Wildfire Smoke: It has been very smoky and way hot all week! The forecast calls for some mild breezes and possibly clearing skies this weekend along with a drop in temps by Sunday. The air still cools a little in the evening and early morning hours. The Lake level looks the same as last report, about 8 feet below spill and holding. Water at surface measured 80 degrees and 74 at the 20 foot mark again. Clarity is still good to 17 feet.

Trolling: The bite improved for those willing to brave the elements and work the Narrows and the River Mouth. These two areas are producing nice limits of Kokanee and Trout. Set your downriggers to 70 feet, the fish have found water temperatures to their liking at this level. Fluorescent red wedding rings, copper pops and midge wobblers are irresistible when drug behind a watermelon dodger. Some hook ups along the barrel line in the South End but the majority of folks are heading up the River Arm where the water is cooler. Some boaters are tying up to the Dam and some of the Coves, still fishing and doing quite well.

Bank Fishing: Very few bank fishermen braved the oppressive heat and unhealthy air this week instead they stayed home and indoors until conditions improve. Firefighters continue to make headway against the hundreds of wildfires burning in the state. Hopefully air quality will improve and temperatures will return to seasonal norm starting this weekend. Returning anglers are sure to try the favored spots at Rainbow point, the cove behind the EBMUD boathouse and the Launch Ramp. The high water level has made the hike to the water line shorter and the shade structures much closer to the action. Power bait balls, maggots and night crawlers get the nod from the more successful bank anglers. Hanging down from a surface bobber or floating up from the bottom on a sliding sinker, both are working well. Chartreuse, white and rainbow are the preferred power bait colors. Look for catfish in the coves and behind the Marina now that the weather has warmed up, stinky chicken livers are irresistible.

Bass: Some good size Bass caught along the rocks way up river near Indian Rock.

Catfish: Some nice catfish caught lately in Mel's Cove and the South End, chicken liver is the bait of choice.

Trout Plants: As of today The Department of fish and Game has planted 3000 lbs, Pardee Lake has planted 41,600 lbs with more plants scheduled.