So what about rain, moisture from fog, ice chests, etc.?

I called supervising ranger Denis Poole to express my concerns and he told me that they are trying to get more data right now, while working out consistent and systematic protocols on the inspections, yet maintain the "clean, dry, drained" standard. As he told me, they are caught in the middle because they "are in the recreation business, not turning folks away." There are actually decontamination units at some lakes that allow a no-pass boat to get treated -- and then it's allowed to launch! The units cost about $20,000, but someone could start it as a new business. Make a million!

Roger George is The Bee's fishing expert. He can be reached at rogergeorge8000@sbcglobal.net

Key:

* Try dynamite

* * Have to work hard

* * * Limits possible

* * * * Fish jumpin' in boat

VALLEY

Delta Mendota Canal and Sloughs

Striper * * Catfish * * *

Local fishermen have been working the sloughs in the evenings with sardines, anchovies or mackerel for catfish and school-sized striped bass. With the daytime heat, bank fishermen are waiting until the sun drops before heading out. Catfish have been the top species in the south aqueduct and there has been renewed interest in the whiskerfish with Bob's July Catfish Derby. Sardines, anchovies and jumbo minnows are the best options for catfish and the occasional striped bass. The moss continues to plague anglers in the southern section of the aqueduct.

Eastman Lake

Bass * * * Trout * Bluegill * * Catfish * * * Crappie * *

Eastman remains the top bass lake in the region and the heavy fishing pressure over the past month is starting to take its toll on the lake. In spite of this, Ranger Andrew Steele of the US Army Corps of Engineers Ranger Station reported good action during Saturday night's Who-B-Do Jigs tournament in which at least six bass were landed from 5 to 6.35 pounds. He said, "Many of the 27 boats entered reported good results with top-water lures once the moon came up with drop-shotting also working in the shallower portions of the lake." Patrick Movey of the Fisherman's Warehouse touted deep diving crankbaits in bluegill patterns or bluegill grubs on a quarter-ounce jig head. He added that dragging a greenpumpkin or watermelon Brush Hogs over rocks also is a good option. Catfish still are biting sardines, anchovies or chicken livers in the evenings. The lake is releasing water and it dropped 8 feet to 529.88 feet in elevation and 44% capacity. Boaters need to be aware with the dropping lake levels, unmarked hazards, including submerged rocks and trees, are present throughout Eastman Lake. Ranger Steele requested that boaters contact rangers or the park office if there is a hazard on the lake that needs a buoy. The Lakeview Trail is now open to all use between the Codorniz Recreation Area and Raymond Bridge. The area of the lake extending upstream from the Keep Out buoy line is closed to fishing and boats.
Call: Eastman Lake 689-3255

Hensley Lake

Bass * * Trout * Catfish * * * Bluegill * * * Crappie *

Bass fishing is limited to a few small fish with dark plastics on the dart-head or drop-shot. Jigs over rockpiles also are working. The best action is either for bluegill or catfish. Bank anglers continue to sit along the launch ramp in the evenings with sardines, anchovies or chicken livers for catfish to 4 pounds. The crappie bite is over at the present time. The lake dropped 3 feet to 487.59 feet in elevation and 29% capacity.
Call: Fresno Fisherman's Warehouse 225-1838; Valley Rod Gun, Clovis 292-3474; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hensley Lake Hidden Dam 673-5151