Blue Stuff! Still some haze visible along the hilltops but clear skies for the most part. Mid 80s today with a gentle breeze, very pleasant compared to the conditions last week. The forecast calls for some more mild breezes and comfortable temperatures throughout the weekend. The air still cools a little in the evening and early morning hours. The Lake level looks to have dropped another 2 feet making it about 10 feet below spill and holding. Water at surface measured 78 degrees and 74 at the 20 foot mark. Water clarity good to 15 feet.

Trolling: Trout are congregating in 30 to 50 feet of water at the Mouth of the River and upstream to Columbia and beyond. Kokanee are turning up in the same locations but much deeper, set your downriggers 70 feet, the fish have found water temperatures to their liking at this level. For the Kokanee try fluorescent red wedding rings, copper pops and midge wobblers are irresistible when drug behind a watermelon dodger. Reportedly The Trout prefer worms behind flashers as of late.

Recent Success Stories: Lowell and Larry (on the right) two long time fishermen and trailer park residents both got nice limits of Rainbows working the face of the Dam, the Mouth and upper River Arm today. This is not surprising for Lowell who usually does well but for Larry to limit out is astounding considering he has been listed in numerous cheap sporting publications here and abroad as the worst fisherman in the Western Hemisphere. They used night crawlers behind small cowbell flashers at 30 feet down. Congratulations to all-well done!!

Bank Fishing: There were still a few anglers working the bank opposite the EBMUD boathouse this afternoon. Planting has resumed now that the number of wild fires has been reduced. Air quality has returned to a healthy level and bank fishermen have returned. Try the favored spots at Rainbow Point, the Launch Ramp and Stony Creek Landing. 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 Rock Wall, Copper Cove and Wanda's Cove.

Catfish: Lots of cats in the coves from Mel's to Rattlesnake in 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 42,600 lbs with more plants scheduled.

Fred Dorman, staff writer
Good Luck-Tight Lines

Information-Reservations (209)772-1472

Marina-(209)772-8108
Caf??-(209)772-8107