The forecast calls for clouds today and throughout the weekend, warming temps and mild breezes. Lake level looks to be 15 feet below spill as of today. Water temperatures are 48 degrees at 20 feet and 52 at surface. Water clarity is good to 12 feet with some debris after rain runoff.

Bank Fishing-There was a great crowd for opening day. Bank anglers ringed the Recreation Area and fishing was good. The hot baits for the opening were power worms in every color but brown (orange and chartreuse were particularly successful), silver/blue Kastmasters and black woolly buggers. TomSawyerIsland, behind the EBMUD boathouse and Blue Herron were the best spots for opener. Today anglers were doing well in the cove directly behind the Marina in front of the maintenance building.

Trolling-----Some good reports from boaters flat lining and drift fishing the River at Columbia Gulch and above. Good size holdover Trout and some German Browns to 4 pounds have been reported this week. The fish are within 10 feet of the surface this time of year due to the cold water temperatures. Small red, pink and fire tiger lures tipped with a night crawler behind small flashers or dodgers in silver/green work well.

Recent Success stories-----Dennis Burk of Pioneer got this 4 pound German Brown using a dark green grub in the River Arm near Columbia Gulch. George Mc Gill of Stockton also landed a 4.4 pound Brown with a gold Rapala just outside the Narrows. Congratulations to all-well done!

The California Department of Fish and Game has planted 1000 lbs of fish in addition Pardee Lake Inc has planted 11,000 lbs of trout with more 2,000 pound plants scheduled for the weekend.

Information-Reservations (209)772-1472
Marina-(209)772-8108
Café-(209)772-8107

Good Luck-Tight Lines

Fred Dorman, staff writer