The Fresno Bee
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 | 07:22 AM
Compiled by Dave Hurley and edited by local fishing expert Roger George, a former Olympic-class decathlete at Fresno State and striper record-holder at Millerton Lake.
Telephone numbers are in 559 calling area unless noted.
BEST BETS
Shaver trout fishing is picking up, Patrick Movey said. Southern Aqueduct striper bite is steady, Pete Cormier reported. Don Pedro and McClure rainbows are hitting, Manny Basi said. McSwain trout are on good bite, Stephanie Powell reported.
FLYFISHING REPORT
Jimi Morales said that the Merced, Tuolumne and Stanislaus rivers opened Jan. 1. No sea-run fish as of yet, but plenty of wild trout being caught. Little surface activity even with a very strong BWO Mayfly (Nos. 18-29) hatch. Some midday success high-sticking the riffles with small dark nymphs. A few salmon still around, so using a two-fly setup with a Glo-bug will bring some strikes. Sierra Fly Fisher Guide Service (559) 683-7664. Yosemite Rivers Fly Shop (559) 641-7788.
ROGER'S REMARKS
A big deal when I was growing up was the The Bee's weekly fishing report, which I'd use to plan my next trip. I'd pore over every sentence and wonder how reporter Bruce Farris could know so much about all the different types of fishing and how he got his experience. Nowadays, folks ask me about my background, and since most anglers know me as a striper fanatic, the question always arises: What do you really know about bass, trout, crappie, catfish, etc., and do you have any experience with those fish? No one can ever do it all, or know it all, but I thought I might fill in the gap and give you what I think my so-called "expert" rating on a scale of 10 might be for each species. Don't forget, however -- I rely on guys I think are close to 10s!
Bass: My first fish was a largemouth and I was born in Florida -- how much more fishy can you get? Growing up, I chased bass all over the Valley with friends and family at Pine Flat, Millerton, Hensley, McClure, Don Pedro, Skaggs Bridge, the San Joaquin River gravel pits and the Burrell slough. When Hensley first opened, we took aircraft cable and secured a pulley to a rock in the parking area to lower the fully loaded aluminum boat filled with batteries (electric motors only then) 100 yards to the water. We had amazing 100-fish days on top water for bass to almost 5 pounds. And since we had a pretty large network of great anglers, it led us all over the Valley to some of the best bass fishing of the 1960s and on to the 1980s. I love bass fishing (especially largemouth) and that's all I did for years, with a personal record of 12 pounds, which I released, out of Eastman on a top-water plug. I feel at home catching them using splitshotting, spinnerblades, topwater, cranks and jigs. Self-rating: 6/7.
Trout: I grew up angling for multispecies since my family believed taking a trip for one species could be good for another, too. Bass Lake, McClure, Don Pedro and New Melones can produce some great trout action, and we'd take advantage of it after the bass bite slowed. We would put out the floating lights as the sun went down then catch trout and crappie all night before watching the sun come up as we went back to the early bass bite. Got a lot of giant crappie and trout to 20+ inches that way. I have fished the higher-altitude streams and lakes for trout, used flies, and hit Mammoth Pool, Shaver, Bridgeport, Twin Lakes and Wishon over the years, too. We also fished the Kings River for some huge trout. One of my goals is to get a big brown. My personal record trout was a 23-inch trout in Oregon. Self-rating: 6.
Catfish: I haven't pursued cats, but they seem to show up at times. I think they are an underrated fish and I've seen some giants coming from this area. Hensley, Eastman, the San Joaquin River and even Millerton pump out 20-pound-plus fish every year. My biggest was 6 pounds. Self-rating: 5/6.
Stripers: I got hooked on big stripers in the early 1980s after I landed a 40-pounder at Millerton. Stripers fit me because they take a lot of dedication, technique and perseverance, and they're incredibly powerful and big! I spend 95% of my time chasing these critters. Biggest striper: 50.3 pounds at Millerton. Self-rating: 8.
There you have it, a confirmation of what you suspected all along: This guy is still practicing! You may have it exactly right. Don't forget, however, I'm originally from Florida -- that's got to help some?
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 * *
More area fishermen are tossing flukes or swimbaits into the moving water at the head gates in the Aqueduct, according to Patrick Movey of the Fisherman's Warehouse. Merritt Gilbert of Valley Rod and Gun said, "We have seen increased sales of Lucky Craft Pointer 127s in American shad for anglers in the Delta-Mendota or California Aqueduct." In the south aqueduct in Kern County, Pete Cormier of Bob's Bait in Bakersfield said, "The best bite in our area is the Aqueduct near the normal access locations with a variety of lures including RatLTraps, tubes or rip baits while bait fishermen are using blood worms, sand worms, anchovies or sardines. The cold has eliminated most of the moss and grass in the aqueduct system, but there is still some debris. Anglers are cautioned to use extreme caution in the icy slippery conditions along the banks and the cold water temps of the canals.
Eastman Lake
Bass * * Trout * * Bluegill * * Catfish * * Crappie * *
Ranger Andrew Steele of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Ranger Station said, "The bite for bass and trout was slow with the overnight lows below freezing for over a week." The water temperatures have been hovering around 50 degrees or below and the bass are deep and inactive. Live bait is the top option, but even this has been slow. Merritt Gilbert at Valley Rod and Gun in Clovis said, "A few anglers have finally found some good fish at 50 feet in depth with jigs or drop-shotting on a slow presentation and there have been some 3 and 4-pound fish caught." A few trout anglers are trolling with mixed results. Steele added, "Warmer storms will raise the lake's level and provide better conditions for bass fishing." The lake is on the middle boat ramp on the Codorniz Campground side and on the top ramp on the Chowchilla Day Use side. Be aware that unmarked hazards, including submerged rocks and trees, are present throughout Eastman Lake. The Lakeview Trail is temporarily closed to hunting but open to all other use between the Codorniz Recreation Area and Raymond Bridge. The lake rose slightly to 513 feet and 31% capacity.
Call: Eastman Lake 689-3255
Hensley Lake
Bass * * Trout * * Crappie * * Catfish * * Bluegill * *
"There is very little happening at Hensley," Merritt Gilbert of Valley Rod and Gun said. "Even the crappie bite up the river arm has slowed down." The cold has all but shut down the bass bite and trout fishing is only fair for trollers and bank anglers. A plant is this week. The lake rose a half foot to 485 feet in elevation and 27% 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
Lake Don Pedro
Bass * * Trout * * * Crappie * * Kokanee * King salmon * *
Trout action is strong for planters working along shorelines with ExCels, Needlefish, Speedy Shiners or similar lures. Seeking out bird activity is the best way to locate the widely-scattered trout schools. Manny Basi at the Bait Barn in Waterford reported excellent trout action from bank access areas at Blue Oaks or Fleming Meadows with live minnows or night crawlers. The fish seem to prefer live bait, but rainbow Power Bait is working. Bass fishing is slow, but shad-patterned plastics such as Reaction Innovation's Bad Shad Green Flirt or Robo Worms Hologram Shad on the drop-shot are working. A dead stick presentation is necessary. The swimbait bite has slowed. Warmer weather, longer days and some rain will help things out.
Call: Monte Smith (209) 581-4734; Danny Layne-Fishn' Dan (209) 586-2383; Gary Vella (209) 652-7550; Bait Barn (209) 874-3011
Lake Isabella/Bakersfield area
Bass * * Trout * * Crappie * * Catfish * * * Bluegill * *
Catfish are the best thing going with whiskerfish to 4 pounds taken on frozen shad, mackerel, anchovies or sardines. There are a few crappie to be had and fishermen are working warmer waters in the marina and in the trees in the deeper waters of the lake. Bass fishing is showing some life with the occasional quality fish taken on rainbow trout-patterned swimbaits. Trout plants have been limited by the retrofit of the hatchery trucks to meet air pollution standards. As a result, most of the lakes have been planted only a few times this season. Trout fishing is limited. The lake held at 2,542 feet and 15%. The lack of plants has hampered upper and lower river action. In the upper river, trout continue to hold in deeper pools. The lower Kern is limited to catfish or bass with an occasional trout. The Riverwalk and Lake Ming were planted last week due to a run from the San Joaquin Hatchery and Cormier added, "Buena Vista was planted by a private company."
Call: Bob's Bait (661) 833-8657; North Fork Marina (760) 376-1812
Lake Kaweah
Bass * * Crappie * *
Trout * * Catfish * *
Larry Kerns of the Visalia Bass Club fished all Sunday with drop-shotting or spoons at 35 to 40 feet and was put together a limit averaging 7 pounds. An American Bass Association tournament on Saturday had a winning limit of 8.40 pounds and a big fish of 2.80 pounds. The water is stained and rising with the inflow. A Success Bass Club tournament is this weekend. The best option is planted trout from the bank access areas with Power Bait, crawlers or Kastmasters. The lake rose 3 feet to 607 feet in elevation and 13% capacity.
Call: Sierra Sporting Goods 592-5212
Lake Success
Bass * * Trout * * Catfish * * Crappie * *
Chuck Stokke of Sequoia Fishing Company in Springville reported slow bass action with the cold temperatures. A few fish are taken from the bottom on jigs or drop-shot plastics on a very slow presentation. The best action is for planted trout from the banks with Power Bait, night crawlers or Panther Martin spinners. The lake rose 1.5 feet to 600 feet and 16%. The Rocky Hill launch ramp is the best option. In the Tule River, Stokke said, "The cold weather has locked up the bite, but an upcoming storm and warmer weather should improve the action."
Call: Sequoia Fishing Company 539-5626; Lake Success 784-0215
McClure Reservoir
Bass * * Trout * * * * King salmon * * Kokanee * Crappie * * Catfish * *
Manny Basi at the Bait Barn in Waterford reported excellent trout action from banks at the South Ramp with live minnows or night crawlers. He said, "The fish seem to prefer the live bait instead of Power Bait." Bass fishing is tough with the best action with shad-patterned plastics on the drop-shot. The Reaction Innovation's Bad Shad Green Flirt or Robo Worms Hologram Shad are working on a very slow presentation. An absolute dead stick presentation is necessary. Basi added, "Once the weather warms up, the swimbait bite should improve." Trollers found limits of rainbows at 20 to 40 feet on night crawlers behind flashers or Wedding Rings tipped with a crawler behind a dodger in either Temperance Creek or around the dam.
Call: A-1 Bait (209) 563-6505; Bub Tosh (209) 404-0053
McSwain Reservoir
Trout * * *
Stephanie Powell at the McSwain Marina reported very good action from the banks near the Brush Pile with lemon-lime Power Eggs or white Power Bait with garlic. Silver Kastmasters have been the top lure. Trolling has been only fair. The majority of action is coming from the bank areas. There was a Calaveras Trout Farm plant last week and there is a DFG plant this week.
Call: McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534
Millerton Lake/San Joaquin River
Bass * * * Striper * Shad * Trout * *
The lake has been the best for numbers, according to Merritt Gilbert at Valley Rod and Gun in Clovis. Anglers are averaging from 12 to 20 fish per day with an 8.5-pound limit possible with an occasional 2.5- to 2.75-pound spotted bass taken. The best action is on the bottom at 20 to 40 feet with split-shotting, drop-shotting, dart-heading or jigs with fish coming into the shallows in the afternoon with slightly warmer water, particularly along shorelines with southern exposure. Anglers are prefishing for tournaments, but no striped bass have been hooked. Gilbert said, "Walls and main lake points are the best locations and the bite is as good up the river arm as it is in the lake." All boats must fill out a Quagga mussel self-inspection before launching. The lake held at 527 feet and 58%. In the lower San Joaquin, trout action remains fair despite heavy interest near Broken Bridge and Lost Lake. Power Bait, crawlers, Kastmasters or spinners remain top lures.
Call: Fresno Fisherman's Warehouse 225-1838; Valley Rod & Gun 292-3474
New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch
Bass * * Crappie * * Catfish * * Trout * * * Kokanee *
Trout fishing remains good for bank anglers and trollers in response to weekly DFG plants. Joe Askamit of Joefish Guide Service fished for limits, but the bite was different depending upon the day. Askamit said, "Friday's bite was good from the start before slowing down. We fished the Mormon Creek and Angels Creek areas with black and white Fresh Water Basic 3-inch grub and rolled shad at 25 feet for 25 hookups and limits to the boat to 1.75 pounds and 17 inches." Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sporting Goods reported decent action from the banks by tossing Kastmasters far out. Lewis said, "Bass fishing is fairly tough and most anglers are having difficulty locating quality fish." The rapid decline in temperature has slowed the bite and fish have moved into deeper water. A slow presentation with a small 3- to 4-inch hand-poured plastic in natural shad or crawfish on the drop-shot is the top technique. Dead-sticking a 5-inch Senko is working with a minimum of movement. The swim bait bite is improving with smaller sized baits. The catfish bite has been slow. Crappie fishing remains slow, but there are fish in 15 to 40 feet of water in the backs of creek channels near submerged wood. Live minnows or red worms under slip-float are picking up slabsides. The lake rose a half foot to 1,016 feet and 76%. Lake Tulloch is at 51% and 477 feet after rising a half foot. The North Shore launch ramp is out of the water.
Call: Glory Hole Sports (209) 736-4333; Monte Smith (209) 581-4734; Danny Layne-Fishn' Dan (209) 586-2383; Sierra Sport Fishing (209) 599-2023
Pine Flat Reservoir/Kings River
Bass * * Trout * * * Crappie * * King salmon * * Catfish * *
The trout action is the best thing going with trollers picking up an average of three fish per rod from the Power Lines to the Dam at depths from the surface to 20 feet and also from 40 to 60 feet with Needlefish, Apex lures or ExCels. Merritt Gilbert of Valley Rod and Gun in Clovis said, "The trout are averaging in the 13.5- to 14-inch range and only a few fishermen are working above the Power Lines." For bass, Gilbert said, "Fishermen can expect to land between 10 and 12 fish per day with action on the bottom at depths to 30 feet with jigs or with plastics on the drop-shot, dart-head or Texas rig." The fish are moving into the shallows to 15 feet on warm days. No one is targeting king salmon. The lake rose 2 feet to 786 feet and 27%. In the lower Kings, Chuck Stokke of Sequoia Fishing Company in Springville reported, "The trout action in the catch-and-release section has slowed with the cold. I only landed a squawfish on a Lightning Bug nymph this week and it seems that a number of fish have been removed by anglers." Afternoon mayfly hatches continue, but the rainbows are not rising to the flies. Patrick Movey of the Fisherman's Warehouse in Fresno reported good action in the open section of the river with mini jigs under a bobber or with salmon eggs. Trophy plants continue through February. The section between Alta Weir and Highway 180 is a catch-and-release zone with barbless hooks. A trout plant is scheduled on the river this week as well as at Avocado Lake.
Call: Fresno Fisherman's Warehouse 225-1838; Valley Rod & Gun 292-3474, Sequoia Fishing Company 539-5626; The I Forgot Store 787-3689
San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay
Striper * * Catfish * * Bass * * Crappie * *
Anthony Lopez of Coyote Bait in Morgan Hill reported a slowdown in striper action in the main lake with most targeting linesides with anchovies or jumbo minnows at 80 to 100 feet near the Trash Racks or creek channels in Portuguese Cove. Roger George of Roger's Guide service said they landed over 15 fish to 24 inches, but reported a hit and miss bite that seems to last for a few hours then dies for fish holding much deeper. The temp in the big lake is around 51 degrees. Bait has gone deep in the main lake or moving water in coves and striper are following. In the Forebay, striper are taken on a variety of techniques with the best action with blood worms, pile worms or anchovies near Check 12 or the Highway 152 Bridge. Lopez said, "Check 12 has been the best area, by far." Trollers are pulling broken-backed Rebels or Rapalas, P-Line Predators or Yozuris while rip baits or RatLTraps are effective. Top-water action has been very slow. The lake rose with an influx of Delta water to 59% capacity.
Important note: All personal watercraft must undergo inspection for Quagga and Zebra mussels. Failure will result in the refusal to launch.
Call: Coyote Bait and Tackle (408) 463-0711; Roger's Guide Service 905-2954
HIGH SIERRA
Bass Lake
Bass * * Trout * * * Kokanee *
The trout bite continues to be good, spurred on by recent plants, including trophy trout. Patrick Movey of the Fisherman's Warehouse in Fresno said, "The bite has been good for trollers pulling Rapalas, ExCels, Needlefish or various spinners close to the surface." The lake has risen to 53% capacity, but it is difficult to launch a large boat from the main ramp. A few are launching small boats with four-wheel-drive vehicles alongside the ramp. For bass fishing, Merritt Gilbert at Valley Rod and Gun said, "There usually is a decent bass bite with swimbaits by mid-January, but the muddy and cold water has kept this from happening." The conditions at the launch ramp have kept large bass boats off the lake and despite the ability to launch at Ducey's Resort, most anglers do not want to put in at 9 a.m. and be out by 3 p.m." The lake is limited to small boats, kayaks, canoes or float tubes. A webcam is available at www.basslake.com.
Call: Todd Wittwer 288-8100; Mike Beighey 642-3748
Edison/Florence/Mammoth Pool
Kaiser Pass is closed for the winter.
Call: Vermilion Valley Resort at Edison Lake 259-4000
Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake
Kokanee * Trout * * *
Patrick Movey of the Fisherman's Warehouse in Fresno reported good action from the bank areas around Roads 1 and 2 with Power Bait or night crawlers. He said, "Anglers have been nailing them, including a few of the trophy trout in the 3-pound range." Movey said as of Monday night, the launch ramp was clear of snow with limited space in the parking lot. Trolling is good with Trout Busters loaded with corn on the inside hook and a tip of crawler on the back hook behind a weighted Mountain Flasher trolled at depths from 10 to 40 feet around the Island, Black Rock and the Point. Pink hootchies behind a flasher are working at similar depths. Trophy trout from recent plants are showing up and another plant is this week. Check out www.sierramarinawebcam.com for conditions. The Shaver Lake Trophy Trout Project is considering another trophy plant if it receives enough donations: SLTTP, P.O. Box 908, Shaver Lake, CA 93664. Kokanee expert captain Jack Yandell, guide Dick Nichols and Shaver historian Lee Gates will present two Shaver seminars this winter and spring. Shaver is at 63% with Huntington rising slightly to 40%.
Call: Dick's Fishing Charters 841-2740; Dinkey Creek Inn 841-3435; Rancheria Marina 893-3234; Shaver Lake Sports Inc. 841-2740
Wishon/Courtright
The roads to Courtright and Wishon are closed for the winter.
Call: Wishon RV Park 865-5361
OCEAN
Half Moon Bay
Striper * * Crab * * *
The Mavericks Invitation Surf Contest was held for the first time in three years Sunday and although the swell was not as large as it has been in the past, the event enjoyed spectacular weather. Captain Dennis Baxter said, "The Coast Guard did an excellent job limiting the number of private boats on the water. Everyone played nice today." Mattusch is taking sand dab/crab combination trips or crab-only trips. In Pacifica, Sheryl Jimno at the Rusty Hook said, "The pier has been very busy in the mornings with crabbing remaining decent." Perch and king fish are the top species from the pier.
Call: Happy Hooker (510) 223-5388; Roger Thomas, Salty Lady (415) 760-9362; Bait and Switch Sport Fishing Center (650) 726-7133 726-7133; Emeryville Sport Fishing (510) 654-6040; Don Franklin, Soleman (510) 703-4148
Monterey/Santa Cruz
Crab * * * Striper * * White sea bass *
Chris Arcoleo of Chris' Landing out of Monterey said, "We ran sand dab/crab combination trips over the weekend and put in 18 limits of crab Sunday to go with an average of 60 sand dabs," Out of Santa Cruz, the Sand Crab Classic Surf Perch Derby is set for March 9 and this event is a fundraiser for the Monterey Bay Salmon and Steelhead Project. The derby is limited to 300 entrants. Information is available at www.theletsgofishingradioshow.com. Allen Bushnell of Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing said, "Perch fishing will be good this year and we are ending signups on Feb. 20."
Call: Chris' Landing (831) 375-5951; Bayside Marine (831) 475-2173; usafishing.com
San Francisco Bay
Striper * * Leopard shark * * Sturgeon * * Crab * *
Emeryville Sport Fishing will be closing for the next week before reopening Jan. 29 to book sand dab/crab trips for February. Keith Fraser of Loch Lomond Bait and Tackle said, "A few sturgeon have wandered into our ballpark with legal fish to 52 inches on the new measurement standards and a number of shakers. Everyone is unhappy with the new sturgeon regulations and the fee for the Sturgeon Report Card." Minus tides start Monday. Striped bass fishing is an occasional occurrence. Joel Sinkay of Leonard's Bait and Tackle in Port Sonoma said, "There haven't been but a handful of shore fishing at Port Sonoma and the few that have been fishing, haven't nailed the fish by any means." Few fishermen have been out along the banks at Sonoma Creek and Sinkay touted San Pablo Bay as the top location for sturgeon, particularly near the Pumphouse.
San Luis Obispo
Virg's Landing has whale watching trips. The rockfish opener is May 1.
Call: Virg's Landing (805) 772-1222, (800) 762-5263; Patriot Sports Fishing (805) 595-4100; Port Side Marine Sports Launch (805) 595-7214
OTHERS
Delta/Stockton
Bass * * Striper * * Sturgeon * * Catfish * *
Cold and muddy water continues to plague sturgeon and striped bass fishermen. Warmer temperatures and some rain are needed to perk up the bite. Tony Lopez at Benicia Bait said, "There are still flounder out there and one boat came back from the Big Cut with three striper in the 21-inch range and a huge flounder on grass shrimp or ghost shrimp." James Nguyen at Dockside Bait in Pittsburg said, "The water is still cold and muddy, but a week of warm weather should improve the bite." The best sturgeon action has been coming out of Cache and Liberty sloughs. Temperatures have dropped as a result of 8 days of below freezing temperatures and Randy Pringle, the Fishing Instructor, said, "The cold water ranging between 38 and 43 degrees are keeping Florida-strain largemouth from wanting to play." The fish are eating the smallest variety of food source which is the minnow, according to Pringle. A dead stick presentation is essential for catching fish on the ima Flit rip bait or the smallest Berkley bait you can use. Agricultural pumping is taking place in and out of the back sloughs, keeping the water cold and muddy. Pringle said, "The striper are playing hide and seek with only small groups of fish to be found." The seventh annual Diamond Classic is Saturday out of Martinez Marina. The Original Sturgeon Derby, aka the Super Bowl Sturgeon Derby, is Feb. 2-3, info: www.foundationsportsmansclub.org.
Call: Randy Pringle (209) 543-6260; Vella's Fishing Adventures (209) 521-0164; Mark Wilson Sport Fishing (916) 682-1630; Intimidator Sport Fishing (916) 806-3030
Lake Nacimiento/San Antonio/Santa Margarita/Lopez
Bass * * White bass * * Striper * * Catfish * * Crappie * *
Randy Pringle, the Fishing Instructor, was tournament director of the Best Bass Tournament at Nacimiento on Saturday and he reported freezing temps in the morning. The bite was cold with only four limits taken by the 29 boats entered. He said, "Small hand-poured plastics or Robo Worms in Morning Dawn or Aaron's Magic were working best on a slow presentation. The fish are very thin and we had bass over 16 inches weighing less than a pound." Reminder: consuming white bass, black bass, crappie, catfish or carp are subject to safe eating guidelines due to excessive mercury. At Lopez, jigs are working at depths from 30 to 50 feet with the fish holding deep to the bottom on a very slow presentation. A number of 3- to 4-pound fish are possible based upon the Tri-Valley Bass Club tourney. A slow presentation is necessary in coastal lakes with lower temps. Quagga mussel inspections are required before boat launching. Nacimiento held at 758 feet and 48%, San Antonio at 747 feet and 55%, Santa Margarita 60%, Lopez 76%.
Call: Lake Nacimiento (805) 238-1056, ext. 3; Lake San Antonio Marina(805) 472-2818; Central Coast Bass Fishing.com (805) 466-6557
EVENTS
Results
Best Bass Tournaments at Nacimiento on Jan. 19: 1, Matthew S. Clark/Johnny Beasley Jr., 8.04 pounds (Big Fish 3.14 pounds); 2, Ty McCutheon/Brian Beckham, 7.73; 3, David Reed/Timothy Nishikubo, 7.25
Fresno Bass Club at Pine Flat on Jan. 20: 1, Byron Taylor, 7.07 pounds; 2, John Albidrez, 6.48; 3, Tim Hardin, 6.20; Big Fish, 2.48 pounds by Marvin Stewart
Tri-Valley Bass Club (6 limits) at Lopez on Jan. 19: 1, Jared Litner/Jeremy Burns, 22.47 pounds; 2, Joey Reggio/John Scott, 20.52; 3, Louis Fernandes/Patrick Touey, 19.70
Upcoming
Seminars/Sales/Shows
Thursday: John Albidrez on Bass Fishing, 6:15 p.m. at Fisherman's Warehouse in Fresno
Feb. 5: Kokanee Power Meeting, 7 p.m. at Yosemite Falls Cafe in Granite Park
March 5-7: 36th annual Central Valley Sportsmen's Boat, RV & Outdoor Show at the Kern County Fairgrounds in Bakersfield, info: calshows.com
Tournaments
Saturday: Seventh Annual Diamond Classic Catch and Release Sturgeon Derby at Delta/Martinez Marina, info: www.diamondclassic.org; American Bass Association at Delta/Russo's Marina; The Strike Zone Bass Club at New Melones; Western Outdoor News/Bakersfield Bass Club at Nacimiento
Sunday: Tracy Bass Club at Delta/Tracy Oasis; Angler's Choice at Delta/Russo's Marina; Angler's Choice at McClure; Success Bass Club at Kaweah
Feb. 2: Tracy Bass Club at Delta/Tracy Oasis; Angler's Choice at Delta/Russo's Marina; American Bass Association/Christian Bass League at Don Pedro
Feb. 2-3: Original Sturgeon "Super Bowl" Derby at Delta/McAvoy's Boat Harbor in Bay Point, info: foundationsportsmansclub.org
Feb. 3: California Bass Federation at New Melones; Fresno Bass Club at Pine Flat
Feb. 9: Tracy Bass Club at Delta/Tracy Oasis; Delta Bass Club at Delta/Russo's Marina; Angler's Choice/Sonora Bass Club/Manteca Bassin' Buddies at Don Pedro; Best Bass Tournaments at McClure; Mid Valley Bass Club at Eastman; 101 Bass/Taft Bass Club at San Antonio; Western Outdoor News at Santa Margarita
Feb. 10: Hook, Line and Sinker at Delta/Russo's Marina; Northern California Bass Federation at Don Pedro; Kings VIII Bass Club at McClure; California Bass Federation at Millerton
TROUT PLANTS
Fresno County: Avocado Lake; Fresno City Woodward Park Lake; Kings River, Below Pine Flat Dam; San Joaquin River, below Friant Dam
Kern County: Brite Valley Reservoir; Cat Fish Lake; River Walk Lake; Truxtun Lake; Woollomes Lake
Madera County: San Joaquin River, below Friant Dam
Merced County: Yosemite Lake
Stanislaus County: Modesto Reservoir; Turlock Reservoir; Woodward Reservoir
| Solunar Table | ||||
| AM | PM | |||
| Minor | Major | Minor | Major | |
| Wednesday | 1:41 | 7:53 | 2:05 | 8:17 |
| Thursday | 2:24 | 8:37 | 2:49 | 9:01 |
| > Friday | 3:09 | 9:21 | 3:33 | 9:45 |
| > Saturday | 3:54 | 10:06 | 4:18 | 10:30 |
| f Sunday | 4:41 | 10:52 | 5:04 | 11:16 |
| > Monday | 5:29 | 11:40 | 5:52 | -- |
| > Tuesday | 6:18 | 12:07 | 6:41 | 12:30 |
