APRIL 18, 2007

When is winter going to end? Possibly this weekend. This nor'easter that just blew through brought plenty of rain to raise the water levels. The Smith river is running strong right now, with more than enough current to bring in the fish. The high winds have really opened the bay up and there is now more than enough water for trolling.

The long range forcast is looking good for the weekend, sunny and in the 50's. Take advantage of it and get out there. Fish are now being caught right off the docks on more than just smelts. Crawlers, meal worms, jigs, spoons, practically anything you throw at them will get some sort of response. I heard that a nice fat salmon was caught on a bass lure last night.

Speaking of bait, the smelts still haven't spawned yet. We can see them just off the docks, but the current in the river is too strong for them to make a run. They might hold off until the water slows a bit, or they might spawn in the shallows.

Don't forget that the trout ponds open up on the 28th. Fish and Game has already begun stocking some waters in the southern part of the state and the fishing in these areas was hot before the rains. The water should receed enough by this weekend to make for some good fishing. The only way to really know though is to get out there and give it a shot.

Good Luck Fishing!