Shaver Lake Fishing Report & Dam Project Update - September 21st, 2011

Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake

Kokanee ** Trout *** Smallmouth bass **

The lake is lowering quickly each week, and it is down to 36% capacity. The Sierra Marina Launch ramp is slightly below the bottom of the auxiliary ramp, and aluminum boats should be able to launch in the sloped rock and mud for the coming weekend, but this will be the end of any boating for the season. Boaters are highly advised to check the ramp conditions at sierramarina.com/camera.html before arriving with a boat since the water is dropping at least 2% daily. Dick Nichol's of Dick's Fishing Charters reported bank fishing is wide open with shoreline access all over the place. Dave Strawn of Shaver Lake Sports reported bank success on Power Bait and eggs soaked off the Road 1 and 2 areas and between the dam and Sierra Marina. Strawn reminds fishermen that there still are some big trophy-sized trout that were planted earlier this year. The small mouth bass bite is off and on around rocks with crickets and small spinners. Access on to Shaver Lake will be closed around Oct. 1, and the lake will be dormant through the winter when the trophy trout will be introduced in April. At Huntington, Strawn reported nice limits of rainbows and small kokanee have been taken on Trout Busters tipped with a night crawlers behind a Mountain Flasher. Dick Gomez confirms the strong bite with blade/crawler combinations or Wedding Rings tipped with a crawler at depths to 20 feet. Bank anglers are scoring with Power Bait or inflated crawlers near the Auxiliary Dam. Huntington remains stable at 99% capacity. Call: Dick's Fishing Charters 841-2740;

Wishon/Courtright

Trout ***

Chuck Crane of the Wishon Village RV Park reported very good fishing at Wishon, particularly from the banks at the headwaters with orange Power Bait or inflated night crawlers. Crane said, "Bank anglers have been running their boats to the other side of the lake and fishing from the banks for limits of 18- to 22-inch rainbows. Wishon is dropping, but boats still can be launched on the concrete ramp. Trollers are scoring with blade/crawler combinations, Needlefish or Speedy Shiners at three to four colors of lead core. Courtright continues to be excellent for trollers with Thomas Buoyants, Speedy Shiners, Needlefish or blade/crawler combinations at three to four colors. Shore fishing is best around the Dam with orange or garlic Power Bait or inflated night crawlers. Dick Gomez of Young's Sporting Goods said, "Dinkey Creek still is fishable with plenty of ripples and pools, and it has more water now than the past several years." Fly fishermen still are picking up browns and rainbows up or down the creek. Young's Sporting Goods will be open primarily on weekends for the remainder of the fall. Chuck Crane said at least six bucks were brought to the store Saturday for pictures, but hunters are having to work hard for success.

Edison/Florence/Mammoth Pool

Brown trout ** Trout ***

Few fishermen have been driving to the Kaiser Pass lakes, but action has been very good for those willing to go the distance. Merritt Gilbert said, "Small Rapalas or blade/crawler combinations are picking up rainbows and the occasional brown trout." Dick Gomez reported good action for fly fishermen on the San Joaquin River near Florence Lake. There were a number of deer hunters in the area during the opening weekend of rifle season, but the deer herds are scattered. All of the lakes are high for this time of year with Edison at 88%, Florence at 82%, Mammoth Pool at 56% and Redinger at 90%.