Central Sierra/Hwy 4 Fishing Report

May 14,2008

 

Ebbetts Pass Is now open!

 

Lake Alpine has now thawed and nice fish are being caught. Lake Alpine does not officially open until May 15th. The ramp is not in the water as there is still snow around the banks. The Lodge will be open and they will be renting cabins. You can contact the lodge at 209-753-6358. Fly fishermen should try woolly buggers, flying ants, and sparrow nymphs. Bank fishermen should try nightcrawlers, Gulp Power Bait, Gulp Nightcrawlers, floating Power Eggs,and salmon eggs. Lure casters should try Kastmasters, Panther Martin spinners, and Rooster Tails.

 

 

 Sierra stream fishing has been hit and miss at most locations.   Access to the Stanislaus River was limited to Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Boards Crossing Road in Dorrington.  The Gate to Beaver Creek through Sourgrass crossing is now open.  NCPA anticipates having Spicer open by Memorial weekend, depending on the snowmelt and weather.  For an update on the road to Spicer you can call 209-728-1387.   Hobart Creek is not open until JULY 1ST 2008!

 

Even though the snowmelt is on and the North Fork of the Stanislaus is looking good.  Baitcasters will probably have the bet luck split-shotting salmon eggs, floating Power Eggs, Crickets, or inflated worms with a 15 to 20 inch leader.  Fly casters can try bead head nymphs, ants, and bead head woolly buggers with a sink tip line.  Lure casters can try Panther Martin spinners, Rooster Tails, Rapala's or Kastmasters.

 

  Beaver Creek has been planted through Big Trees, so the same methods will apply there.  Angels and Murphys creeks also will be planted this week. All other high country lakes are still frozen or inaccessible.

 

White Pines was planted this last week and is also on the plant list for this week. Bait casters should try Floating Power Eggs, Gulp Nightcrawlers, Gulp Eggs, and Gulp Power Bait. You should try your bait of choice on a 30" to 36" leader. Lure casters should try Kastmasters, Panther Martin spinners, and Rooster Tails. Fly fishermen have been doing very well. Try using woolly buggers, ants, and sparrow nymphs.

 

Camping is available at Big Trees State Park and Golden Pines just beyond the park on Highway 4.  Campgrounds in the Stanislaus National Forest are not officially open, but there are spots available along the river.  For camping information call the Calaveras Ranger District at (209) 795-1381 or go to their website at http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/stanislaus/calaveras or try Big Trees State Park at (209) 795-2334.  Their website is http://www.sierra.parks.state.ca.us/cbt/btfacts.htm or Golden Pines at http://www.goldenpinesrvresort.com.

 

For more information you can check our website or email us through the website http://ebbettspasssportinggoods.com for weekly updates or call Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods at (209) 795-1686 and ask for Bill.  Remember we have our Annual Father's Day Derby in June and we post pictures of Trout caught at our local lakes and river. I wouldlike to thank all of our customers that showed up for the fly fishing seminar. It was a great success. I would like to also thank all of insructors that volunteered their time. They did a great job

 

Thanks again for patronizing our store.  We look forward to seeing you all again.