KOKANEE

For many years thousands of Kokanee Salmon (landlocked sockeye salmon) fry were air dropped into Pardee waters by the Department of Fish and Game.  The last few years the stocking of Kokanee has been accomplished by California Inland Fisheries Foundations, Inc., PROJECT KOKANEE, a private non-profit organization working with the Department of Fish and Game.

Koakee are silver with blueish color backs and very soft mouths in the early season. When they are old enough to spawn (approx. 3 years old) they turn a vivid orange-red color on their bodies with a parrot green head. Their jaws become very hooked and hard and like any other salmon species, after they spawn their life span is over.

BLACK BASS

Local bass anglers consider Pardee a well kept secret in their own back yard.

CRAPPIE, BLUEGILL & SUNFISH

also abide within the waters of Pardee Lake and will keep the kids busy providing a fast paced fishing experience.

                          Warming temperatures, clear skies, gentle breezes in the forecast for the weekend and beyond.     

The northern cove behind the Marina continues to produce some trout held over from the plant last Friday. Another productive area of late has been the banks on either side of Tom Sawyer Bridge. As always check out the “Mud Hole” at the rear of the EBMUD boathouse, Rainbow and Blue Herron Points. The anglers working the banks below the bridge were using crappie jigs in white and yellow otherwise baits and set ups remain unchanged; anglers are using chartreuse, white or rainbow Power Bait (eggs or worms) with garlic and glitter. Pistol Pete’s and Mouse (mice) Tails, in addition pink Power Worms on a water bobber have been successful lately. Blue/silver Kastmasters are also hot right after the plant. Wooly Buggers behind a clear plastic float have also been working well.

Trollers continue to concentrate in the South end of the Lake adjacent to the intake tower. Boaters continue to land some nice Trout in this area. Kokanee have been elusive throughout the week. The fish are hanging a bit deeper with the warming surface temperatures, most have dropped down to 40 to 60 feet. The winning combos have been Uncle Larry’s and Apex lures with night crawlers or scented corn behind medium flashers or medium size dodgers in red, blue, and chrome. Check at the Marina for all your fishing supplies, snacks, updated fishing information and hot spots.

Not much information available about the bass fishing this report. There were some working the River arm near exposed rock edges all along the shore, and some other activity at the South end opposite the intake this morning. White spinner baits and drop shots are still the ticket.

Some smaller cat fish were caught midweek in the River arm and the southern coves. Chicken livers and night crawlers.

Water level has remained about the same since last report and is now about 10-12 feet below the spillway and is inching upward. Water temperatures are still in the mid 60’s at the Marina this morning. Water clarity is good to about 15’ plus in the Marina.

Pardee Lake Recreation has planted a total of 19,000 lbs. of Rainbow Trout as of this report.
The California Department of Fish and Game has also planted 2,000 lbs. of Trout to date for a grand total of 21,000 lbs.