Local area lakes are freezing over

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500): Before the storm, there was a good trout bite on the east side using gold Rapalas or streamer flies in the first hour. Once the sun hits the water go down and jig for them in the deeper waters off the bottom, with white or pearl Git-Zits in an 1/8-ounce size, an 1/8-ounce Hopkins spoon or Swedish Pimples. This will also be the better technique once the storm passes.

BLUE LAKES AREA, CALIF: Dave Kirby of the Woodfords Station (530-694-2930): We had snow over the weekend and it was super quiet. There were a lot of snowmobilers and no fishermen. The Blues Lakes road is closed, as are Monitor Pass and Ebbett's Pass.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF: Doug Busey of Douglas County reported that it is frozen but the ice is not yet safe to walk on.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF: Wiggin's Trading Post at Chilcoot, Calif. (530-993-4683) reported that the lake is frozen but not safe to walk on, yet.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500): The sudden change from bluebird weather to wild wind, rain and snow changed the action here in a hurry. There was already some freezing in the back ends of coves around the lake, and now plenty more. Fairview, Long Point and Mallard have been the best bank fishing bets.

EAGLE LAKE, CALIF: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500): Closes on Dec. 31. Both the north and south end produced fish on 3-inch orange grubs fished 4 to 5 feet down on downriggers over 6 to 7 feet of water. The grubs were also scented with Pro-Cure's Freshwater Shrimp Oil.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500): Striper fishing was slow last week below Shanghai Rapids last week, and Steelhead fishing was only so-so. The odds of hooking up were as good downstream of the Outlet as in the Low Flow Section.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF: Wiggin's Trading Post at Chilcoot, Calif. (530-993-4683): The U.S. Forest Service reported the north end of the lake is frozen over but it is not safe enough to walk on. By the dam, it is frozen but not safe. The south end is still open for fishing from shore. Places like Frenchman Boat Landing, Crystal Cove and Spring Creek are good spots.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500): Bank fishing was pretty good at both boat launch areas, getting plenty rainbows in the 1 1/2-pound range. But when storms moved in most of the action went away, along with most fishermen. When weather settles down, hardy anglers should be able to find the bite again.

OROVILLE LAKE, CALIF: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500): Looks like construction on the ramp extension at Bidwell will be on hold until after the holidays, especially with a big storm forecast for this week. Launching is still 4-wheel drive only at the Spillway and cold foggy weather has reduced angler interest lately. Bass and coho are hitting for those hardy few getting on the lake.

PYRAMID LAKE, NEV: George and Carla Molino and Karen of the Pyramid Lake Store at (775) 476-0555: Fishing has been pretty good for everybody but we haven't had very many everybodys. There have been a few shore fishermen, a few fly guys and a few boats. If you want to come out, you can fish at a private lake. We've had reports of 8-9-10 pound fish but haven't seen any here at the store. Saturday and Sunday were beautiful, weatherwise.

PYRAMID LAKE, NEV: Chris and Jeri Grellman of Hog Charters in Sparks at 358-5199 (home) or Chris at 221-4014 (cell): I did not go out but a friend of mine reported that he did really good by Toplining with Flatfish in 15 feet of water right in front of the marina. The fish have moved into the shallow water.

PYRAMID LAKE, NEV: Jim Hartfiel of Just Rite Fishing at Pyramid Lake at (775) 575-7850 (home) or (775) 813-3411 (Cell): The fish have moved into the shallower water. The number of fish being caught is going up. A fly fisherman caught a 15 pounder on Saturday morning.

RED LAKE, CALIF: Doug Busey of Douglas County reported that it is frozen but the ice is not yet safe to walk on.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500): The Upper Sac is fishing fair. There are still a few October Caddis hatching in the afternoons and evenings, but not a lot of fish rising too them. The most productive methods for catching fish have been drifting big Rubberlegs Stones, Copper Johns, and PT's under indicators in the deeper pools and runs. The best fishing has been from late morning into early evening, when the temperatures are a little warmer and the fish more active. Rain might affect some of the lower accesses on the river, but it should remain fishable closer to Dunsmuir.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500): The good trout bite continues all over the lake, but this week reports focused on the Digger Bay and the Big Backbone inlet areas. With colder conditions you'll want to run a little smaller lure and run it a little slower in the top 10 feet. Try a Red Magic Needlefish, No. 1. A green plastic 6-inch worm caught a 7 1/4-pound bass just outside Digger Bay. The bass bite should improve after the storm passes, then a brass and glass plus the worms should do the trick in 12 to 20 feet of water.

LAKE TAHOE - North Shore: Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbon Charters at South Lake Tahoe, Calif. (530-544-6552): Fishing has been good to excellent, when I can get out on the lake. Limits for everyone. We are releasing lots of Macks. The Macks are running from 2 to 12 pounds. I've been fishing at the Tahoe City Shelf and Sugar Pine Point. Trolling 100-240 feet deep, going deeper as the sun comes up, with large Dodger blades and minnows or Trophy Sticks.

LAKE TAHOE " South Shore: Gene St. Denis: I've been fishing at the Ski Run Shelf. Trolling 100-240 feet deep, going deeper as the sun comes up, with large Dodger blades and minnows or Trophy Sticks.

LAKE TAHOE " East Shore: Gene St. Denis: Getting small rainbows (1-3 pounds) and a couple of small Mackinaw (2-5 pounds) from shore at the Cave Rock Landing with minnows, nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Trollers getting some Macks at the Cave Rock Shelf at 100-180 feet deep, trolling F-11 Countdown Flatfish lures. Toplining has been good at Logan Shoals, Deadman's Point, Skunk Harbor and Sand Harbor for rainbows and browns to 4 pounds.

Special Note: The Landing has a locked gate, which is open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., every day until May 1. When the gate is open, there is an inspector to inspect you boat to make sure that no mussels or snails are going into the lake. The boat launch at Sand Harbor is open only to car top boats, canoes and kayaks due to the low water level.