat stuff to burn and some iced down rootbeer:0a28:

[vini]

Pick his butt up Friday afternoon Brian and you guys come out there i'll be waiting with a large stringer of channels i'll leave a few for yooz:p

Yep bought a whole gallon of the stuff bring some ritz whichah.


Mutt get down here man and join us be happy to meet a few more brothers and we got plenty of room on the bank, well me an Robb take up alot of it but we'll suck our guts in a little for ya man.:o

[daystarchis]

I can get off around 2:30 pm Fri. I'm a go. What you want me to bring?

[hopnbrly]

Im going to have to make it down you guys way again.It will have to get a touch warmer though cause Im the first to admit Im a wuss when it comes to cold weather.The wife really enjoys her hotel stay while I have the fish laugh at me in your neighborhood.

[daystarchis]

Hey Lloyd....Any time bro. Remember I have a tent and you are more than welcome to use it. I will fish with you anytime bro. Next time you come down will be your time to hook a hog.

[vini]

I can get off around 2:30 pm Fri. I'm a go. What you want me to bring?


DK's;) you got wheels? or can Brian pick you up? I'll be done with work right around 2-2:30 so i'll get us a spot picked out

[daystarchis]

I will get off at 2:00 What time you going Brian? Yep, I could take the "fox".

[Capt Steve]

There is a chance I'll be able to join you brothers for 2 or 3 hours Fri afternoon. So give me a clue where you will be. If you are in the Reserve I'll find you.

[vini]

HEY that would be Great Captain should'nt be hard to find us i drive a white GMC with a white camper shell on the bed theres 5 gold stars on the back window of the shell, Robbs going to be in his new Jeep I think its blue. Hope Brian can make it also.

[hopnbrly]

I appreciate the offer Robb.Got a question for ya,are dogs required to be on a leash at the reserve?My little 13" beagle loves going fishing with me(well shes not really little built like a blue cat)A couple of months ago I got myself a older Ford ranger with a camper shell for fishing I guess I need to put it to use.

[daystarchis]

Great Capt. See ya out there. I will be out there around 3 pm. Bring out your doggie Lloyd. They do not have to be on a leash.

[daystarchis]

Hey Vince, I talked to Brian last night on the phone and he said he will be out there before 2 pm. He said he will grab our fishing hole.

[Capt Steve]

HEY that would be Great Captain should'nt be hard to find us i drive a white GMC with a white camper shell on the bed theres 5 gold stars on the back window of the shell, Robbs going to be in his new Jeep I think its blue. Hope Brian can make it also.
I'll be in my maroon van. I have someone lined up to take care of my wife so I'll be there.

[Capt Steve]

That was great, finally got to meet Robb and Vini. I got skunked though. Not even a nibble. I had to leave at 6pm so they will probably have a story about all the monsters they caught after I left. :)

[vini]

Good to meet you also Captain sorry about you're skunk and Robbs too:p me i got that one little scragglin baby channel that barely counts BUT:thumbsup: i'll take it.


I told Robb you're designated decoy joke that was a good'n for sure you caught one big fish tonight a sucker (me):p

We did'nt get another bite after you left wrapped it up at 8:30 can only take so much abuse then a guy just has to walk away from it, but it was a nice day out.


Oh and i did get you on video ya had yur back turned HEH HEHEHEHE:0a6:

[Mutt]

/me makes a mental note to not turn my back on robb or vini :p

[vini]

/me makes a mental note to not turn my back on robb or vini :p

Wise man Mutt:D

[Capt Steve]

Oh and i did get you on video ya had yur back turned HEH HEHEHEHE:0a6:
Was I making one of my patented supersonic, running, jumping, grunting, two-handed surfcasts?

[2nightfishers]

Wife and I are headed to Mendota to give it a try. I'll let everyone know how we did when we get back.

[vini]

Was I making one of my patented supersonic, running, jumping, grunting, two-handed surfcasts?


:0a32: naw just got yur bakend walkin away, me n Robb were snurkin like little kids i doubt either of us will ever grow up,:p

[vini]

Wife and I are headed to Mendota to give it a try. I'll let everyone know how we did when we get back.


Hey Welcome 2 night and good luck hope you have you're warm mittens with you it got really cold last night, let us know hope you do better then we did:mad:

[Capt Steve]

Wife and I are headed to Mendota to give it a try. I'll let everyone know how we did when we get back.
Welcome to the forum Randy. I wish I could take my wife out fishing with me.

[vini]

Hope the wifes health improves Captain, i meant to ask have you looked into alternative medicines?( more natural ways) sometimes drugs take more out of a person then the illness itself especially with side effects.

[vini]

We got bait thats a gallon of DK's:p

[daystarchis]

Hey Capt. It was great to meet you bro! I know will wet a line again soon.;)

[daystarchis]

Cool another local catfisherman:) Welcome to the BOC Randy!!!!! How you and your wife do at the slough?

[2nightfishers]

I caught 3 cats and a big bluegill. We had an equiptment malfunction and headed back home around 9 pm. I ordered some of the DK's and it came today,We hope to give it a try real soon.

[daystarchis]

Alright 2nightfishers! atleast ya'll didn't get skunked like Capt. and I did:crying: What did you catch that gill on? I am gonna hit the slough real early Sat morn. If anyone is interested it hooking up Sat, let me know.

[2nightfishers]

I caught them all on nightcrawlers. The wife was trying every thing else, shrimp, liver, hot dog, anchovie and some dip bait. The only thing they liked were the crawlers. Good Luck Saturday, let us know how you do.

[vini]

yep last time i was there i caught several fish on the crawlers and was getting alot of bites on them, weird how one day all they bite on is stink bait then anchovies and on other days its just worms:confused:

[vini]

Alright 2nightfishers! atleast ya'll didn't get skunked like Capt. and I did:crying: What did you catch that gill on? I am gonna hit the slough real early Sat morn. If anyone is interested it hooking up Sat, let me know.


I may say heck with work Saturday and go Robb all this patch work and sanding is making me sinus sick, spitting up yellow junk:sad: now, it's irratating my sinus's and drying them out and every morning i feel like throwing up and weak as heCK!

[daystarchis]

I may say heck with work Saturday and go Robb all this patch work and sanding is making me sinus sick, spitting up yellow junk:sad: now, it's irratating my sinus's and drying them out and every morning i feel like throwing up and weak as heCK!

I know you are aching to get out there and open up that gallon of DK's;) Let me know bro. If the wind is low, we should either try the Delta mendota or the Auquaduct. Just a thought:rolleyes:

[vini]

I say we try delta mendota by the damn i'll see what i can do about putting off that job saturday.

I spent $154.00 tonight at walmart got that tent and air mattress and a new lantern, fuel and some Bass stuff that Brian told me to get for Large mouth, buncha other carp too,.

[daystarchis]

Thats cool. I dunno if there is a place to put a tent at the delta mendota. We should check it out though;) Just let me know what time.

[vini]

We need to go to merritts man there catching bookoo sturgeon i hear tell maybe next weekend?

[centralcalcat]

Whats the Plan for fishing this weekend boys? I am ready just let me know.:p

[daystarchis]

The plan is Vince and I are going to your house, hog tie you and take you fishing:) Be good to do an over nighter. Vince just got a new tent and air mattres;) What do ya think?

[vini]

NEW VIDEO

I could'nt get the sound on this one so put a little jingle in there instead:rolleyes:







http://media.putfile.com/Brians-goldfish

[daystarchis]

Great Video Vince! Love Brian's huge gold fish;) ROFLOL! No, just messing. That carp faught hard:p

[vini]

2 hours now trying to figure out why i got no sound and FINALLY figured it out and have the original sound but i'm going to have to redo it when i have more time.

THAT FISH FOUGHT
HARD no doubt i have alot more respect for those carp now we need som carp stink bait LOL

[daystarchis]

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir

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

Trout fishing had slowed, but suddenly picked up again to a wide open bite on trout in the 3- to 5-pound range for anglers trolling upriver between the two bridges at 20 feet with shad patterned lures like the Cop Car Needlefish or silver/black Rapala, said Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sports. Firetiger Needlefish or Apexes also have been working. Most fish are near the surface so trolling the lures behind the boat at least 80 to 120 feet, or using a side planer, is critical to avoid spooking the fish. Shore anglers actually have been picking up the biggest fish soaking Power Bait, nightcrawler/marshmallow combos, or throwing Kastmasters, off the Tuttletown boat ramp, Glory Hole Cove, and Angel's Cove. Dave Camden of Arnold got a 5.6-pound rainbow on a 'crawler at Angel's Cove. Kokanee also are starting to show in the main lake near Rose Island, in the 12- to 14-inch range. Bass fishing is still fair to good for fishermen throwing swimbaits, dropshot rigs, Senkos, jigs and some ripbaits for fish in the 2- to 3-pound class. The recent Nor-Cal Pro-Am Tournament produced five-fish limits for 44 of the 45 teams, and a winning total of 22.28 pounds for Joe Bruce and Robert Becker, which included an 11.6-pound largemouth taken on a rainbow trout Huddleston swimbait. Catfish are slow. Crappie and perch are slow.

Call: (209) 736-4333

Lake Isabella

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

Trout fishing picked up to a good bite for both trollers and bank anglers on limits of fish to 5 pounds, Ed Cordell of Big Ed's Bait and Tackle said. Bank anglers are catching fish on rainbow or chartreuse Power bait fishing near any of the dams. Trollers are fishing with 'crawler setups as well as drifting minnows to entice the big trout in the French Gulch, Boulder Gulch or dam areas. Most fish are being taken fairly shallow or by flatlining the baits Water level at the lake is fairly stable. Bass fishing is very poor. Catfish in the 2- to 4-pound range are still on a fair bite. 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 a 16-pounder and a 12-pounder coming on minnows fished off Goosehead Point by Jose Mendoza of Castroville, said Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle. Most fish have been small but anglers are doing the best working minnows a few feet off the bottom in 40 to 60 feet of water. Anglers fishing Portuguese Cove have gotten good numbers of mainly school-sized fish. The Highway 152 area has been producing a decent topwater bite along the shoreline, Bristow said. The Forebay has been steady for 3- to 5-pound stripers on minnows or cutbait, with no reports of bigger fish. Water at the lake is at the top, with a capacity of 2 million acre feet. Los Banos Creek Reservoir has a decent bass bite for small fish, while trout fishing is fair to good for limits of small trout on Power Bait or Kastmasters. 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

Angler pressure has been heavier causing the bite to slow at times for anglers throwing pumpkin or purple colored plastics or jigs in 10 to 30 feet of water for decent numbers of fish in the 2- to 4-pound range. Average fishermen are scoring on several fish per rod at the stained water lake. Experienced anglers throwing swimbaits and jigs have scored some big bass in the 10-pound range. Anticipated colder weather changes could turn the bite off for a few days, but a predicted renewed warming pattern after the front may re-ignite the bite, Jeff Huth said. Trout fishing is good for trollers working flasher/'crawler combos near the dam, with fish to 16 inches filling out limits for the few anglers working the water, Mark Inman said.

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

Hensley Lake

**Bass **Trout *Catfish *Crappie

Bass fishing for good numbers of small bass in the 11/2 pound range holding in 10 to 15 feet of water in the 5-mph area and taking dropshot rigs remains fair, Mark Inman said. The murky water lake has light angler pressure as most fishermen hone in on Eastman Lake. Splitshotted lizards and 1/4 oz. brown/watermelon colored rigs should also be good bets. Very little reaction bite right now but the fish should move up into the shallows very soon, Huth predicted. Water is starting to somewhat stabilize. Trout fishing is fair, with few anglers.

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

McSwain Reservoir

**Trout

Trout fishing is fair, with a decent bite for trollers pulling Wedding Ring spinners tipped with a 'crawler behind a Ford Fender in 25 feet of water worked from the dam to the floating bathroom, Diana Mello said. Limits are possible. Shore fishing is also fair for fishermen soaking Power bait or inflated 'crawlers near the handicap dock or the Brushpile, for possible limits.

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 a few nice cats coming from the McCabe Road area.

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

Millerton Lake

***Bass *Stripers

Spotted bass fishing is good for decent numbers of small spotted bass biting jigs, and dropshotted plastics in the main lake fished from 10 to 60 feet deep, with 25 feet being the best all around depth. The WON Bass Tournament kicked out a 10-pound winning total for five fish, Huth said. Lots of males are starting to show up in the 1-pound range. The main lake has been the best location for the biggest fish, but the area above the 35-mph buoys has produced the best numbers. Boulder piles and cover are the best structures to focus on for the fish. Working the areas around the willows in the shallows should also start to hold fish very soon. Striper action has been nonexistent for the past few months. Water level is rising about 1/3 foot a day and the current level is 416,000 acre feet storage out of 520,000.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Pine Flat Reservoir

***Bass **Trout

Trout fishing for limits of planter-sized fish has been easy for anglers using Cop Car or Bikini Needlefish tipped with a 'crawler and slow trolled at 20 feet between the powerlines, Huth said. Few of the bigger trout have been cooperating with fishermen. Bass fishing is good for numbers of 11/2 pound spots holding close to shore in the early morning then sliding out into deeper water. The keys are to use light line in the clear water, then use long casts that will not spook the wary shallow-water holding fish in the morning. Plastics like Aaron's Magic, and the Roboworm Hologram Shad are working. The fish are holding in 5 to 15 feet of water till noon, then move out into 15 to 45 feet of water later in the day. Coves and cuts are the most productive patterns to fish, with Sycamore and Big Creek good areas to work.

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

Lake Kaweah

**Bass **Crappie **Trout *Catfish

Bass fishing for medium-sized bass got tougher, with low water conditions and a full moon slowing things down, James Mize said. Trout fishing for planter-sized fish using Power bait and 'crawlers is fair. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows or jigs.

Call: 592-5922

Lake Success

**Bass **Trout *Catfish

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

Call: 784-2235

McClure Reservoir

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

Trout fishing for 3- to 4-pound rainbows slowed to a good pace with fewer numbers of the big trout showing, probably due to the full moon, Diana Mello said. Wedding Ring spinners and red or pink Apexes pulled behind flashers were the best bet. The bite could resume at a wide open level once the full moon passes. Surprizingly, a salmon bite also has developed for fish to 41/2 pounds on Cop Car Needlefish trolled at 15 to 40 feet. Salmon to 6 pounds are possible. Bass fishing is steady for fish to 41/2 pounds on shad patterned plastics fished off of mud flats adjacent to deep water access. Motor oil colored plastics as well as a clear pattern with a blue spot Roboworm have been effective. The fish are starting to stage and can be seen cruising the banks, Mello said. Crappie fishing exploded for limits of slabs taking minnows and some jigs, almost anywhere on the lake under a houseboat or over a submerged island in depths from 10 to 40 feet. The fishing is best from sunset to midnight. Cats are slow.

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

Lake Don Pedro

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

Trout fishing is still good for rainbows to 3 pounds on shad Excel's or an Uncle Larry's Blue Perch tipped with a'crawler at 75 feet in the Mexican Gulch, Big Oak Island or Jenkin's Hilll, said Danny Layne of Fishin' Dan's Guide Service. King salmon can be found off the face of the dam at depths of 25 to 35 feet on rolled shad. Bass fishing has been fair to slow for anglers throwing dropshot plastics in shallow water from 0 to 20 feet deep, but anglers putting in the time with swimbaits have taken some fish to 10 pounds. An Angler's Choice Semi-Pro Tournament produced a wining total of 14.26 pounds for five fish as well as a big fish of 3.94 pounds for the 23 teams competing.

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

[hopnbrly]

Hey Robb I love your fishing reports!Do you get them out of the Fresno paper?

[daystarchis]

Thanks Lloyd:) Yes, I get them out of the Fresno Bee. I usually post em on Wednesday. I will keep them coming.

[hopnbrly]

Thanks bud,I look forward to ours here in Modesto but they dont match up to the ones that you post.

[daystarchis]

VALLEY

New Melones Reservoir

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

Trout fishing slowed with the passing of the cold storm through the area, but anglers are getting one to three fish in the 3- to 5-pound range per rod, Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sports said. Cop Car Needlefish and silver/black Countdown Rapalas trolled at 20 feet are the best bets, although some fish are coming from the 30- to 50-foot depths, working the area upriver between the two bridges. Trolling the lures behind the boat at least 80-120 feet, or using a side planer, is critical to avoid spooking the fish. Shore anglers are picking up big fish soaking PowerBait, 'crawler/marshmallow combos or throwing Kastmasters off the Tuttletown boat ramp, Glory Hole Cove and Angel's Cove. Mike Derby of Railroad Flats won big fish of the week honors with a 5-pound trout taken on rainbow PowerBait in Angel's Cove. Kokanee in the 12- to 14-inch range are showing in the main lake near Rose Island. Bass fishing is fair to good on swimbaits, dropshot rigs, Senkos, jigs and some ripbaits for fish in the 2- to 3-pound class. Fish are holding at 20-50 feet since the cold front passed, but better weather should move them shallower again soon. Catfish, crappie and perch are slow.

Call: (209) 736-4333

Lake Isabella

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

Trout fishing is on a good bite for both trollers and bank anglers on limits of fish to 4 pounds at the cold lake, Bob's Bait said. Most fish are being taken fairly shallow or by flatlining the baits. Bass fishing is poor. Catfish in the 2- to 4-pound range, and in good numbers, are on a fair to good bite. 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

Several fish in the 20-pound range and one 30-pounder highlighted the improved striper fishing this week at the Forebay and big lake, Larry Bristow of Lucky Larry's Bait and Tackle said. Most were taken on minnows. The 30-pounder was reported to have come from the Portuguese Cove area on a minnow. The Highway 152 area has continued to produce a decent topwater bite along the shoreline for school-sized fish, as well as by the Dinosaur Point and Basalt launch ramp areas. The Forebay has been kicking out a good number of 7- to 8-pound fish on trolled Rapalas or Rebels. Water at the lake is at the top, with a capacity of 2 million acre feet. Los Banos Creek Reservoir has a decent bass bite for fish to 5 pounds, while trout fishing is good for limits of small trout on PowerBait.

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

Eastman Lake

**Bass **Trout *Bluegill *Catfish

Colder weather dampened the bite, but anglers tossing Brushhogs in purple or Junebug colors are picking up a decent number of fish to 4 pounds working the 35-foot depth range during the day, Jeff Huth said. Working creek channels and secondary points is productive. Early morning fish are holding at 5-15 feet before sliding out deeper as the sun rises. Mark Inman reported a decent bite on Brushhogs in watermelon colors at 20 feet. Ranger Nicolas Figueroa said fishing was impacted by the cold winds, but he expected the bite to heat up as the weather warms. He also reported that Wade Veneman, fishing with Ron Sanches of Fresno, got a 12-pounder. Trout fishing is good for the few trollers working flasher/'crawler combos near the dam.

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

Hensley Lake

**Bass **Trout *Catfish *Crappie

Bass fishing for good numbers of small bass in the 1 1/2-pound range has been steady, but should improve in the near future, Jeff Huth said. Fishing structure like the rock piles with jigs at 5-25 feet has been the best. Some spinnerbait and crankbait action. Lots of anglers have overlooked Hensley recently, but fishing should pick up for bigger bass soon, with a vote for Brushhogs right now, Mark Inman said. Splitshotted lizards should also be good bets. Trout fishing is fair, with few anglers.

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

McSwain Reservoir

*Trout

Trout fishing is poor after the lake was drained down to almost a river channel because of hydroelectric repair, Diana Mello said. The water level was refilled, but the bite might be tough for a while as the fish adapt to the changes. Anglers had a field day during the draw down, finding all the lost flashers littering the bottom that trollers had lost over the years.

Call: McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534

Delta Mendota canal and slough

**Stripers *Crappie **Catfish

The canal north of the forebay is kicking out good numbers of school-sized stripers on anchovies and cutbait, Larry Bristow said. The canal south of Los Banos has a renewed bite on small stripers as the water flow started again. The aqueduct is steady for small stripers.

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

Millerton Lake

**Bass *Stripers

Spotted bass fishing is consistent for good numbers of mostly small fish that anglers are catching on dropshotted worms and 1/8-ounce dartheads tipped with a 41/2-inch Hologram Shad Roboworm in the no-ski area and off main lake points at around 35 feet, Jeff Huth said. Jigs in quarter-ounce sizes are working for the slot-sized spots. The best area for sheer numbers has been the rock wall area above the 35-mph no-ski zone. Striper action is nonexistent. Water level is falling about one-third-foot a day and the current level is 407,000 acre feet storage out of 520,000.

Call: 225-1838, 292-3474

Pine Flat Reservoir

**Bass **Trout

Trout fishing for limits of planter-sized fish continues to work for fishermen longlining straight 'crawler rigs behind small flashers, or Cop Car Needlefish tipped with a 'crawler, at 25-35 feet, Jeff Huth said. Windy Gap and the dam are the two best areas to troll. Getting the trolled lures farther away from the boat has been essential to not spooking the wary fish. Bigger rainbows have been tough to come by. Bass fishing is fair to good for numbers of 1 1/2-pound spots on dropshotted worms and jigs, with brown/purple jigs with a brown Yamamoto trailer the top choice, Huth said. Some spinnerbait fish working at times. Sycamore and Trimmer areas have been beaten up with angler traffic, but they should recover soon.

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

Lake Kaweah

**Bass **Crappie **Trout *Catfish

Bass fishing has been tough with cold conditions slowing the bite, James Mize of Valley Rod and Gun 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

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

Call: 784-2235

McClure Reservoir

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

Trout fishing for big rainbows is good at the steady-level lake for anglers trolling shad-patterned Needlefish at 35-40 feet, Diana Mello said. Watermelon-colored or the purple-dotted trout-pattern Needlefish are popular. Some anglers are scoring on trout drifting 'crawlers or minnows around the dam area at 40 feet, for possible limits. Use the lightest splitshot possible when drifting the 'crawlers because the fish seem to prefer a slow presentation. The bite could resume at a wide-open level once the weather warms. Some salmon possible, on 'crawlers worked by the dam at 40 feet or deeper, but the bite has slowed. Bass fishing slowed to a crawl as the cold front moved through the area, with a rapid shutdown of the bite. The last Fresno Bass Club tournament was won with a total weight of 15.98 pounds by Bill Kunz of Hanford on Texas-rigged worms in Purple Death or oxblood colors. The best bet has been to work live bait, such as crawdad, in the early morning or motor oil-colored plastics, Mello said. Warming temps should turn the bite back soon. Crappie fishing went to a crawl as the storm passed, but should pick up. The best areas are Barretts Cove, the Marina and Piney Creek areas. The slabs are holding tighter to cover and biting minnows once you find them. 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 to 3 pounds on Uncle Larry's spinners or green-backed Excels tipped with a 'crawler at shallow depths in the Fleming Bay, Big Oak Island or Jenkin's Hill, Danny Layne of Fishin' Dan's Guide Service said. King salmon to 3 pounds can be found in the Mexican Gulch area at a depth of 40 feet on rolled shad. Bass fishing has been fair for anglers throwing dropshotted plastics in shallow water, as well as some bigger swimbait fish. An ABA Bass Tournament produced a winning total of 19.08 pounds for Bryan Russelman and Joe Bruce as well as the big fish of 9.67 pounds.

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

[daystarchis]

Taking my boat out to the slough tomorrow. Anyone want to tag along is more than welcome. Gonna take tomorrow and 1/2 today off. Need to go out to my ranch and pick up the boat. You working Vince???

[Whistler]

Rob, I sure wish I could take you up on that!! If I leave now, I'd get there about 3PM tomorrow afternoon if I drive nonstop. LOL It's 2200 miles from here to L.A. LOL Darn!! You should have posted this sooner, like Monday!! LOL Seriously, I wish it were possible to get back out that way this year. But it probably isn't gonna happen for a couple of years. Good luck tomorrow.

[daystarchis]

Bryan, you know you always got an open invite. When you come out make sure to let me know. You and your family are more than welcome to stay at my home.

[vini]

You'd eat good Bryan at Robbs house thats for sure, I always have:)

I got a 2/3 rds full day tomorrow no work this weekend, what time will you be out there Robb? i'd like to pickup some minnows and see about some crappie and bass. You staying out the night? I may pack everything and stay the night this time.

I'll try to call later or in the morning catch you/

[daystarchis]

Man dude! I forgot I have this Methamphetamine summit I have to attend tomorrow:crying: I got to go. All the feds gonna be there and it is a "who's who" kind of ting. I had it marked down wrong on my calendar:mad: My secretary reminded me when I was about to sneak out after lunch:confused: I was sooooo pissed I didn't even leave. I will be a go after 4 pm. I could meet you out there. I dunno. What ever. Really bummed. I was looking forward to being out there early. Let me know.

[daystarchis]

I am going after the summit and picking up the boat Vince. If you wanna come by my place cool. I need to clean it up. It been covered and in my shop. Just need to change the light adapter for my jeep. Be nice to use the new captain chairs that I put in last year. I know some nice crappie spots up the river. Also back down the river behind Jacks resort is some nice cat and crappie spots too. I better charge up my spot light. You wanna do and all nighter I am game Vince. Just let me know. We could go back there to the pipe and bridge. There are those canals back there too.

[vini]

I'll hook up with you this evening Robb i been patching and sanding all day and need my little rest/ nap time then i'll give you a call and come over.

[Capt Steve]

I went out to the Game Reserve this morning. Got there just at sunrise. Lots of bites on liver. Caught a 3 lb flathead (I think) at 8:00 and a couple 2 lb channels after that. Saw a couple beavers swim past. Not crowded, just me and the DFG. Couple bass boats launched as I was leaving. Was a great morning to get my attituce adjusted. :)

[Capt Steve]

A White cat not a flat, had 19 anal fin rays and short lower jaw.

[Capt Steve]

Mr Beaver checking me out.

[daystarchis]

I went out to the Game Reserve this morning. Got there just at sunrise. Lots of bites on liver. Caught a 3 lb flathead (I think) at 8:00 and a couple 2 lb channels after that. Saw a couple beavers swim past. Not crowded, just me and the DFG. Couple bass boats launched as I was leaving. Was a great morning to get my attituce adjusted. :)
Thanks for the report capt.;) Vince and I are heading out there tomorrow morn. May stay the night. If any ya'll head out there and want to hook up with us, give me a call. 559-293-0458

[vini]

I went out to the Game Reserve this morning. Got there just at sunrise. Lots of bites on liver. Caught a 3 lb flathead (I think) at 8:00 and a couple 2 lb channels after that. Saw a couple beavers swim past. Not crowded, just me and the DFG. Couple bass boats launched as I was leaving. Was a great morning to get my attituce adjusted. :)

We got flatheads out there Capt? mighta been a big mudcat? they have some big ol heads on them.

Never seen the beavers guess there coming out of the winter sleep.

Robb caught a nice little cat and I caught me a nice 3-4 pound large mouth on live minnow out by the pump, they had the back side open today for us again YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

Heres the bass,,, man what a fight caught her under one of the cotton wood trees strong dang fish

[vini]

I've got video footage to work on so i'll be posting that later on

[2nightfishers]

hows the cat bite at Mendota. I snagged the smallest channel i have ever seen down by the bridge. It had been stealing my bait for awhile before i finally snagged him:o

[Capt Steve]

they had the back side open today for us again YEAH!!!!!!!!!!



Was the gate by the ramp open? There were duckhunters shooting on Friday.

[vini]

Good going 2night fishers that'll teachum.

Yep Gates were open today it was nice to get back there, birds everywhere.

[daystarchis]

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!! Beautiful yesturday! Nice Black bass there vini;) That is what I love about holding gatherings there :) Nice place to camp for large groups, Free access to launch, camp. Awesome Bass (lrg and sml mouth), strippers, numerous varieties of pan fish, carp, cats. The crappie and bass were jumping all over yesturday. Vince should of had 3-4 of those nice bass:confused: I look forward every year to the Central California Gathering:o I love Mendota Slough. Awesome place:p

[vini]

I have the video downloaded I just have to do some editing so everyone can see the area we were at and where you like having the Gatherings, promiss to get it up later i have to get my butt to work right now.

Yeah I lost a few other fish, bass or Crappie:confused: sure i'll get the touch soon enough It was a good day, i feel alot better today Robb and had a good talk with Tammy this morning finally, making plans to head out there end of next month for a week in Texas:p .

[daystarchis]

I have the video downloaded I just have to do some editing so everyone can see the area we were at and where you like having the Gatherings, promiss to get it up later i have to get my butt to work right now.

Yeah I lost a few other fish, bass or Crappie:confused: sure i'll get the touch soon enough It was a good day, i feel alot better today Robb and had a good talk with Tammy this morning finally, making plans to head out there end of next month for a week in Texas:p .
Cool Vince. Thats just what the dr. ordered....A trip to texas;)

[vini]

TELLIN ME Gimme a double dose:p

[Mutt]

Hey Robb how does a person get to where you want the gathering at? comming from turlock area?

[daystarchis]

Hey mutt, Here is a map from Stoskton. Also Hwy 99. Lloyd is from Modesto area. I think he comes down 99. Let me see If I can down load these things;)

[daystarchis]

Let me try this.....

[Mutt]

okie dokie thanks
hey your saying there is camping there ok what are thier rules on dogs not sure if i will have any one around to take care of our dog if not we will have to bring em

[daystarchis]

You can have dogs. It is primative. No showers. They have 2 or 3 porta potties for the entire place. lol. Tim several years ago brought his 5th wheel. You fish where you camp. The water is that close. Some times at night coon hunters may come by with their dogs. Its pretty cool. The water bebhind Vince in the pict with the bass holds 10000000's of crawdads. Big one! Easy to catch with traps or even with twin and piece of mack or someting. Dogs are fine. Tim brought theris several years ago.

[daystarchis]

Oh..... There are snakes. LOL. Seen 2 kings yesturday. I seen several rattlers out there. When Brian, Vince and I went way back there on the other side, I walked of to take a lil break and had my red head light on. Heard some rustleing in the brush and a deer almost big as me poped his head out:frk-big: Scared the hell out of me:0a10:

[daystarchis]

Here are a few pics from 2004 Central California Gathering.

[daystarchis]

Three more of 2004.

[vini]

Gathering spot


http://media.putfile.com/gathering-site

[vini]

Yeah I saw you jump 5 feet in the air when that snake popped out of the weeds, LOL:0a12:

[daystarchis]

Gathering spot


http://media.putfile.com/gathering-site

I think I heard that pump turn on Vini????:rolleyes:

[vini]

Wonder what DFG fines for turning there pumps off:confused: :p

[daystarchis]

Wonder what DFG fines for turning there pumps off:confused: :p
:eek: I be xtra careful;)

[vini]

I knows u is:004: buckeroooo