Central Sierra Fishing Report
July 26th, 2006 by Fishing admin
Central Sierra/Hwy. 4 Corridor Fishing Report
(Arnold, CA) It’s best to get an early start on fishing if you’re headed to the high country due to afternoon thunderstorms. There has been a good early bite in the lakes. Most of the fish are going deeper now. Bankies should try bottom fishing near the drop-offs with floating baits or inflated worms. Lures like Kastmasters will work very early in the morning or late in the evening
There is still an occasional 4 to 5 pounder coming out of Alpine. Trollers are going down 15 to 20 feet with a flasher/worm or lure combo in Alpine and up to 40 feet down at Spicer. At Spicer Reservoir the fish have moved to deeper water so shore fishing is a challenge. Kinney Reservoir at the top of Ebbetts Pass is a good choice for bankies trying to escape the heat. Worms and crickets as well as power bait will catch fish there. Mosquito Lakes have been planted so bait fishing, lures and flies are producing. Union Reservoir is a good choice for trout and mountain catfish. A worm on the bottom will get plenty of action for the cats and it’s less crowded.
Flows on the North Fork of the Stanislaus are high due to power demands downstream. Floating eggs or inflated worms with an 18″ leader and a split shot seems to be the best bait. Small spinners and dry flies like hoppers, black gnats, caddis or Adams are working late in the day. If you want to pursue the wild trout it’s best to use flies or natural baits like crickets or worms and hike upstream from the bridge access at Big Trees State Park, Boards Crossing Road out of Dorrington or Spicer Res. Road. Smaller streams like Beaver Creek and the Mokelumne at Hermit Valley are now low and clear. There are trout to be caught but stealth and natural baits are the best bets.
Internet Users can access the Stanislaus Forest Website for maps and camping information at http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/stanislaus/ and for fish stocking information go to the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/fishplant. We are in regions 2 and 4.
For more general information call Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods at (209) 795-1686 or check our website at ww.ebbettspasssportinggoods.com