08/9/22
Summer conditions are in full swing with warm to hot temperatures with monsoonal rain in the upper elevations. Fishing has been good in many areas from the high Sierra to the coast. Ocean Salmon and Rockfish bites are so-so to wide open depending on the day. Kokanee, trout, and landlock kings are available at many local lakes. Kokanee are starting to turn so the time is now for big Kokanee before they completely turn to spawning condition. Water temperatures are on the rise, resulting in deeper fishing for coldwater species. Get out and enjoy the water while lake levels are still high enough and ramps are in the water.
BULLARDS BAR: Kokanee are being caught at 50 to 80 feet on the wire.
Mill Creek and Willow Creek areas are producing along with School House and Garden Point. The fish will be moving up the Yuba River arm as they begin their spawning activities. Simple presentations of dodger/hoochie or spinner combos is
doing the trick. Darker colors and greens have been better as the sun gets overhead. About half of the Kokanee are starting show signs of turning with those loosing scales and jaws starting to hook. Limits are the rule for those who find the fish.
COLLINS LAKE: Collins continues to produce trophy rainbows for those willing to troll a little deeper. Speedy shiners have been consistently producing for trollers. Bank anglers soaking Powerbait are doing as well also. The Bass and Crappie bite has been great as water temperatures continue to rise.
FOLSOM LAKE: King and Trout action continues to be good with kings up to 13lbs being boated. Larger presentations like shad and anchovies are getting the big Kings to bite. Schools of shad are being reported in the main body from the dam to Brown's Ravine. Kings and rainbows are being caught trolling speedy shiner at the dam and up to the south fork. Dodgers and rolled shad or anchovies are working as well. The kings will begin their journey up the south fork soon, so the mouth of the south fork and east will be the areas to look for late summer kings. Bass action continues to be good.
ENGLEBRIGHT: Trout fishing is good at Englebright over the last month. The water quality is good and fishing for hold over rainbows is a good option. Dodger/flasher worm combos and long line Rapalas are working well early and late in the day for trout. There are still a few Kokanee to be had but they are moving up the river to stage up for the spawn.
HELLHOLE: Great fishing for browns and mackinaw has continued. The kokanee fishing has improved with fish ranging from 12-15". Roads from Foresthill and Georgetown are open and passable.
OROVILLE LAKE: Not much new to report at Oroville. The water level is dropping as flows down the river are increased. There are sparse reports of Kings being caught on the slow troll of dodger/hoochie combos. Biggest fish are in the 5lb class. Bass fishermen continue to do well on spots with 30 fish days common. Check with the lake on ramp conditions before you go.
PYRAMID LAKE: The October 1st opening is on my calendar.
DELTA: Striped Bass fishing continues to be good with trollers getting multiple hook ups on deep diving Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows. Summer is usually when we see a slow down for Delta stripers but that has not been the case this year. Fishing has continued to be good into August with the fall run coming.
SACRAMENTO METRO: Salmon fishing in the river opened on July 16th with some fish taken below the mouth of the American. Cooler water from the American is getting the Salmon to take a break there before continuing up the Sacramento and Feather Rivers. Not much news from the Verona area other than the ramp has been closed.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY: The bay continues to produce good numbers of keeper halibut. Live bait is the rule but trollers are getting their share as well. Berkley flats and the channel east of treasure island are the spots this week. The north bar outside the Gate has been producing as well.
OCEAN SALMON: Wide open salmon fishing when weather permits. All baits are working with anchovy being best. The grade of fish has been very good with many fish over 35lbs being landed. Capt. Brian Potter of the Sea Prowler guided a client to a 38 pound King week. The fish are south out of the Gate near Pacifica and north and offshore out of Bodega.
