The weather is beautiful this time of year, and there are quite a few options for fishing. Salmon in the ocean is an obvious bet, and Loch Lomond Reservoir is a great spot for fishing, also. Whether you like the salt water or sweet water, there are local fishing opportunities to be had.
Salmon fishing remains a top pick for local anglers. Some days the fishing is good, while others are tough. I continue to call it zero to four fish per boat.
The challenging thing for salmon has been the fact that the fish are moving, and each day they’re in a different location. That’s combined with the fact that their feed source continues to move with the spring winds and currents. One day, salmon are caught near the deep-water rocks while they feed on juvenile rockfish. The next day, salmon are found closer to shore, feeding on anchovies. Then, the day after, reports will find salmon closer to Monterey with bellies full of squid.
The common denominator is fishing along the canyon edges in 240 feet of water, with most salmon being caught 100 feet down. Most reports confirm that trolling for salmon has been the best technique.
Loch Lomond opened quietly March 1. In the past, the opener was a huge day for fishermen and the park; this year, there have been very few visitors to the lake, and traffic is light. There are a few bass being caught, and the water is starting to warm up.
Bruce Worden, an assistant ranger, reported: “The water temp has ranged from 58 to 60 degrees, and as it warms, the bass have been more active.”
Bruce reported the catch-and-release of a 4½-pound bass that was caught near the bait shop. Most fishermen have been using nightcrawlers or lures that can be fished very slowly. The cold water has kept the bass lethargic, and a slow-moving lure or bait has been the best.
Trout still have not been planted. However, some reservoirs, such as Loch Lomond, have been put back onto the state’s list for planting sterile trout. The list is posted on California Department of Fish and Games website.
Loch Lomond has space available for those who would like to keep their own boats in the quarantine area to avoid the spread of invasive snails and mussels. The lake is also a great spot for a picnic or day hikes.
Mike Baxter has fished in the Monterey Bay area since he was a boy and has been a licensed charter boat captain for more than 15 years. Contact him at [email protected]. He also hosts a fishing show on radio station KSCO (1080 AM) from 7:06 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through September.
