It’s a favorite lake to many anglers. Caples Lake is a wonderfully serene spot in Alpine County, a lake where you can totally get away from it all.

In order for the El Dorado Irrigation District to do necessary work on the dam, Caples was all but drained last fall, taken down to the lowest possible pool. Thousands upon thousands of trout were at risk in such low water conditions, in danger of dying due to lack of food along water temperatures that would surely rise.

In order to prevent the wanton waste of so many thousands of trout, a major effort was launched. As the water level dropped, nearby tanks were waiting as staff and volunteers netted fish to pull them out of the dwindling pools.

Surely, not every fish in Caples Lake was saved, but most were and are now happily swimming around in other lakes in the vicinity, primarily Red and Silver Lakes.

That meant, however, that when the lake refilled, it was essentially a sterile lake with no fish. In order to make sure anglers had something to pursue, just prior to the Memorial Day weekend holiday, the DFG dumped a big load of rainbows into the lake, a good 36,000 fish that will eventually reestablish the lake as a great place to get away. In all, more than 38,000 pounds of trout will be planted in the lake this summer.

In case you were holding off on heading to Caples, don’t. It could well be worth the try now and will only get better as times goes by.

CURRENT FISHING

Deer Creek: This stretch of stream meanders for many miles along Highway 32 above Chico. In fact, the highway is better known as “Deer Creek Highway.” There are something like seven bridges that cross Deer Creek and along the highway, there are numerous places to simply park to access the waterway. Right now, the stream is in absolutely perfect condition for drifting bait or flies. It’s also an area where you won’t find a great deal of competition for any of the available waters.

American River: There are big schools of shad to catch in the river. They are an extremely bony fish but a total blast to catch even if you play catch and release. For the most fun, be sure to use light action gear, a light action rod with no more than six-pound test line. A shad dart in chartreuse or pink or a shad fly with a weight above will get you into the rod bending action.

Stampede Reservoir: Kokanee? Quick limits is the rule. It will take a downrigger to get down to the 30-35 foot range, but haul a Wedding Ring, a small spinner or bug behind a dodger and you’ll get bit.

Jackson Meadows Reservoir: Despite the wild weather the past week that included even some fresh, new snow at the higher elevations, this lake is snow free and accessible. Those going are being well rewarded with ‘bows to 15 inches. Those fishing from shore are soaking a crawler or eggs and trollers are hauling a variety of lures or a crawler behind blades. If you’re using lures, keep switching until you find their preference for that day, as it will change.

Crystal Basin: While Ice House Reservoir is on the no-plant list, some limited action has been seen. However, go further up the hill to Loon Lake and you’ll do a lot better. Trollers are netting some good brown trout by simply hauling a crawler behind blades. The waters are still cold enough that you can top line.

Rock Cod: The bottom fishing season opened in places like Fort Bragg in May. The season will open in ports such as Bodega Bay and the bay area fleet on June 13, highly awaited for by many anglers. For those trying at Fort Bragg, it’s not necessarily limits but some good sized blacks are being nailed along with an occasional ling.

Bucks Lake: This lake out of Quincy has a great population of kokanee, mackinaw, rainbows and brown trout, and right now the mackinaw fishing is hot. Rainbows and browns are hitting the 16-inch range and drop down 25-35 feet for the kokanee. Near Bucks Creek and around Rainbow point will be the best areas for the mackinaw.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, contact George directly at

GeorgesColumn@AOL.COM.