Plantings lead to many great locations for trout

As of Friday morning, July 3, conditions were just about ideal for holiday fishing along the north coast or in any of the mountain lakes and streams thanks to merciful weather patterns across northern California.

But there's a big black cloud on the horizon that could dramatically affect our future holiday and vacation plans: the budget stalemate in Sacramento could result in the closure of scores of state parks we all enjoy. Patrick's Point, Prairie Creek, Ahjumawi and Woodson Bridge are just a few likely to be closed.

If the weatherman is on target the week of July 5 could be even cooler and more inviting for anglers who plan to fish the inland lakes of the Sacramento Valley.

After Independence Day the weatherman was forecasting day-time temperatures in the high 80s from Sacramento to Redding, which should make fishing on Eagle Lake, Lake Shasta, Whiskeytown, Trinity Lake, Lewiston Lake, Almanor, Lake Oroville, Berryessa and Clear Lake relatively comfortable even at midday.

Results at some of the inland waters west of I-5 between Sacramento and Corning have not been so great this year; perhaps this weather break will bring out the bass, crappies, catfish and bluegills at Black Butte Reservoir, East Park Reservoir, Stony Gorge, Berryessa and Clear Lake. Let us know!

Further north, great results should be had at places such as Medicine Lake, Lake Siskiyou, McCloud Reservoir, Castle Lake, Eagle Lake and tiny Crater Lake in western Lassen County.

Dozens of mountain trout waters are still being in stocked in Shasta, Trinity, Siskiyou, Lassen and Modoc Counties and in the Sierra region, so many rainbows, brooks and browns will be falling victim to flies that match the many hatches underway. Come prepared for mosquitoes…the recent rains have created some excellent insect breeding habitat.

Many lakes are getting more trout because some of the other lakes, such as Antelope Lake in Plumas County, are not getting any fish until the lawsuit against the DFG is resolved.

Lots of plants are being made in Hat Creek and at places such as Battle Creek Reservoir, Nora and Grace Lakes where catching a fish for the grandkids is just about assured.Perhaps the most beautiful lake in northern California, which is also one of the greatest places to show a kid how to catch pan fish, is Lake Britton. There will be a report from there next week for sure. Grandpa knows! How about beleaguered Kilarc Reservoir? Anyone fished there lately?

After a nasty spell in the last two weeks of June the ocean off the Humboldt Coast was beginning to look tame so next week's news should also be packed with stories and photos of halibut, rockfish, surf fish and perhaps even a tuna or two. While the wind had died, the warm water was still a bit too far off shore for all but the most dedicated tuna chasers. Is that you? If so, please get in touch.

Most importantly, be sure to get a copy of the new 2009/2010 California DFG Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations Fishing Supplement. This 36-page booklet is loaded with revisions to the regular booklet, particularly if you have plans to fish our rivers and streams for trout and/or anadromous fish (steelhead, salmon), ocean salmon and ocean groundfish. You must have report cards for salmon (Coho and Chinook in the Trinity/Klamath River Systems), steelhead trout, white sturgeon, California Spiny Lobster and Red Abalone.

There's also lots of news for hunters, including waterfowlers, and 2nd Amendment Rights advocates on the site this week. The Great Outdoors Store in Redding is asking everyone to support the upcoming Gun Owners of California banquet and drawing to be held August 29th in Fusaro Hall at the Anderson Fairgrounds. A copy of the banquet reservation form is also available at the store or you can call the GoC at 916-967-4974 for raffle tickets or dinner reservations. Hope you had a great holiday!