Fishing in the ocean has been good for salmon and halibut, and rockfish are showing up, as well. Freshwater fishing opportunities are open, too. In our local waters, Loch Lomond reservoir is open, and the Sacramento watershed is producing shad and striped bass.
Ocean fishing remains at the top of the charts with consistent catches of salmon. Anglers out of Santa Cruz have been catching salmon at shallower depths, and one to two fish per rod has been a good average. The salmon have weighed in from 6 to 25 pounds, and they have been full of fight.
Rockfish and lingcod season started May 1. However, there has been less enthusiasm among anglers. Fishing for rockfish, lingcod and halibut has been slow, although some fish have been caught. Fishing for these species will get better as the water warms.
A hot pick for freshwater fishing is in the Central Valley for American shad. These miniature tarpon provide hot action for light tackle or fly-fishing gear. They range from 1 to 3 pounds and are full of fight.
“We are catching 20 to 50 fish per morning, with higher numbers available,” reported J.D. Ritchey, a fishing guide from Sacramento.
J.D. advised using small grubs in pink with a chartreuse 1/16-ounce lead head. The trick is locating the schools of shad, then getting the correct drift. The American, Sacramento and Feather rivers all have shad in them.
Loch Lomond is open! I feel bad that salmon have received so much attention, while Loch Lomond reservoir is one of my favorite places on the planet.
“The water is 64 degrees and the temperature is rising. It has 7 feet of visibility and should clear up after this past algae treatment,” said Bruce Worden, an assistant ranger at the lake.
Bruce reported that a 15-plus-pound largemouth bass was caught and released by Bruce Bellochie. The large female fish was released unharmed. Bass are now finishing the spawn and may start to feed as bluegill move to shallow water. No trout have been recorded this year, and no plants have been received since July 2007.
Loch Lomond also hosts many recreational activities.
• 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 ca************@ya***.com. He also hosts a fishing show on radio station KSCO (1080 AM) from 7:06 to 8 p.m. Thursdays April through September.
