Clear cold night last night. The low temperature this morning was 12.9 degrees F and the early risers had to break through a thin layer of ice at the ramp in Spalding this morning. We are expecting low temperatures in the teens for the next several days. Even though they are expected to reach 20 degrees F by the weekend when some clouds are expected to pass through. Our high temperatures are expected to be in the mid 40's for the weekend but a south wind at 10 mph can make those temperatures feel much cooler.

Even though the ramp had open water this afternoon, as the low temperatures remain in the teens, I expect the Spalding ramp to be iced over Friday morning however, it can thaw out during the day if temperatures are warm enough. But, don't count on it. The cold nights are not going away anytime soon.

All roads in are open and in good shape. Be sure to pack your snow chains this time of year even though snow is not predicted at this time. We do have frost on this side of the summit on Eagle Lake Road from Susanville so take things slower and get here safe. Eagle Lake Road from Susanville is posted that it is not maintained after November 15th. But over the years, the Lassen County Road Department has done a good job of keeping it up until fishing season ends. However, if a powerful weather system pounds the area, Eagle Lake Road beyond Eagle Lake Estates subdivision is not a high priority for snow removal until all other roads of greater importance are cleared. The road is generally closed and the gates locked on the first county work day after New Years Day. And, mother nature willing, the road becomes a snowmobile trail.

Fishing Report The entire lake remains open water but ice started forming along the waters edge along Spalding and the tules this morning too. We are expecting cold temperatures to ice up the launch ramp in Spalding tonight but there is a chance it may remain open or the ice may be thin enough to break up (just don't break your boat and/or trailer).

Even thin ice can cause some damage and it is unbelievable how powerful the ice can be so don't be fooled by it. One time we launched in open water but the thin sheet ice that had formed in the still water had drifted into where we launched, blocking us a few hundred feet from shore once we came in. So, don't play games once the ice starts increasing, this lake has been known to claim the fools who dare her to take them down in winter. Trust me, I have the stubby paddle to prove how much ice it had to break.

The lake temperature in the north and middle basins have driven most of the trout and tui chub minnows to deeper water. A few fish always remain in the shallow basins but finding them can be tough. Most of the action has been around the Youth Camp and Biology Station as well as the slightly deeper water on the south side of Pelican Point.

The west side of the south basin (Lake of the Woods) has been fishing pretty well but the shore and fly fishermen are having days that the fish just don't move into water any shallower than 10 to 12 feet even though many are still being caught above that level. This is normal for years of low water and higher pH.

The east side along the Springs to Eagles Nest has had its good days and bad days however, fish are starting to move around in that area now. Shore access for vehicles is limited to Eagles Nest subdivision which can be inaccessible during inclement weather.

Fish are being caught at the 7 to 10 ft depths in 10 to 20 feet of water; while those fishing the deeper water 30 to 50 feet deep are not only finding fish at 7 to 10 feet deep but 21 to 24 feet deep has also pulled up a few hogs.

Several fish over 5 pounds have been reported this week. See photo number 9 on the photo page.

Action has slowed up in the shallow north and middle basins. It won't be long before the shallows ice over. It isn't wise to attempt to walk on the ice when it just forms. Once it thickens up and ambient temperatures don't rise much above freezing it can still be dangerous. Many folks ice fish when conditions allow. But, this year most of the water one would be able to safely walk to will at most be 3 to 4 feet deep. We generally prefer to fish the south basin in late fall and winter.

Expect an early bite that is short and sweet. The moon has been very bright the last few days and will be full very soon. The best bite may come later in the morning if you miss the early one, but be prepared to put your time in.

Best lures

Sure Catch: Large Red Dog, Medium Goldie Locks, Medium Zebra, medium Gator.
Needle Fish: Fire, Florescent orange (pearl or brass back), rainbow trout, frog.
Rapala's and minnow imitations work best where minnows are present.

Trolling Flies

Plain Jane brown has still out fished many of the other popular colors. Florescent orange (J Fairs "hot one" has produced some fish but will steadily get better as water temperatures drop causing the native shrimp to turn orange.

Bait fishermen using nightcrawlers have also found some action but more in the early morning hours than late morning hours. Be sure to have some attractant along. Garlic Gravy and Krill have been the most successful flavors. Powerbait in combination with nightcrawlers has also worked well in the past. Colors include Florescent orange, chartreuse, rainbow and occasionally red or hot pink. If you are using powerbait to float your nightcrawler off the bottom, be sure you use enough to do the job. Test it before you toss it.

Shore fishing has been good one day and not so good the next. Some days the fish have not moved in close. Using longer rods for steelhead and salmon will cast much farther than the typical 6 foot rod from shore. Accesses to shore fishing in the south basin include Pikes Point and the jetty at the Eagle Lake Marina, Christie Day Use area and the Circus Grounds, Wildcat Point (via Brockman Lava Beds). Shore fishing is also available along highway 139 however there has not been a heck of a lot of action this season there.

Jig fishermen have used long rods for years just lighten up the pound test on the spool. Jig colors that work best are natural wild turkey (almost black once wet) olive and brown. Occasionally when the water has been stirred up by some fierce winds yellow and white begin working.

Fly Fishermen need not look any farther than good old wooly buggers and wiggle tails. Brown has been the best color over the years but olive works well also. The small florescent orange wooly buggers are best along the rocky ledges when water temperatures drop below 45 degrees. Sizes 10 and 12 are the normal sizes we use here.