September 18, 1999

Bullards

Fished derby at Bullards on 9-18, lots of easy limits of 12 to 14 koks
at 80 to 100 ft. Fish just starting to turn. Most fish caught on small
dodgers and bugs.
This report submitted by John

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August 12, 1999

New Melones

I have fished for Kokanee for many years in Central California. I have always done very well, but the fish are usually not very big. My father, Bruce Farris, who is an outdoor writer at the Fresno Bee, invited me to fish New Melones with guide Phil Johnson the other day (August 12th). We both caught 12 lb. limits and were done early. This is unusual in California, but after verifying Phil's record with previous clients, this is an almost daily occurrence. If you have anyone asking about catching BIG Kokanee in Central California, I would highly recommend Phil Johnson (he is already listed on your guide page). Sincerely, Greg Farris

This report submitted byGreg Farris

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July 29, 1999

New Melones

Fished New Melones Res. 7/29 for the first time since last Sundays Kokanee Power derby and did well with limits from 16-1/2 to 18-1/4". Both guides Phil Johnson and Dave Brager where there and all limiting with quality fish in that same range with Dave having what looked like a 19-20" fish. All fish still in good shape with all having at least some scales and no sign of color change with most still feeding. We fished the south end at 60-65' deep with hoochies behind a Vances dodger. Weather has been unusally cool for Ca. this year which make for comfortable fishing.
This report submitted by Jim

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July 25, 1999

New Melones

I fished NEW MELONES derby put on by Kokanee Power on 7-25. Fishing was excellent for fish averaging 15 to 18 in. and for me up to 19.5 in. Fish were 50 to 70 ft and dodgers with apex or hoochies in pink worked best. These derbies are great fun and well run.
This report submitted by John

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June 11, 1999

Whiskeytown Reservoir

Sorry to be writing w/ bad news. I spent a week camping/fishing with my Mom and daughter at Whiskeytown Res. June 6th thru 11th.I fished the lake every day.I did not keep a single fish -- they were all loaded with parasites! In the past I would take 1 out of 5/6 fish with a few of these hitch-hikers.Now every fish as some and most had double or triple the infestation seen last year. I took a photo of one(will scan and send it when developed).Do you know what these critters are?Is there anything that can be done about it?Is this a problem elsewhere? Two weeks before this trip I fished New Melones for three days.What a contrast ! Caught some of the biggest,healthiest kokanee of my life.Most were over 1 lb. with several over 2 lbs!Ken Hopper

This report submitted by Ken

June 12, 1999

New Melones

This is second hand, but from several trustworhty sources: New Melones, near Stocton, CA, is currently putting out good numbers of koks averaging 15 to 17 in.! this is a lake thats only had koks for a couple of years, so the conditions for these fish must be superb. I will be down there late in the month and will send first hand report.
This report submitted by John

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May 25, 1999

New Melones

The good kokanee bite continues at Melones although the fish are still a little scattered. I limited on both Monday and Tuesday of this week with kokes from 15 to 16 inches. On Monday I did have one fish that was exactly 17 inches and I lost one at the boat of equal or larger size. I am catching all my fish on dodgers with either an Apex or Aerofly at 35 to 45 ft. The best area seems to be from the dam to the islands at Morman Creek or the main lake off Glory Hole Pt.
This report submitted by Ronald Tobeck

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May 19, 1999

New Melones

Wanted to confirm the good Kokanee bite at Melones Res. I Fished twice last week and twice this week and limited everytime out. All my Kokes were in the 16 inch range and were extremely thick bodied.  The fish are still somewhat scattered and not schooled up real tight yet.  Should be some ouitstanding fishing ahead.

This report submitted by Ronald Tobeck

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May 16, 1999

New Melones

Meline at Glory Hole Sports told me on Tuesday of last week that they were catching Kokanee in the TWO pound range rather consistantly. You may want to include this in the Cal. section. I get alot of info from my stores down there and will pass it along if you would like. By the way the lake is So. East of Sacramento about 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. The Rainbows avg. around 3-5 lbs too.

This report submitted by RK Spinners

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May 3, 1999

Lake Shasta Derby

I fished the Project Kokanee Derby at Shasta on 5-1 and 5-2. Weather good first day in high 70's and cloudy with few light showers on day 2. Fishing was good for landlocked Chinook ranging from 1 to 5 lbs. The average fish was about 14 to 16 in. and about a pound to a pound and a half. Dodgers and lures or frozen shad trolled 25 to 50 feet worked best. I caught a lot of fish and had great time but no money fish for me. My excuse is this is my first time. The derby was well run and well hosted. We were treated very nicely and everyone was helpful and friendly. We have landlocked Chinook at Lost Creek and Detroit, but I have noticed little interest in this fishery in Oregon by the public or ODFW. It is very similar to Kokanee fishery as both are landlocked Salmon. CIFF which is described elsewhere on your page is a great organization specifically promoting Kokanee and landlocked Chinook fisheries. We need something like this in Oregon; is anyone interested? John Ward, North Bend, OR.

This report submitted by John

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April 25, 1999

New Melones

Caught 7 Kokanee up to 15 1/2 inches, 1 small Brown, and 2 Rainbows to 3.5 lbs. The Kokanee were caught at 25 feet deep on pink Apex lures and Chartruse Kokanee bugs behind Vance's Dodgers. I didn't weigh the Kokanee, but they are all really fat, great looking fish, and hard fighting.
This report submitted by Wayne

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April 24, 1999

Don Pedro Reservoir

We caught 2 limits of Kokanee in Middle Bay at 25 to 35 feet deep on a chartruse Kokanee bug and also on a red Apex lure. We always put white corn on the hooks, and Pro Cure scents on the corn. The fish are running 14 to 15 inches in total length, and are really in nice shape. These fish can grow up to an inch a month in this lake in the summer time. We should have some really big fish by the end of summer.
This report submitted by Wayne

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April 12, 1999

Stampede Reservoir

I drove to the lake on 4/12/99.   Solid snow from one (1) mile to the dam. 4wd only. Weather improving, snow should melt soon. Water level is great. Looking forward to a good year.