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The stripers have arrived! Anne & I spent 3 hours trolling 10/17/04 on an outgoing tide and nailed 7 stripers. One went 35 inches and another 26 inches. Ed Monaghan Hot-Bites Fishing Reports

Updated Regularly
November 18, 2004

Last Issue

The stripers have arrived! Anne & I spent 3 hours trolling 10/17/04 on an outgoing tide and nailed 7 stripers. One went 35 inches and another 26 inches. Ed Monaghan

 
Coastal Mountains
Northern Coast
Oregon
Northern Mountains
Monterey Bay
NorCal Saltwater

 
North Eastern CA
Northern Sierras
Sacramento Valley
San Joaquin Valley
Alaska
Baja California

 
Central Sierras
Southern Sierras
Nevada
San Francisco Bay
Delta

Coastal Mountains

LAKE BERRYESSA BLACK BASS/RAINBOW TROUT... "As the temperature continues to drop at Lake Berryessa, fishing for bass and trout is heating up," reported Dino Righetti of Spanish Flat Resort.

"Bass anglers are reporting that the fish have followed the bait into the coves and are hitting worms and reaction lures," said Righetti. "The fish are on rocky banks, and are holding in 15 feet of water."

The average bass continues to be in the one to two pound category, but anglers are reporting catching good numbers. A mixture of spotted, smallmouth and largemouth bass are being taken.

Trout and salmon anglers are having a heyday all over the lake as the cold water species have moved to the surface and are chasing minnow imitations or threaded minnows. Most anglers report easily catching their limits, a mixture of rainbow trout and king salmon.

Catfish and crappie anglers continue to do well also. Catfish anglers report that nightcrawlers, livers and dip bait are producing all over the lake.

Crappie anglers are targeting docks or the trees in Capell Cove with mini jigs and minnows to fill the day, according to Righetti.

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North Coast


NORTH COAST... FORT BRAGG CRAB OPENER! Private boaters and party boat anglers are gearing up for the opening of crab season on November 27. Rick Thornton of Anchor Charters, Randy Thornton of Telstar Charters and the Noyo Fishing Center will begin crab-only charters when the season opens.

Meanwhile, anglers will have to settle for shore fishing for rockfish or boat fishing for sanddabs.

"Shore fishing and spear fishing for rockfish will remain open through December 31," said Jim Martin, author of "How to Fish the Mendocino Coast."

"The best places to fish for rockfish from shore are areas with access to deep water, such as Mussel Rock."

Anglers should use surf leaders with two hooks and tobacco bag sinkers. A variety of baits, including squid strips, anchovies and shrimp, will work.

For tasty sanddabs, Martin recommended fishing squid strips and other baits in 180 feet of water off Pudding Creek, right in front of the "Green Can."

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Oregon


ROGUE RIVER COHO SALMON/STEELHEAD... Drift boat anglers are nailing a mixture of coho salmon and steelhead on the upper Rogue River.

Scott Caldwell of SC Guide Service found good numbers of coho salmon and steelhead on his latest fishing adventure on the Rogue. "I landed two nice steelies in the 18-20 inch range on a hotshot plug," Caldwell explained. "The Rogue River is low and clear, with the flow around 1190 cfs but driftable."

Be sure to check the regulations before you go fishing on the Rogue. The bag limit is 2 adipose fin-clipped coho per day. High water conditions have pushed the bulk of the king salmon out of the lower Rogue River.

"All of the rivers are running normal for this time of year, in spite of the tough fishing," indicated Mike Hoefer of Rogue Sportfishing. "On the Rogue, we can see all the spawning chinook salmon, with only the occasional bright fish being spotted through the river. Coho salmon have also made their way up-river."

"Very few steelhead are holding in the river right now, but the bulk of the run will show up after Thanksgiving," said Hoefer.

According to Hoefer, conditions on the Chetco, Elk and Sixes rivers are too low and clear for safe drifting or fishing.

"The Elk and Sixes are both so low the fish are still holding out in the ocean waiting for rain before pushing into the river," he said. "Things should start picking up later this month."

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Northern Mountains


LAKE SHASTA RAINBOW TROUT/SPOTTED BASS... You'll still need to cover a lot of water and look for bait fish activity to catch a limit of rainbows at Lake Shasta.

"The best bite is still in the top 20 feet for trout, while the salmon are running a bit deeper - from the surface down to 60 feet," revealed Gary Miralles of Shasta Tackle Company. "The key to getting fish is covering large areas of the lake and working bait fish when located."

According to Miralles, the top lures being used for trout and salmon include Cripplures, Hum Dingers or Koke-A-Nuts teamed with Sling Blades. "Target areas from Digger Bay to Toupee Island or the face of the Dam for the best results," he tipped.

"There have also been some brown trout caught trolling large Hum Dingers or Rapalas at 3 mph in deeper water over the submerged islands," indicated Miralles.

Those trying for bass have found success on main body points with top water baits and worms. "Throwing top water Spooks in white or Lime Ice Vixen baits has been effective early in the morning, while reaction innovation worms or a dart headed #99 6" rainbow worm are effective later in the day," stated Tony Messer at Phil's Propellers. The fish are holding from 15 to 20 feet deep.

"If we get a bit more rain over the next week, look for the bass to move into the coves to feed," he added.

Lake Shasta is holding 2,134,000 acre feet of water, 47 percent of capacity, and the water level is 965 feet in elevation.

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Monterey Bay


MONTEREY SANDDABS/ROCKFISH... Foot traffic has been light in Monterey Bay, is spite of the great crab and sanddab fishing now available.

For example, over the last week, anglers fishing out of Chris Fishing Trips have been averaging five Dungeness crab per person. "Anglers are also taking home between 50 and 70 sanddabs each," noted Todd Arcoleo from Chris' Fishing Trips.

Anglers can load up crab from pots placed out in front of the harbor, while sanddabs are taken along local beaches, added Arcoleo. The sanddabs are falling for squid strips and other baits.

With Coast Guard inspections now over with, the crew from Randy's Fishing Trips is on vacation and will begin running crab and dab combos around Thanksgiving.

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North Eastern California


BAUM LAKE/IRON CANYON RAINBOWS & BROWNS... Baum Lake, Iron Canyon Reservoir and Lake Britton are the three main local fishing options in the Burney area, since the trout season closed on Monday, November 15.

Baum Lake is yielding the most consistent trout action in the region. "Spin fishermen are catching rainbows averaging 9 to 16 inches while tossing out nightcrawlers, Panther Martins and Kastmasters," revealed Steve Vaughn at Vaughn's Sporting Goods. "The fly fishers are also finding success on midge, blue wing olive and Copper John patterns in sizes #16 to #24."

No trophy-size rainbow, brown or brook trout have been taken from Baum lately, but the big fish action should start in mid-December, forecasted Vaughn.

"Iron Canyon Reservoir is too low to launch most boats," said Vaughn. "Shore anglers are experiencing fair to good action on rainbows and some browns in the 10 to 16 inch range. Anglers are averaging about 3 fish per day."

Smallmouth bass and crappie fishing has slowed down at Lake Britton with the arrival of cold weather. If you want to catch either species, remember to fish slow and deep. Fish jigs or spoon for the bass and Mini-Jigs for the crappie.

Anglers finished the stream trout season with good fly fishing on the wild trout sections of the Pit River and Hat Creek, added Vaughn.

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Northern Sierras


DAVIS/FRENCHMAN TROUT... Fall colors are showing in the trees of the Northern Sierra Nevada and anglers are taking advantage of the great trout fishing at Lake Davis.

"Trout fishing is very good right now, with anglers bringing in a lot of big fish caught at Davis Lake," reported Tammy Milby of Gold Rush Sporting Goods. "This week there we haven't seen any trout under 4 pounds weighed in. All of the fish are fat and healthy from foraging heavily throughout the summer months."

According to Milby, anglers are catching limits of rainbows while fishing a threaded night crawler or rainbow glitter Power Bait on a sliding sinker rig in Mallards Cove. "Use an 18 inch leader in deep water for the best success," she tipped. Anglers are also doing well casting cinnamon or olive Wooly Buggers.

Though most of the better trout fishing is from shore at Lake Davis, a few trollers are picking up fish in Catfish Cove on threaded worms fish on downriggers.

Over at Frenchman Lake, anglers are catching limits of rainbows both from shore and boat. "Some nice stringers of trout have been pulled from Frenchman over the last few weeks and the beautiful fall days make catching fish that more pleasurable," said Shirley Wiggin from Wiggin's Trading Post.

The top baits being used to attract fish from shore include worms, Power Bait and small lures. "The trout are coming up to the surface to feed and anglers are getting the fish to bite small Kastmasters and red little Dick Nite lures," she added.

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Sacramento Valley


AMERICAN RIVER KING SALMON/STEELHEAD TROUT... The salmon fishing on the American River has tapered off from the hot bite of two weeks ago, but the fishing is still good for this time of year.

"I've been catching fish everyday, but we're working harder for our fish now," said Randy Buffington of American River Guide Service. "The salmon we're taking are bright, fresh fish."

Buffington's drift boat trip on Saturday, November 13 yielded two salmon weighing 20 and 16 pounds for two anglers, while Friday's adventure produced three salmon to 14 pounds for one angler. At 11 a.m. on November 14, Buffington already had two salmon to 25 pounds in the boat.

"I've been fishing with Kwikfish in silver/chartreuse from Gristmill to Howe Avenue," said Buffington. "This might be the last push of salmon of the season moving through now. After the salmon run is over, I'll switch to steelhead fishing."

Bob Sparre of Rocky River Guide Service also reported solid fishing from the powerlines to Gristmill. Two anglers fishing with Sparre on Thursday landed four salmon, while his two clients on Friday bagged three kings in the 15 to 18 pound class.

"There are a lot of bank anglers fishing the lower river now, so it's very hard to fish," added Sparre. "One popular riffle had over 45 people fishing it on Friday."

Night fishing in the stretch from the Capital City Freeway to Discovery Park has slowed down dramatically. "We tried fishing on Saturday night, but didn't hook any fish," said Sparre.

Rod Abbott of Fishin FinAddict reported good salmon fishing in the American between Goethe Park and Gristmill on November 12. Abbott and his brother landed two chinooks in the 12 pound class. However, the same drift the following day didn't produce any salmon.

"Anglers are catching 1 to 2 salmon per rod on my drift boat trips from the powerlines to Gristmill," reported Jayson Thatcher of Norwest Executive Guide Service. "We're using M-2 Flatfish in the mornings and then we're switching over to back bouncing roe or back trolling jet divers with roe. Our biggest fish this week went 35 pounds, while the chinooks are averaging 10 to 20 pounds."

Thatcher also reported an average of one steelhead for every two salmon trips. Steelhead in the 5 to 6 pound range are falling for salmon roe.

Releases to the American River below Nimbus Dam are 1,539 cfs.

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Delta


EAST DELTA... A break between weather fronts has resulted in a lull in the fishing for stripers and black bass.

"The nasty, overcast weather provided us with excellent striped bass and largemouth fishing on the San Joaquin River area," stated Randy Pringle of The Fishing Instructor Guide Service. During periods of overcast weather, Pringle averaged 30 plus striped bass each trip, with fish ranging between 3 and 17 pounds.

However, on the day of this report, a brief window between fronts slowed the bite and Randy noted things to be "sporadic". "The stripers have taken a liking to a 3/4 oz. Road Runner as well as Hopkins Spoons and chrome and blue Diamond Shad lures," he tipped.

Pringle has experienced his best fishing this week on the San Joaquin River out of Lad's Marina.

For largemouth bass, Pringle targetting the bends of sloughs with worms. "Flippin' a Zero worm or 1.4 oz. Diamond Shad in crawdad or shad pattern is the ticket," he said. "Fish them in 8-12 feet of water with the least amount of current for the best results."

Don Paganelli of Paganelli's Bass Fishing Experience,/A> has found consistent striped bass fishing on the South Delta using both live bait and spoons. "My clients are averaging 15 fish-plus each trip, with the stripers running 10-16 pounds on average," he said. "My biggest fish this week was a 29-1/2 pound striper.

According to Paganelli, his best day on the water this week was when he and a client released over 40 stripers, with his largest being the 29-1/2 pounder. "We caught half of the bass on spoons and the other half on live bait," added Paganelli.

For a complete Delta Report, click here.

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San Joaquin Valley - Mother Lode


MILLERTON LAKE SPOTTED BASS... Drop shotting and split shotting are the key to big numbers of black bass at Millerton Lake," said Jeff Huth of Valley Rod and Gun. "We are still seeing a few better fish being taken on reaction baits, but worms are the ticket."

Huth said that a few fish will be taken each day on spinnerbaits in white or shad colors early in the morning and in the afternoon if the wind picks up. He also said a jig will catch a few fish. The majority of anglers can expect to get their fill of catching pound and a half bass by drop shotting and split shotting around trees.

The striper bite has yet to materialize. The fish are not expected to show until the next round of heavy storms.

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Central Sierras


INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR TROUT... Indian Creek Reservoir is the top angling prospect in the Carson Pass/Monitor Pass region, now that stream fishing is closed and the ice on most of the high elevation lakes is too dangerous for ice fishing.

Indian Creek was last stocked on Sunday, November 7 with 1,000 pounds of catchables and trophy trout to 10 pounds. "The plant was a mixture of mainly rainbows, with an assortment of brown and brook trout as well," reported Dave Kirby of Woodfords Store. "I would recommend fishing the east side of the lake from the old boat ramp to the dam."

Another trout fishery with open water still available is Upper and Lower Blue Lakes. "Lures may work, but Power Bait or inflated crawlers usually produce the most rainbows and browns here," he tipped.

Ice fishing conditions are still too dangerous at Caples and Red Lake, though anglers have picked off the occasional fish at the spillway of either lake with Power Bait and crawlers.

In spite of a few large trout caught on the East and West Carson Rivers during the last few weeks of the season, the overall fishing was a challenge, added Kirby.

For Wiza's Sierra's report, CLICK HERE.

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Southern Sierras


LOWER OWENS RIVER/PLEASANT VALLEY TROUT... The Lower Owens River, Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the Gorge section of the Owens provide your only chance to catch trout in the Eastern Sierra, now that the general trout season in Inyo and Mono Counties is closed.

The Lower Owens River is producing "very good" fishing in all sections, including the drift boat areas, with the recent stabilization of flows, according to Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Guide Service.

"The wild trout section has been experiencing some excellent blue wing olive and trico hatches, especially on the overcast days which have been plentiful," said Loe. "Nymphing with our crystal olive zebras and tigers #18-22 with a flashback mayfly pattern as the upper will get the job done nicely in the wild trout area."

The Owens Valley's elevation is about 4000 feet. It is classified as high desert and winter/early spring are by far the optimum times to fly fish this tailwater.

"Recent drift boat trips have been very good with 30 fish days common," said Loe. "Winter is the ideal time to drift secluded and difficult to reach sections of the Owens."

Please remember that this section of river is NZMS positive and rotten with the critters. Walk and wade in the streambed as little as possible and do your moving on dry ground.

For browns, give the Owens River Gorge a try. "There is no snow or ice down here and the little wild browns are on the bite," said Loe. "Have some may fly adults #18 and midge patterns #16-20 if you like to nymph."

If you want to experience decent float tubing, then Pleasant Valley Reservoir is your place. "Stick to streamer patterns with a full sinking or heavy sink tip line near the inlet or launch ramp areas. Loebergs, Punk Perches, and Crystal Leeches always work well here," Loe tipped.

The river section is fishing well, but the powerhouse will be generating off and on, so be prepared to move if the water levels rise. "Dry dropper tandems with a Drifters Crystal Tiger Midge #16-18 whack 'em here," advised Loe. "Fish the section just below the last riffle. The reservoir is extremely high, so you may find this area more towards the heavy brush than usual."

For Tom Loe's Sierras Report, click here.

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Nevada


PYRAMID LAKE CUTTHROATS ... The water temperature at Pyramid Lake has cooled down to 52 degrees. Though the Lahontan cutthroat fishing is still good, it isn't as hot as it was when the water was warmer, reported George Molino at the Pyramid Lake Store.

"The fishing is best for boaters now, though bank fishermen are also picking up fish," said Molino. "Everybody is catching fish. But whereas boats were reporting up to 40 fish when the water was warmer, we're catching around 20 fish now."

On his latest trolling adventure, Molino's clients caught 20 fish, keeping their limits and releasing the rest. "Most fish are averaging 17 to 18 inches, but we're also releasing a lot of fish in the slot from 19 to 22 inches," he explained.

Molino is trolling with Apex lures at 20 to 45 feet deep in the Warrior's and Pelican Point areas.

Shore anglers continue to find the top success while tossing spoons or fly fishing at the edge of deep water drop-offs. Among the better areas that Molino cites are Spider Point, the Block House and the Nets.

"One fly fishermen reported catching and releasing a 13 lb. 3 ounce cutthroat, but I didn't see the fish," added Molino.

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Bays and Ocean


SUISUN BAY STURGEON/STRIPERS... The bass and sturgeon bite is heating up in San Pablo Bay, with anglers scoring one fish per rod to limits of stripers and 1-3 keeper sturgeon per outing.

For example, Captain Jim Smith of Mr. Bass Sportfishing ran the charter boat Happy Hooker to Carquinez Strait on Saturday, November 13 to catch 15 bass for 13 passengers. "We fished live bait," noted Smith.

On Sunday, Jim took a light load to fish for sturgeon around the Big Cut and landed three legal sturgeon to 75 pounds. "All of the fish were caught soaking roe," he added.

During previous week, Captain James Smith of California Dawn Sportfishing filled in for Jim and ran the Happy Hooker to Point Pinole for limits of striped bass to 15 pounds for 17 anglers. Later in the week, James again ran the Happy Hooker to fish for bass at the Sisters and caught 34 bass for 22 anglers.

In between running the Happy Hooker, James took the Cal-Dawn out for bass and limited out for 17 passengers. James followed up that trip by landing three keeper sturgeon to 71 inches while fishing in Big Cut.

With the salmon run entering its tail stretch, anglers are now switching gears to target sturgeon in Suisun Bay.

"An average of 10 to 20 salmon are still being caught daily - all off First Street," reported Pam Royal of Benicia Bait & Tackle. "Anglers casting spinners are catching all of the fish."

Now that the salmon run is just about over, everyone is breaking out their sturgeon rods. "I've weighed in over a dozen keepers in the past three days alone," noted Royal. "The best area right now is at the east end of the Mothball Fleet for anglers using salmon roe, pile worms and eel."

A recent trip by Reel McCoy Sportfishing resulted in the capture of five legal sturgeon and a 35 pound striped bass. "They kept two of the sturgeon and released the others," said Royal. "The night before, the group bagged two keepers while fishing the fleet."

Captain John Badger of Barbarian Sportfishing has found consistent sturgeon fishing around Roe and Ryer islands and the "Big Cut."

"Today we have a 30 pound bass and 60 pound sturgeon in the box," noted Badger. "We also have released seven shakers. On Friday, November 12, three anglers fishing with me caught three sturgeon while using salmon roe.

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