TROUT

Fishing for trout continues to be very good. They are being caught in South Cove and Oak Point as well as Cowboy Cove. The baits of choice for shore anglers are garlic-scented PowerBaits, nightcrawlers or Kastmaster lures. Trout average a pound and a half but range to over 5 lbs. There was a 1,000 pound Lassen plant on May 5th. We will be planting again this week. In 2017, we have planted 12,500 pounds of trout. Light tackle is important for catching trout with 4-6 pound test being plenty. Trout fishing is best in the morning, with fish being caught around the reservoir.

With boats, we are getting reports of fish being caught in Cox and Peninsula coves. Trolling for trout is going fairly well using Rapalas in Fire Tiger, trout and silver patterns. There is no need for line heavier than 6 lb test. Kastmasters from shore are doing well. A 6.68 pound fish was caught in South Cove using PowerBait. Due to windy conditions , there were few boats out this past week but those that were able to get out had success about the reservoir.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Most anglers were focused on stripers or trout. Keep in mind that largemouth need to be 12 inches to be kept. Please release any big largemouth bass you might catch. They are the future of largemouth bass fishing in the reservoir. If you catch any of undersized fish please release them gently and allow them to grow up.

STRIPERS

Striper fishing has slowed due to the murkier waters from the rain. Shakers are the main action with striped bass. We are still seeing a number of undersized fish being caught for every keeper. From shore, cut anchovies or shad is the bait of choice. Just a reminder, stripers need to be 18 inches or more to be legal. Please release the small fish as quickly and carefully as possible. They are the future of our striped bass fishery.

CATFISH

Catfish were still productive last week with fish still being reported out of Cowboy and South coves. As the water warms we look to see more fish being caught. For those wishing to target catfish, chicken liver and anchovies are the best choices of bait.