LAKE CONDITIONS: Lake Camanche's current elevation is 218.40 feet above sea level, a drop of .68 feet this week. The lake will drop slowly this week.??There is currently no water flowing into Lake Camanche and water is flowing out of Lake Camanche at 311 c.f.s. The surface water temperature at the marina has warmed up to 64 degrees. The thermocline has established at 17 feet.

TROUT: Friday was the start of our Annual Charity Trout Derby, a five week event benefiting The American Cancer Society. The big fish caught at Lake Camanche since Friday was a beautiful rainbow trout, weighing 6.93 pounds. It was caught by Mike Kaufman, from Manteca. He was fishing in the main lake, with Power Bait. The second biggest fish was caught by Jim Morris, from Turlock. His fish was 3.86 pounds, was caught in the main lake, with Power Bait. The third biggest fish was caught by Charlie Morris, from Ceres. His fish was 2.79 pounds, was caught in the main lake, with Power Bait. Fishing at the Day Use Point at North Shore continues to be very good for many anglers. Alan Mayberry, from Florin, and Tom Howe, from 29 Palms, caught 2 big trout this week. The first was a huge 8.85 pound rainbow, and the second was 4.5 pounds. They were fishing off the point, toward deep water, with Power Bait and Power Eggs.

Two anglers reported catching 2 limits of trout, up to 4 pounds, near Hat Island on Wednesday. They were trolling 18 feet deep, using R-Lures, Ex-Cels, and orange grubs. All their fish came between 9 a.m. and Noon. There have been several reports of great bait fishing at Dike 3 this week. A couple of local residents fished in 30 feet of water at Dike 3, and caught 4 trout up to 3 pounds in less than 2 hours. Most of their fish came on rainbow Power Bait.??Another group of fishermen reported catching 2 limits of trout, up to 4 pounds, at Dike 3. They were fishing in 25 feet of water, using Power Bait and Power Eggs.??The South Shore Pond continues to be very good for many anglers. The big fish from the Pond this week was caught by Wendell Garrett, from Sacramento. He caught a 5.26 pound beauty, fishing from shore, with Power Bait.

This week's trout plant from Mt. Lassen hatchery will be 1,200 pounds, and will be split between South Shore Pond (600 pounds), and South Shore Lake (600 pounds). These fish will weigh an average of 2-2 ?? pounds, with many whoppers included.

Our Annual Charity Trout Derby started on Friday, April 13. This year it runs from April 13-May 20, and is being sponsored by Yum's Troutkrilla trout bait. One $3.00 entry ticket qualifies you at each of these 4 lakes. Lake Camanche, Lake Chabot, San Pablo Reservoir, and Los Vaqueros Reservoir. All proceeds go to The American Cancer Society. Prizes include trips, tackle, cash, tickets to sporting events, and much more! Tickets will be available at both marina stores, and both entry gates.

BASS:The bass bite continues to be red hot this week, with bass in pre-spawn or spawn conditions. John Bedwell, from Fisherman's Warehouse Stores, fished with 3 associates this week. He described the bass fishing as excellent, and caught numerous bass using Robo Worms on a shakey head to catch Spotted Bass up to 3 ?? pounds, and used drop shot worms, rigged wacky, to catch many Largemouth Bass from 2 ??-3 pounds. They fished around flat, rocky points up river.

Gene Samuelson, from Rocklin, rented a boat at North Shore and caught 6 fine bass up to 3 pounds. He was fishing near The Narrows, with Brush Hogs, in 10-15 feet of water. Dave Paynor, from Sacramento area, rented a boat at North Shore and caught 6 bass. He was fishing the main lake, near Dikes 1 and 2, with plastic worms in dark colors. His fish were caught between 10-15 feet deep. Three gentlemen reported catching 3 limits of bass while using minnows and live crawdads. They were fishing up river, near the highway bridge, and fishing between 10-20 feet deep.

CRAPPIE: There were no reports from crappie fishermen this week, but fish are active right now, and are holding about 20 feet deep. Fish around flooded brush and trees; in Lancha Plana, Camanche Arm, or The Causeway. Live minnows, or crappie jigs are the favorite baits right now.

We encourage all anglers to report their stories, comments, or concerns to either North Shore Store, South Shore Store, or to us by email at eporray@camancherecreation.com. Thanks again for choosing Lake Camanche for your recreation destination.