Some high clouds and overcast in the forecast with clearing skies and temps in the 70s. The evenings and early mornings are still cool and comfortable, expect mild afternoon breezes. The Lake level has dropped significantly to approximately 13 feet below spill. Water temperatures have warmed since last reading, 60 degrees at the 20 foot mark and 67 at the surface. Clarity has also improved; the instrument was clearly visible to 17 feet, the deepest so far this year.

Trolling: Trollers are concentrating at the Face of the Dam, the River Mouth and the Arm as far as Indian Rock. Catches are mixed (Rainbows and Kokes) and most have to work harder, fish longer and troll a bit deeper. Presently depths for downriggers are running 20 to 50 feet. Small lures in red, pink and tiger patterns, Hoochies, Sep's, Midge Wobblers, Wedding Rings, Uncle Larry's copper pops, and Mad Irishman lures are all working. Tip everything with scented shoe peg corn and end with a lime or blue/silver Sep's dodger.

Bank Fishing: The "mud Hole" continues to shrink as the Lake level drops. Saw a total of 3 hardy souls working that area this afternoon. With the weather warming the "Mud Hole's" prime may be past; it may be time to check out the other points around the Recreation Area. Power bait balls and worms get the nod from the more successful bank anglers. Hanging from a surface bobber or floating up from the bottom on a sliding sinker, both are working well. Chartreuse, white and rainbow are the preferred power bait colors.

Recent success stories: Willie Arnold of Hayward with a nice stringer of Rainbows caught with needle fish trolling the Mouth of the River. Mike Nichols also used a needle fish, fire tiger in this case to land his limit at Indian Rock. Edward Goldman of West Sac landed this gibundus Rainbow using a fire tiger needle fish working the face of the Dam. Don Laws of Del Hi got another one of those elusive German Browns. Used a pink Hoochie to boat this 11.63 lb specimen near Twin Coves. Abe and Elaine Davis from lovely Lodi tricked this 7.82 lb Rainbow with a night crawler at the "Mud Hole".. Congratulations to all-well done!

Remember to reserve the May 17th, it's the Mike Carrington memorial CIFFI Family Fun Derby. Check the Project Kokanee website at www.kokanee.org for information, reservations and on-line entry forms.

Trout Plants; As of today The Department of fish and Game has planted 3000 lbs, Pardee Lake has planted 30,000 lbs with more plants scheduled.