Northern CA Freshwater Fishing Report

Ebbett's Pass lakes and streams mostly ready for opener—here's what to expect! By RON WILSON/WON Staff WriterPublished: Apr 26, 2012

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ARNOLD — Fishing season will open April 28 for the rivers and streams statewide, and with such a weak winter, this should be a dynamite fishing season, according to Bill Reynolds at Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods. The lower Sierra areas will be planted the week of April 22 by the DFG at the North Fork of the Stanislaus, Beaver Creek, White Pines Lake, and Angels Creek located in Angels Camp. Camping for the opener will be limited to mainly dispersed camping, and you must still obtain a fire permit for your campsite. No word yet if Big Trees State Park will be open for camping for the opening weekend. Lake Alpine is still closed due to snow, Spicer Reservoir is closed due to snow, but White Pines Lake, located near Arnold, will be planted the week of April 22. Bait casters should try using garlic Power Eggs, garlic Power Bait, Gulp! Eggs, Gulp! Power Bait or inflated nightcrawlers on a sliding sinker rig with a 30-inch leader. Lure fishermen should try Kastmaster's, Panther Marten spinners, Rooster Tails, or try a fly and cast-a-bubble combination. Fly fishermen should try woolly buggers, sparrow nymphs, ants, Adams, female Adams, or beadhead nymphs. It is best if you use an intermediate sink line. The North Fork Stanislaus will be planted the week of April 22 but the water could be high due to snow melt. Lure casters should try Rapala's, Daiwa Minnows, Kastmasters, Panther Marten, Rooster Tails, Blue Fox, Thomas Buoyant's and Mepps. Bait fishermen should try nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, and crickets using a splitshot rig. The campground Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo is closed until the projected opening day of May 18. Beaver Creek will be planted the week of April 22. Water levels could be higher than normal but still fishable. Fly fishermen should try ants, woolly buggers, bead head nymphs and humpy's. Lure fishermen should try Panther Martin's, Rooster Tails, Blue Fox spinners, and Mepps spinners. Bait fishermen should try split-shotting nightcrawlers, crickets and salmon eggs. Make plans to attend the Annual Father's Day Derby out of Ebbett's Pass Sporting Goods, June 17. It is the chance to catch the fish of a lifetime and fun for all. You can contact Bill Reynolds at Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods at (209) 795-1686 or e-mail him at epsbill@comcast.net.