Reports for the State of California 2001

I fished with a friend from Grass Valley in the Kokanee Power Derby held at Stampede lake on 7-28. This is a high lake at almost 6k ft. Very deep with lots of areas over 200 ft. Koks were caught from 40 ft. (early) to 70 ft. Best fishing was very early from 5:30 to 7:30. After that fewer fish for most. The fish were nice sized, our smallest was 14 in. and the largest 17 in. There were many other fish in that size range. Some fish were just starting to turn with hooked jaws and tight scales. Best results were with small dodgers or sling blades followed by small lures such as bugs, spinners and triple teasers. We only landed 4 koks and quit because I had a downrigger problem and a big wind came up. I placed #14 out of about 160 entrants, so at least no embarrassment since this was my first time kok fishing at Stampede. One guy who was a Scotty pro got the 10 fish limit for him and his wife fishing bugs so the potential here is excellent. I believe if I had the time for another day there we would have improved our catch rate. The Kokanee Power group is very friendly and helpful. We were served a terrific lunch with tri-tip steak and lots of other good stuff. These derbies they put on are well organized and a lot of fun. I recommend a trip to one of their derbies to find out just what a great time you will have. They also contribute a lot of labor and $ to assist the state in enhancing the kok fisheries.
This report submitted by John Ward

Fished Indian Valley Res. in Ca. today(5/26). Put 8 kokes in the boat. Smallest was 13" and the largest was 17". Lost approx. 5 and had many short strikes. Best on chrome Vances dodger and pink hoochie with corn and Pro Cure corn scent. 9" leader. Biggest fish came on a Kavoorkian Apex 1.5 and 36" leader behind Vances dodger. Best depth - 47-50'. Many fish marking at 45-55'. Surface temp. 67 - 71 degrees. 1/2 to 1 mile north of dam in 100 t0 120' of water. A very dusty place but some very good fish!

This report submitted by Jim Roscoe

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Just fished Indian Valley reservoir (4/24) in CA near Williams. Presently , the gravel road into the lake is not as bad as I've heard it could be. My first time there, so I didn't have much to go on and had to figure it out for myself. Best fishing was at the south end near the dam. Koks were biting at 35 to 50 ft. The bite was slow but steady. And definitely not aggressive, so lots were lost. It took 5 hrs. to limit. Good news is that they ran 14 to 16 in. Very few small ones. That's good sized fish for April. They will be hogs in July. Feel free to contact me
for more specific info or directions.
This report submitted by John Ward