GENERAL CONDITIONS
Although the wind kept anglers off the water on most days shore anglers continue to have good luck catching trout and striped bass. Anglers are also catching a few largemouth bass and catfish. The water level is now 112,000 acre feet and but should start to come up on June 1. Our water temperature is 64-65 degrees and in excellent condition for fishing.

Rattlesnakes continue to be out and active so caution is advised. Watch where you are walking, stay out of high grass and stay out of rocky areas. Never try to pick one up or kill one. 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 time of year when we have the most wind. We have had another very windy week. It is a good idea to call before you come out if you are planning to rent a boat.

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 13 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 summer. Information is available on the CCWD web site.

The trout we tagged for the April 20 derby will continue to be valid for prizes through the rest of 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
We planted 1000 lbs of trout from Mt. Lassen on Friday, May 24. Trout fishing is providing the most action for anglers at the reservoir.

Fishing for trout has been fair to excellent depending on anglers skill level and luck. We see many limits of trout caught every day. Fishing from shore in the South Cove continues to be a good choice for trout but anglers are catching trout all along the open shoreline. Many of the points past the rock wall have been very good lately. The best way to catch trout from shore this time of year is with garlic power bait, chartreuse and orange mice tails, rainbow power bait and nightcrawlers. Garlic scent on any bait seems to help. It is important to use 2- 4 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. Anglers catch trout throwing kastmasters, blue fox lures and a variety of other trout lures. Don't be afraid to move locations and change your baits if you are not catching fish. If you are not getting bites we do not recommend staying in one place all day using the same bait.

Trolling for trout is difficult to rate due to very few boats going out. The few that have gone out have done very well. Boat rentals have been limited due to regular 15 to 25 mph winds. We expect trolling to be good when boats are able to get back out on the water. The few reports we are receiving are from anglers trolling a variety of Rapala's in Cowboy Cove. Mix it up until you start catching fish. The fish are holding between 12 and 15 feet in 25 to 30 feet of water. Try different colors and sizes of lures until you start catching fish. Rapala Countdowns seem to be effective on big trout. Steel green, a rainbow pattern and black and silver have been good color choices lately.

As the weather warms fishing will be better early and late in the day. The mid day heat makes it tough fishing as well as catching.

We will be planting trout again the week of June 3. 1000 lbs from Mt Lassen will go in sometime that week (water conditions permitting).

LARGEMOUTH BASS
There is still no major news on Bass fishing. Some anglers continue to catch a few bass on senko's but overall it is slow. The reservoir is full off excellent bass habitat so throwing a senko around trees and brush should produce some largemouth bass action. Please release any big largemouth bass you might catch. They are the future of largemouth bass fishing in the reservoir. When the winds let up and anglers are able to explore other areas of the reservoir we hope to see an improvement in the largemouth fishing.

STRIPER
Not much to report from anglers fishing from boats for stripers. Fishing for stripers from the shore is fair with some anglers catching limits. Anchovies 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 as all the stripers are in the 18 to 22 inch range.

CATFISH
Fishing for catfish is still hit and miss. 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 bets. We encourage and appreciate the release of any monster catfish (20 lbs plus).

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.