Fish Bits for the week of 1/24/18
Antelope Lake
Anyone fishing at Antelope Lake is encouraged to contact the Sports Desk, 283-0800 ex. 26 or [email protected] It would be great to post current fishing information for Antelope. It’s a big lake, plenty of space and fish to share.
Bucks Lake
No fish to report. “The weather has been pretty awful up here,” said Rebecca Guereque up at Bucks Lake Lodge. Guess that means there is plenty of elbowroom on the bank.
Frenchman Lake
Goodwin’s General Store reports fishing has not stopped or slowed down from what they have seen. The clear days have kept fishing folk trying their luck on the water.
“We continue to see a lot of fishermen coming through the store,” said Matt Goodwin. “We have been busy every morning selling worms, bait, fishing supplies and one day passes, every morning.”
Gold Lake
Mark Tieslau at Blairsden Hardware Store said, “Gold Lake Road is now closed, snow mobile access only.” Tieslau said there was about a foot of snow, “probably more now.”
Lake Almanor
Almanor Fishing Association provided the following information as of Jan. 20:
It looks like winter has arrived here on Lake Almanor. Although this past storm dropped a fraction of what was predicted, NOAA is calling for snow/rain for the next six days. Temps will range from highs in the mid-40s to lows in the low 20s. A good snow pack will only help our fishery later this year.
Water temps have remained steady (high of 43.1 low of 41.8) as have water levels. Fishing pressure remains light with most of the fishermen targeting the hatchery fish in and around the Canyon Dam area. The recently planted Browns have moved out of the coves while the Rainbows are holding tight.
“I fished one day last week finally getting on a few fish slow trolling from Rec No. 1 to Rec No. 2,” said John Crotty of Almanor Fishing Association. “The majority of our fish were caught 6 to 8 feet off the bottom with a mix of browns, rainbows and one fat salmon.” Crotty said the salmon was caught in 8 feet of water on a pond smelt imitation as he made the turn off the peninsula.
There is a light dusting of snow on the ground, the Almanor roads are clear, and the Canyon Dam ramp is useable. A note of caution: Almanor Fishing Association volunteers assist the U.S. Forest Service in maintaining the Canyon Dam boat launch, regretfully, with the government shutdown, the restrooms will be locked and AFA can’t perform any maintenance on grounds or buildings.
Lake Davis
“Most of the snow has melted,” said Jeanne Graham at J & J Grizzly Store. The five inches the area received is down to about two. “There have been a few fishermen out. They said it’s been pretty slow,” said Graham who mentioned she thought they were fishing out at Mallard.
The John Pate “Winter” Fishing Derby is coming up very soon, Saturday, Feb. 3, at Lake Davis. Fishing folk can pre-register at J & J Grizzly Store, KS Market, Graeagle Mill Works, via Internet at 420incfishing.com or the day of the event. Check-in time is 7 to 9 a.m. and fishing begins at 8 a.m. All proceeds from the event go to the American Cancer Society nonprofit organization.
Competitors need a valid California Fishing License to enter the tournament. Licenses will be available for purchase the day of the event at the Grizzly Store. The entry fee is $20 per person. For more information about this event, call John at 832-9659.
Organizers note that this annual “ICE” fishing derby will take place whether there is actual ice on the lake or not.
Thanks for the article. Have you ever used a 12v fishing light for ice fishing?
https://www.illumisea.com
No but that sounds like a whole bunch of fun. Have you? It would be super great to get some pictures for Fish Bits if we end up with some ice and you give it a try. Heck, if you are going to do it, let me know and if I can come out and take some pictures, I will.
Thanks a bunch for reading and for your comments,
Quigg (MER, Sports Editor)