Fluctuating Flows Challenge Striper Enthusiasts

YUBA CITY – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has been alternatively lowering and then raising water releases from Oroville Dam. The striped bass bite was just starting to heat up as fluctuating flows made fishing more difficult. Combined releases from Oroville Dam were 9,744 cfs at press time.

“The fish anglers were catching were solid schoolies averaging 5 to 6 pounds,” said Bryan Willis at Johnson’s Bait and Tackle. “They used 8 inch Glide Blades to hook their fish. The top lure colors were bone, blush trout and cotton candy.”

“DWR is conserving as much water as possible while continuing to meet federal guidelines for downstream...