By
Staff Report
April 13 was the start of the Annual Charity Trout Derby, a five week event benefiting The American Cancer Society. The big fish caught at Lake Camanche since then was a rainbow trout, weighing 7.12 pounds.
It was caught by Elosia Alexander of Manteca, in the South Shore Pond, on Power Bait. The second biggest fish was caught by Mike Kaufman, also from Manteca. His fish was 6.93 pounds and was caught in the main lake, also with Power Bait.
The third biggest fish was caught by outdoor writer Ron Wilson of Modesto. His fish was 6.3 pounds, caught while trolling in the main lake, using Ex-Cel lures in silver/blue. Lake officials thanked all who donated to The American Cancer Society by joining the derby.
Lake Camanche's Chris Cantwell, outdoor sports writer Ray Rychnovsky and John Bedwell from Fishermen's Warehouse had a great day of trolling on Wednesday. They caught and released about 15 trout, with two 5-pounders and also caught three Kokanee salmon. They were trolling about 30 feet deep and most of the fish were caught on an R-Lure in purple scale pattern.
E-mail Eldon Porray with information, comments or questions or for updated reports at eporray@camancherecreation.com. Porray recommended seeing Urban Park Concessionaire's fishing Web site for more details on Lake Camanche at www.norcalfishing.com.
Contact the North Shore Store at 763-5166 and the South Shore Store at 763-5915.
Pardee LakeLast Friday, Pardee lake Recreation, Inc. reported that the lake level remained unchanged, 10 foot below spill. Water temperature also remained constant, 58 degrees at the 20 foot mark, 62 at the surface. Water clarity was good to 15 feet. High 70s forecast for the weekend, with a warming trend next week, cool mornings and mild afternoon breezes.
The Kokanee are the principal catch at the moment and there are lots of them. The majority are small, look for most to be in the 10-inch range with an occasional 13-incher showing up. Trollers report trout are scarce. The Kokanee are still thick right outside the Narrows and near the river mouth.
Some great rainbows still were coming out hot spots this week under Tom Sawyer Bridge the Mud Hole and the spillway east of the marina.
Lowell Kreisel got a nice catfish 9.28 pounds at the mouth of the river, with top secret bait. Ken Lubowski got 5- and 4-pounders in the mud hole. Cole White and Adam McLKeon of Aptos landed 3.5- and 2-pounders under the bridge. Joseph Lee of Linden could hardly hold up his 7.4-pound catch long enough for a picture and last but not least Jeff Brown USMC got a nice 4.61-pounder at the spillway with a night crawler.
As of May 4, a total of 38,000 pounds of trout had been planted this season by Pardee Lake Recreation Inc. and the California Department of Fish and Game, with another plant scheduled for the weekend.
For information or reservations call 772-1472, the marina at 772-8108 or the coffee shop at 772-8107.
New Melones LakeOn Monday, New Melones Lake held 1.858 million acre-feet of water. The lake dropped about 2 feet again this week, and was at 1,042 feet above sea level, 48 feet from full capacity.
Surface water temperature was 68 degrees upriver and in major creek arms, and 73 degrees in the main lake and in coves. Water was fairly clear with around 15 feet visibility with mudline forming due to falling water levels.
Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest winners Kim and Nancy Cockshott of Arnold brought in a nice 3-pound, 5-ounce rainbow (after cleaning) caught while trolling a Rapala 30 feet deep near the Parrotts Ferry Bridge.
Don Myshrall of Mokelumne Hill landed a 3-pound, 2-ounce brown trout on a red Apex trolled 30 feet deep near the dam/spillway.
Lucas Dement, 8, of Stockton caught a 2-pound, 14-ounce rainbow caught while fishing with guide Bruce Hamby of Sierra Sportfishing.
Ron Thomas of Garden Valley caught a 14-pound, 11-ounce catfish on an anchovy while bank-fishing off of Glory Hole Point.
Extended Lake Reports
Lake Camanche Lake Camanche water level on Sunday was 215.4 feet above sea level, a drop of .8 feet on the week. The lake should drop slowly this week. There was currently no water flowing into Lake Camanche, and water was flowing out of Lake Camanche at 340 c.f.s. The surface water temperature at the marina has warmed to 70 degrees.
April 13 was the start of our Annual Charity Trout Derby, a five week event benefiting The American Cancer Society. The big fish caught at Lake Camanche since then was a beautiful rainbow trout, weighing 7.12 pounds. It was caught by Elosia Alexander, from Manteca. The fish was caught in the South Shore Pond, on Power Bait. The second biggest fish was caught by Mike Kaufman, from Manteca. His fish was 6.93 pounds, was caught in the main lake, with Power Bait. The third biggest fish was caught by outdoor writer Ron Wilson, from Modesto. His fish was 6.3 pounds, was caught while trolling in the main lake, using Ex-Cel lures in silver/blue. We would like to thank all of the people who have donated to The American Cancer Society by joining our trout derby.
Lake Camanche's Chris Cantwell, outdoor sports writer Ray Rychnovsky, and John Bedwell from Fishermen's Warehouse had a great day of trolling on Wednesday. They caught and released about 15 trout, with two 5 pounders, and also caught 3 Kokanee Salmon. They were trolling about 30 feet deep, and most of the fish were caught on an R-Lure in purple scale pattern.
Locals Truman Moss, and Jim Rudolph, from Camanche, caught 2 fine limits of trout this week while bait fishing from their boat. Their big fish were about 3 1?2 pounds, and were caught in about 30 feet of water, out near the dam, using Power Bait.
The big trout this week was caught by young Nic Sciolino, from Galt. He was fishing with his dad, Chuck, at the South Shore Pond when he reeled in a huge 8 pound rainbow trout. Nic was using Power Eggs, and his dad said that Nic always outfishes him.
The big trout at North Shore this week was a beautiful 7.11 pound rainbow. It was caught by Mark Cattoni, from Sacramento, who was fishing from shore at the Day Use Point. He caught his fish around 8 a.m., whild fishing with nightcrawlers.
The weekly trout plants will now be discontinued until the fall. Since the surface water temperature was at 70 degrees, or higher, trout will not survive the shock of warm water. Trout plants will resume in the fall when the water temperature drops below 70 degrees, usually sometime in October.
The Camanche Annual Charity Trout Derby started April 13 and ends May 20, and was being sponsored by Yum's Troutkrilla trout bait. One $3.00 entry ticket qualifies you at each of these 4 lakes. Lake Camanche, Lake Chabot, San Pablo Reservoir, and Los Vaqueros Reservoir. All proceeds go to The American Cancer Society. Prizes include trips, tackle, cash, tickets to sporting events, and much more! Tickets will be available at both marina stores, and both entry gates.
Ben Casado, from Galt, and Vic Carter, from Elk Grove, had a huge day of bass fishing on May 10 at Lake Camanche. They caught and released 39 Large Mouth and Spotted Bass, up to 4 1?2 pounds. The bass were caught in the main lake, around submerged island tops, and Dikes 1 and 2. They were using lizards, Senkos, Brush Hogs, and top water lures. All of their fish were caught in 14 feet of water, or less, and the bite was good for the entire day.
Another angler reported catching 2 limits of bass while fishing in the Narrows, China Gulch, and under the highway bridge up the river. They were using Camanche Jacks purple worms, Robo Worms, and dark jigs. Their fish came was less than 15 feet of water.
Local catfisherman Dean Wade, from Camanche, caught four nice cats, up to 4 pounds, this week. His total stringer weight was about 15-16 pounds, and the catfish were caught on mackerel. Dean likes to fish up river, in about 15-20 feet of water.
Another angler had an 8 pound catfish that he caught in Camper's Cove at North Shore. He was fishing from shore, with nightcrawlers, in 10-15 feet of water.
E-mail Eldon Porray with information, comments or questions or for updated reports at eporray@camancherecreation.com. Porray recommended seeing Urban Park Concessionaire's fishing Web site for more details on Lake Camanche at www.norcalfishing.com.
Contact the Northshore Store at 763-5166 and the Southshore Store at 763-5915.
Pardee LakeLast Friday, Pardee lake Recreation, Inc. reported that the lake level remained unchanged again this report at 10 foot below spill. Water temperature also remained constant, 58 degrees at the 20 foot mark, 62 at the surface. Water clarity was good to 15 feet. High 70's forecast for the weekend, with a warming trend next week, cool mornings and mild afternoon breezes.
The Kokanee are the principal catch at the moment and there are lots of them. The majority are small, look for most to be in the 10" range with an occasional 12 or 13 incher showing up. Trollers report Trout are scarce, no one can seem to find where they are congregating lately. Some are tying off and bait fishing and doing ok but trolling for Trout has been slow. The Kokanee are still thick right outside the Narrows and near the River mouth. Try Uncle Larry's glo pinkie and fire tiger pattern behind a Sep's dodger. Depths are unchanged at 20 and 30 feet.
Some great Rainbows still coming out of the recreation Area. The hot spots this week were under Tom Sawyer Bridge the Mud Hole and the spillway east of the Marina. Power bait, eggs, maggots, grubs and meal worms on a sliding sinker set up, or 3 feet behind a half full clear plastic float are still the hot set ups.
Lowell Kreisel got a nice catfish 9.28 lbs at the Mouth of the River, bait-top secret. Ken Lubowski got these 5 and 4 lb beauties in the Mud hole. Cole White and Adam McLKeon of Aptos landed these 3.5 and 2 pounders under the bridge. Joseph Lee of Linden can hardly hold up his 7.40 lb catch long enough for a picture and last but not least Jeff Brown USMC got this nice 4.61 lb at the spillway with a night crawler and he probable ate it raw, WHO-AH! Great job-congratulations to all!
Project KokaneeProject Kokanee Annual Mike Carrington Family fun Derby was Saturday May 19th. For more information and entry forms see www.kokanee.org.
As of May 4, a total of 38,000 pounds of trout had been planted this season by Pardee Lake Recreation Inc. and the California Department of Fish and Game, with another plant scheduled for the weekend.
For information or reservations call 772-1472, the marina at 772-8108 or the coffee shop at 772-8107.
New Melones LakeOn Monday, New Melones Lake held 1.858 million acre-feet of water. The lake dropped about 2 feet again this week, and was currently 1,042 feet above sea level and 48 feet from full capacity.
Surface water temperature was now 68 degrees upriver and in major creek arms, and 73 degrees in the main lake and in coves. Water was fairly clear with around 15 feet visibility with mudline forming due to falling water levels. We are still at the high-water ramps.
Bank anglers are having a tough time finding trout now, since the rainbows have moved out into deeper water. The local creeks and rivers (such as Angels Creek) have received trout plantings from DFG, so bank anglers can head to the creeks for good luck. Berkley Power Bait or Power Eggs, or Pautski's Salmon Eggs are your best bet.
Trollers are having better luck as the trout move deeper. Troll 30-50 feet deep- deeper when the sun was out, and shallower in overcast/rainy weather. The water up Angels Creek and upriver was colder, so you may find better trout fishing there. Tie on an Apex, or a spinner/crawler combo. Bright colors seem to be working well- firetiger has been a popular choice. Use ball troll flashers, or flashers on your line. Many anglers are having luck with a dodger. Rolling shad will get you a rainbow or a big, beautiful brown trout. Kim Cockshott of Arnold took his mother, Nancy Cockshott out fishing. She wins the Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest (salmonids) and a free deli lunch with a nice rainbow trout that weighed 3-pounds, 5-ounces after cleaning. What a nice Mother's Day Present! They trolled 30 feet deep upriver by the Parrotts Ferry Bridge with a Rapala to catch the fish. Joceline Stickney caught a pretty 3 1/4 -pound brown trout on a green Apex and ball-troll flashers trolled 23 feet deep in the south side of the lake. Don Myshrall also caught a 3+-pound brown trout. He trolled a red Apex behind a watermelon dodger 30 feet deep near the dam/spillway to land his fish. 8-year-old Lucas Dement of Stockton had a great day of fishing with Bruce Hamby of Sierra Sportfishing. He landed a nice rainbow trout that weighed almost 3-pounds, while trolling an Uncle Larry's Spinner 40' deep near Glory Hole Point. Bruce said that Lucas set the hook and landed the fish all by himself, as well as a big 15.5" kokanee. They caught fish in the Angels Creek arm, too, and also had luck on Sockeye Slammers. Joe Hallett caught a limit of trout while trolling crawlers 15-20 feet deep in the main lake. Richard, Sarah, Katie, and Curtis Kowski, as well as T.J. white, caught two mixed limits of kokanee/trout while trolling a crawler/spinner combo 34 feet deep near the dam.
Kokanee was picking up, although limits are still rare. Fish are 13-14 inches on average, and weigh -1-to- 1-1?4 pounds. Kokanee are being picked up 20-40 feet deep off of Glory Hole Point. Scent was important- Freshwater Shrimp, krill or Carp Spit are good choices right now. It's best to scent your corn the night before, and refrigerate it. We have fresh pre-scented corn available at Glory Hole Sports. 8-year-old Lucas Dement of Stockton (with Bruce Hamby of Sierra Sportfishing) caught a 15.5-inch kokanee.
Bass are spawning and some are in post-spawn. The backs of coves, cuts and creek arms that hold a lot of lay-down wood or rocks are holding big bass. Any lure that stays in the strike zone was a good choice. Senkos and Zoom Trick Worms, crawdad imitations and jigs, and Zoom Lizards and Brush Hogs are all working great. Top-water bite has really picked up, too. Baits such as a Zara Spooks are a good choice for the early morning or evening bite, when the sun was off the water. Mitch Ballard caught a nice 4.4-pound spotted bass. Remember to practice catch-and-release, especially now, during the spawn. Removing a big bass out of the lake not only kills that fish, but all of her future offspring as well. The Department of Fish and Game does not plant bass, so it was up to us to maintain the bass fishery!
Use anchovies, sardines, or a ball of nightcrawlers to catch catfish. Leave your bail open so the cats can pick the bait up and swim with it- you will be more likely to hook them that way. Also, be sure to use a sliding sinker weight. Ron Thomas of Garden Valley wins the Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest (catfish) and a free deli lunch with his 14-pound, 11-ounce catfish, caught on an anchovy while bank-fishing off of Glory Hole Point. Jim Clough caught an 8-pounder on a yellow crappie jig, while fishing near Bear Creek.
We have had the best crappie bite Melones has seen in years. Limits are common, and crappie are huge! Crappie can be found hanging out in submerged trees, especially near running water or adjacent to spawning areas (flat areas with lots of fall-down wood or gravelly bottoms), about 5-15 feet deep. Bear Creek, Mormon Creek and Carson Creek are all good bets. For crappie, try fishing live small or medium minnows, or crappie jigs with jigs in red/white, black/chartreuse or purple/white. Remember- 25 was the limit for crappie. Jim Clough of Columbia found a limit of crappie while throwing a yellow/white crappie jig near Bear Creek.
Much of the area surrounding New Melones was open to hunting. Contact the New Melones visitors center at (536) 906-94 for more information, or call 736-4333 or e-mail ghs@goldrush.com. Online, see www.gloryholesports.com. For New Melones camping reservations, call (877) 444-6777 or visit www.reserveusa.com.
Bruce Hamby of Sierra Sportfishing Guide Service- New Melones: Were seeing mix limits of Rainbows and Kokanee thirty to fifty feet deep , in Angel Creek arm, Glory Hole Point and the spill way. Uncle Larry's lures, Sockeye
Slammers with Vance's ball trolls and dodgers, and using Pro-Cure new shrimp krill oil. The rainbows are averaging 2 to 2.5 lbs., the Koks are averaging 10 to 13 inches. How ever Lucas Dement of Lodi, landed a 15.5 inch Kokanee, and a Rainbow in the 2.5 lbs. class.
- Don Pedro: Fishing this week has been just about as good as it gets. We limited on Kings by 10:00 am, with some fish in the 4lb. bracket. I found fish holding over the river. in Fleming Bay area at 120 to 160 feet deep. We were rolling shad with Pro-Cure scent. Vance's Slim Fins on a surface flat line, picked up three Rainbows in the 3lb. class. Kokanee are 10 to 13 inches, Uncle Larry's lures with Vance's dodgers and Pro-Cure carp spit is working very well.
- New Hogan: The Stripers are starting to show up at Hogan's. We had steady action rolling shad and Anchovy laced with Pro-Cure scents, 15 feet deep in the main lake.
The line side are averaging 5.5lb. to 6.5lbs. with an occasional 7pounders.
