LAKE CONDITIONS: Lake Camanche's current elevation is 216.12 feet above sea level, a drop of 1.2 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 320 c.f.s. The surface water temperature at the marina has warmed up to 64 degrees.

TROUT: Friday, April 13 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 then was a beautiful rainbow trout, weighing 7.12 pounds. It was caught by Elosia Alexander, from Manteca. The fish was caught in the South Shore Pond, on Power Bait. The second biggest fish was caught by Mike Kaufman, from Manteca. His fish was 6.93 pounds, was caught in the main lake, with Power Bait. The third biggest fish was caught by outdoor writer Ron Wilson, from Modesto. His fish was 6.3 pounds, was caught while trolling in the main lake, using Ex-Cel lures in silver/blue. We would like to thank all of the people who have donated to The American Cancer Society by joining our trout derby.

Trollers reported some very good action this week at Lake Camanche. Dino Radotic, from Camanche, caught a beautiful limit of rainbow trout while trolling Kastmaster lures in the main lake. His big trout weighed in at 7.47 pounds, with others at 2-3 pounds. He was fishing near the dam, in 10-20 feet of water.

Camanche regular, Darl Skelton, and his fishing buddy caught 6 very nice trout on Thursday at Dike 3. Darl's big fish weighed over 5 pounds, with several more in the 3 pound range. He was anchored in 34 feet of water, and was using Power Bait and Power Eggs. Sam Bobb, from Woodland, caught several great trout this week. His big fish weighed 6 ?? pounds, with other trout up to 3 pounds, and were caught while trolling with a Cripp Lure in Fire Tiger pattern. He was fishing near Hat Island and the dam, in 20 feet of water

Another troller reported catching his limit of trout, up to 4 pounds, while using the new Pro Troller lure (available at North and South marinas), in the trout pattern. He was trolling from 5-60 feet deep, in front of the dam. Another troller reported catching his limit of trout while trolling with orange grubs. He was fishing near Hat Island, in about 20 feet of water.

This week's trout plant of 1,200 pounds of Mt. Lassen hatchery trout will be at North Shore. These fish will average 2 ?? pounds, with many lunkers up to 10 pounds.

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:Frequent boat renter Steve Bjerke, from Danville, rented a boat at North Shore and had a fine day of bass fishing. He caught 13 bass, up to 3 ?? pounds, near the highway bridge up the river. He was using a Robo Worm in the shad pattern. All of his fish came in less than 12 feet of water.

One of the local marina staff has been having good luck bass fishing in China Gulch, and Lancha Plana area. He was using Camanche Jack's worms and leeches, and Senko worms in cinnamon brown. He caught 5 bass, on 2 different occasions; all of them in less than 10 feet of water.

Outdoor sports writer Ron Wilson, from Modesto, fished with a friend last week and caught 18 bass, up to 3 pounds. He was using Senko worms in cinnamon brown, and Keeper worms #1050 in green/brown. He was fishing the submerged island tops in the main lake, and the dikes near the dam. All of his fish came in less than 15 feet of water.

CRAPPIE: There were no reports from crappie fishermen this week, but the best areas to try are the Causeway Cove, Camanche Arm, and Lancha Plana area. Live minnows and crappie jigs are the most popular baits to use.

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.