The Times-Standard

June 3, 2006 

June is bustin' out all over. That means the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics can't win for losing, the Humboldt Crabs are about to extend their amazing record and saltwater sport fishing remains in high gear on the North Coast.

Salmon have finally showed off Crescent City, reports charter boat skipper Bob Ginoelhio. “They showed yesterday (Monday) pretty good. Fishing has started to turn (up here). However, rock fishing still remains the biggest attraction.”

Meanwhile, Shellback operator Phil Glen reports he fished Cape Mendocino Sunday and six clients landed 6 limits of rockfish, 11 lingcod and 2 Pacific halibut, 32 and 70 pounds, Monday 6 limits of “really nice rockfish, including 20 large red snapper and 14 lingcod up to 17 pounds were brought in.

”The salmon are starting to bite a little better this week and I also have heard of several Pacific halibut taken in 220 to 280 feet west southwest off Eureka,” Phil added.

Gordon McCain brought in a 23 pound Chinook caught 7 miles out, reported Judy Nelson from Johnny's Marina. Lindsey Stuart boated a 23 pounder taken in 80-90 feet off the bluffs, she added.

Fishing off Trinidad was spotty Wednesday morning after the wind came up, said Ruby Rollings. Scott Wooley has taken over the Lingcod Derby lead with a 32 pounder. Rudy Keyes 27-1/2 pound king maintains the Salmon Derby lead.

”They're killing the rockfish off Punta Gorda,” notes Bite Me charter boat skipper Trent Slate. “Lingcod up to 25 pounds are being caught.” He added that salmon fishing has been a little slow at Shelter Cove but they are catching them like mad at Fort Bragg. We assume they'll move up here the next couple of days. They are getting quality crab.”

Willow Creek guide Ed Duggan reports that Trinity Lake is full. Last Thursday the water level was above the “Glory Hole” which is the overflow pipe. The elevation of the pipe is 2,370 feet and as of Sunday was 2,373 feet.

”Now that the spring flows are on the decreasing arm, hopefully we will get back to the task at hand: fishing for springers. As the Trinity River drops one should be able to reach some of the areas that are fishable from the bank. As the water clears one could start out with size 4 or larger spinners. Gold works best in the dirtier water and then as it clears switch to silver with red or orange bodies. Then as the water flows drop even more, say down to 2,000--1,500 cfs, one could switch to roe or tuna balls.”

The Klamath River is still on the high side but is slowly becoming fishable, Ed notes. As the river drops the AmeriCorps has been out clearing the boat ramps and other areas to allow for river access.

On the other hand the upper sections of the river are becoming very fishable and I hear that there are some trout to be had up in the Seiad Valley. As the Klamath drops there should be some spring Chinook making their way up river. I do know that the Klamath has really had a good scrubbing this year and hopefully we will see a fair return of salmon to spawn, Ed concludes.

Free Fishing Day At Freshwater Lagoon

A Free Fishing Day Event for children 15 years and younger will be held at Freshwater Lagoon from 9 a.m. to noon on June 10.

Redwood National and State Parks, Cal Trout, US Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, and the AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards Project are hosting this event to encourage children and their families to discover the sport of fishing.

Loaner rod, reel and tackle sets will be available on a first come, first served basis. Community volunteers will be on hand to teach techniques of casting, baiting the hook, landing the fish, careful release and safe fishing practices. Prizes donated by the community will be raffled off to registered participants 15 years and younger.

Fishing from the shore is encouraged. Parents should bring personal flotation devices for children where appropriate, and a cooler to carry home fish in. Carpooling is also encourages.

During the Free Fishing Day, DFG waives the normal requirement for anyone 16 years or older to possess a license. All other regulations will apply. Bag limit for Freshwater Lagoon is 5 fish per day and 10 fish in possession.

Contact Christine Ramsey, DFG, (707) 725-1027.

Bass Tournament At Ruth Lake June 4

Don't forget the upcoming Bass Tournament with a $1,000 first place and payouts to 15th place next Sunday.

This is a catch-and-release event sponsored by Fortuna Fire Department Company 2.

For additional information contact Dave Ansley at 725-5023 (days) or Lon at 725-7880.