09/06/23
As fall approaches and the evenings begin to cool down we would usually be talking about Salmon in the rivers and rockfish and crab in the ocean. Well. as we all know the salmon closure has put an end to that discussion, the near shore rockfish closure has put a road block up for those not willing to run 10-15 miles into the deep blue, and crab is still up in the air. Time to shift gears to fall freshwater species and the trophy trout in Pyramid Lake.
BULLARDS BAR: Kokanee fishing is wrapping up at Bullards Bar. The fish are turning quickly with more fish with color than not. It was a great year with the average size slightly bigger than last year. The hope is that that trend continues. If you want to give it one more shot, fish deep in the main body to get those late
spawners that haven't moved up the river yet. Fish pink/purple and watermelon combos over deepwater 85-110' down on the downrigger.
FOLSOM LAKE: Landlocked Kings and rainbows are starting to play with anglers at Folsom. Fish are being found around the south side of the dam, in the mouth of the south fork, and up the north fork. There is a lot of bait and the fish are keyed in on pond smelt and shad. It's worth a look see for sure.
FRENCH MEADOWS/HELL HOLE: Access to both of these lakes is still through Georgetown via Wentworth Springs and 11 Pines Rd. There is a problem with the transformer at the French Meadows powerhouse (dumps into Hell Hole) so there is more water being drawn out of Hell Hole. Hell Hole is dropping 1.5' a day right now which can impact the Kokanee bite. French Meadows continues to produce beautiful rainbows and browns for anglers trolling Rapalas and Dodger/Worm combos. The lake will remain higher than usual until the power house is repaired.
OROVILLE LAKE: Oroville continues to be a no show this year. Hopefully the better water conditions this summer and fall will bode well for next year.
SIERRA LAKES: It's time to switch gears from Kokanee to trout and mackinaw in the Sierra lakes. Union Valley has benefitted from PG&E's planting of Lassen rainbows that are great fighters and table fare. Mid-elevation lakes like Scotts Flat, Sugar Pine, Stumpy Meadows, and Sly Park are fishing better now that
the kids are back in school and some of the recreational boat traffic has settled down. Loon Lake has been fishing well for rainbows and browns if you are willing to stay close to the bottom. Small rapalas are the ticket there.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR: Kokanee fishing had been better the past few weeks. This is one of the last lakes to get decent kokanee over the next few weeks. The recent rains brought fish into the Little Truckee arm as they stage up to spawn. There are fish being taken around the dam as well. If yo want a few more fish
for the smoker this is the place to go over the next week or so.
DELTA: Striper fishing has been so-so for trollers over the last few weeks. The big blue moon and associated tides made things a little tougher as grass fills the rivers. Play the tides and the weather for your best opportunity to get into more conducive conditions and more aggressive stripers.
