Oroville Lake

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Golden Eagles Nest

Lake Oroville is now down to the 770 ft. level with 1900 CFS out past the Outlet, which is making Salmon fishing slow but Steelhead are taking night crawlers floated slowly down-stream.  With the CFS now up to 700 from below the dam it may bring the fish up to the hatchery so the low-flow section may be a good area to try and the water is also cooler.  The Diversion Pool may also be a good choice.

Bass fishing around the lake is still good with many of the smaller Bass taking plastic worms in different color combinations.  Check out along the mud lines, steep cliffs or rocky shores with stick-ups or branches. Of course, night crawlers or minnows will entice the fish to take a mouthful. For the larger Bass, use jigs with a trailer worm in 35 to 40 feet, again, depending on the area you are fishing.

Catfish are still hitting anchovies, worms, Mackerel and large dead minnows. Crawdads that are hit on the head will put out a scent for them to come to the table during  night fishing.  Try putting a stake or stick in the ground with the line lying across the tip of the stick, then take another stick and tap it with a steady rhythm so that the sound travels down the line to the bait.  This will make the Cat fish be attracted to the bait.

Salmon fishing has still been very slow.  They have been spotted down as far as 100 to 120 feet, mostly around the dam face and in the North Fork to Hwy. 70 Bridge on the West Branch.  To try for these large fish, you must drop down with large minnows while drifting and also hard-baits and spoons trolling very, very slowly. A Salmon Butter smeared on the lure will always help and make sure you have a good net available because when you get them
next to the boat they will make a last effort to get away.  Salmon and Trout that have the IHN disease are NOT harmful for eating.  You cannot tell the difference at all unless you examine them under a microscope. Please don't just throw them away, keep them for a nice dinner for yourself.

Have a nice week---Dick Dunkel

July 02, 2001

Lake Oroville only lost about 3 feet from last week.  The level is now at 774 feet with 1100 CFS coming in and a release past the outlet at 1900 CFS, which still makes the river Salmon spotty.  The low-flow section and the outlet are still the best areas to try but don't overlook the Steelhead.  They are taking nightcrawlers very fast.  Most of them are in the 2 to 3 pound range of fighting fury reports Wade McGrath.

Spotted Bass are still doing great up on the lake and up to 3 pounders are throughout the lake. Plastic worms along with the good old night crawlers are making it a fun day for the larger ones.  You have to drop down to 25 to 30 feet where there is cooler and clear water.  Good areas to find these fish are where you can find fresh water coming into the lake or among or close by
the large boulders

Night fishing should be really good this week and next week due to the full moon on the 5th. Top water lures in the darker colors that will make lots of splashes, will keep you awake most of the time.

Fishing for Catfish is still good to excellent.  Cut baits of any type and mostly mackerel attracting the 4 to 12 pounders. You may have to try different areas to find the best spot, but its worth it.  Our  live bait machine is still available 24 hours

Have a great week and hope you had a happy 4th--------Dick Dunkel.

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