2008 Woodie Awards
Commentary: Northern California fishing beats summer heat
By: Nick Cahill
Issue date: 5/21/08 Section: Sports
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Lake Oroville
Lake Oroville is the second largest reservoir in California and has more than 167 miles of shoreline. The lake provides summer anglers with the best chance to catch spotted and largemouth bass - and lots of them.
The closest lake access from Chico is Lime Saddle Marina, just 25 miles off Highway 70. Lime Saddle is a great place to fish from either the shore or a float tube.
Several techniques achieve results, including top water action in the evenings and drop-shotting rubber worms during the day. Target rocky points and mud lines to hook up with the feisty spots. Lake Oroville is known as one of the top lakes for spotted bass, and catching fish in the double digits is possible.
Lake Oroville is an awesome place to spend a day fishing, sophomore Tanner Swanson said.
"I've caught 20-plus fish there before," Swanson said. "Can't beat it."
Sacramento River
Besides being the site of one of Chico's favorite traditions, floating, the Sacramento River contains a flurry of fish. The same stretch of river, which students float and party on, produces salmon, striped bass, sturgeon and catfish.
While the California Fish and Game Commission has decided to shorten the salmon fishing season, the striped bass run has no restrictions and is producing fish. From Scotty's Landing to Colusa are great places to catch 30-pound striped bass. A 32-pound striper was caught and released in early May on the Sacramento, according to the USA Fishing Web site.
Fishing the Sacramento River from the shore is possible and productive. Look for deeper holes and sandbars, then sit back and wait. Sardines and ghost shrimp are popular baits for stripers.
Striped bass are more than just good fighters, they're tasty, too. Nothing tastes better than a fresh striper filet, senior Kyle Whitlock said.
"Frying up a striper makes for some good grub, if it's legal size that is," Whitlock said.
If striped bass isn't your thing, find calmer water and try for catfish. Chicken livers or any stink bait should do the job for the bottom-feeding fish.
Butte Creek
Butte Creek, as it winds down the canyon into Chico, is one of the most beautiful places to spend an afternoon. Huge pine trees, deer and, of course, fish are waiting just a short drive up Highway 32.
Above Forest Ranch lies a perfect opportunity to camp and fish for rainbow trout. Butte Meadows offers several campsites at cheap prices. It is also a good place to escape the summer heat in Chico, as temperatures are typically much cooler.
Rainbow trout are planted frequently throughout the summer on Butte Creek, according to the Department of Fish and Game. Plan your trip around the days listed for the best chance to catch some of the tasty trout.
Fly fishing is the preferred method for catching trout but not the only way. Try floating night crawlers or tie on a Rooster Tail lure for the reaction bite.
While these locations offer different types of fishing, they all have one thing in common: amazing scenery and wildlife.
Even if you don't catch fish, getting outside and enjoying nature is good for anyone.
Nick Cahill can be reached at
ncahill@theorion.com
Related links
Western Bass fishing reports
Sacramento Fishing reports
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