GENERAL CONDITIONS
Anglers are having good luck catching trout and striped bass. We are also beginning to see more and more largemouth bass and catfish caught. The water level is now 117,000 acre feet and dropping slowly. Our water temperature is in the low 62 to 64 range.

We continue to see rattlesnakes so caution is advised. Watch where you are walking, stay out of high grass and stay out of rocky areas. Remember they just want to stay away from you so never try to pick one up or kill one. We have also had several confirmed Mountain Lion sightings at the reservoir so we suggest staying alert. We have information available at the gates and marina on what to do if you see a Mountain Lion. Eagles are nesting so some trail closures are in effect. Information on trails is available at the gates, marina or on the CCWD web site.

This is the beginning of the time of year we receive a lot of wind. We have had many very windy days recently. It is a good idea to call before you come out if you are planning to rent a boat.

We are also experiencing some very warm weather. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated. The North entrance to the reservoir is open with a few limitations. Access to the reservoir for fishing at the north entrance is open but requires a strenuous 2 mile hike up and over a major hill. Caution is advised. The fishing platform can not open until the reservoir rises another 10 feet. See the CCWD web site for details. The Interpretive Center is open from 9 to 4 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Check out some of the special events that are coming up this spring. Information is available on the CCWD web site.

The trout we tagged for the April 20th Derby will continue to be valid for prizes through May. We have some nice rods and reels, storage boxes and boat rentals to give away.

PLEASE NOTE:
We are still giving out Whopper mugs. Our program has changed some so check with us at the marina. It takes a 5 lb trout to earn a mug, 12 lb striper, 12 lb catfish or a released 5 lb largemouth bass. We have 2013 State of California Fishing Licenses for sale at the marina. Fish and Game has been checking fishing licenses so make such you have one for everyone 16 and over. We suggest taking advantage of the second rod stamp that is available.

TROUT
1000 lbs of Trout from the Mt. Lassen Fish Hatchery were planted on Tuesday, April 30. These fish averaged about 2 lbs each with fish up to 6 lbs.

Fishing for trout has been fair to excellent depending on who you talk to. There are many limits of trout caught every day. As always some anglers do very well while others may just catch a fish or two. Fishing from shore of the South Cove continues to be a good choice for trout but anglers are catching trout all along the open shoreline. The best way to catch trout from shore this time of year is with garlic power bait, orange mice tails, rainbow power bait and nightcrawlers. Garlic scent on any bait seems to help. It is important to use 2- 3 feet of leader. Using light line also helps; 4 to 6 lb test is plenty. Some anglers use Fluorocarbon leaders. There is no need for heavy weights. Short casts are often more productive than long casts. Some anglers float their baits under slip bobbers. Anglers also do well a couple days after plants throwing kastmasters, blue fox lures and a variety of other trout lures.

Trolling continues an up and down affair. Excellent one day then fair the next. The best reports we are receiving are from anglers trolling a variety of Rapala's in Howden cove, off of points or in the East cove. Mix it up until you start catching fish. The fish are holding between 8 and 12 feet in 20 to 25 feet of water. Try different colors and sizes until you start catching fish. Rapala countdowns seem to be effective. Steel green, a rainbow pattern and black and silver are good colors. A few anglers are trolling dodgers and nightcrawlers and catching trout. Fishing from boats with bait in the very back of the major coves has also been very good. Regulars are catching trout every time out. The back of Howden cove has been especially good for anglers working bait. As the weather warms fishing will be better early and late in the day. Top trout this week were in the 5 to 5.5 lb range

LARGEMOUTH BASS
We continue to see a few more largemouth bass every day. The reservoir is full off excellent bass habitat so throwing a senko around trees and brush should produce some largemouth bass action. As the water warms the fishing is improving. Please release any big largemouth bass you might catch. They are the future of largemouth bass fishing in the reservoir. The bass are very close to getting on their beds for spawning. John Ham released a 5.3 largemouth he took on a Rapala in Peninsula Cove.

STRIPER
Trolling for school size stripers from boats is fair to good. We see many school size stripers every week. Some are caught on Rapala's by anglers fishing for trout.

Fishing for stripers from the shore is good with some limits showing every day. Anchovies, sardines or shad should do the trick when bait fishing. Stripers need to be 18 inches or more. Please release the small fish as quickly and carefully as possible. They are the future of our fishery. We have not seen any large striped bass caught recently but have had several stories of very big fish being lost.

CATFISH
Fishing for catfish is improving. Anchovies, liver, mackerel and nightcrawlers all will catch catfish. We suggest fishing with as little weight as possible and watch for very soft bites. The back of cowboy cove and the south cove are good places to try. We did have 6 or 7 big catfish caught last week. All but one of these big fish was released. We encourage and appreciate release of these monster fish.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Open seven days a week 6:00am - 8:00pm
Boats are due in by 6:30pm.
These hours remain in effect through August.