Blue skies finally peeked out for us mid week after a significant winter storm rolled through the area. Local rainfall was not quite as heavy as predicted, with the major precipitation hitting to the south creating big problems for those from Santa Barbara to San Diego. We can expect more rain this weekend as a large storm system from Alaska moves into our area. Winds will be high, and waves will be heavy. Not the best time to plan a fishing trip, and pulling your crab pots early Friday is recommended. Things will settle down after the weekend, and it may be a good time to walk the beaches, looking for new structure that holds feeding surfperch. One advantage of the big waves and heavy currents are the troughs and bumps they leave on the beaches, perfect underwater terrain for foraging perch looking for sandcrabs and seaworms caught in the currents.

The San Lorenzo River, and other local streams were bank to bank at the height of this recent storm. More good news, as this will allow steelhead trout to enter the river system and make their way upstream for spawning. We'll have to wait for the streams to clear a bit, and also for a bit more scouring of the channels by the swift currents. Also benefiting from recent rainfall is the sturgeon fishery in San Francisco Bay. The big dinosaur fish thrive in muddy water and big currents. Sturgeon are moving into the North Bay now, and will soon spread towards the South Bay. This week we received reports from Steve Scott in Marin County, who caught and released three sturgeon from his kayak on one go-out. Scott was fishing near Rat Rock west of China Camp. San Pablo Bay local Gabriel Dorado launched his kayak from China Camp and paddled nearly to the Pump House area in choppy cold conditions. Dorado was rewarded for his considerable efforts with a 57-inch white sturgeon caught using ghost shrimp. We estimate the fish weighed between 55-60 pounds.

We have some news regarding California Department of Fish and Game licensing for 2011. Fishing licenses can now be purchased online. The process is a bit convoluted according to Steve Carson, Director of the Penn Fishing University, who made the purchase last week. "The entire process took about 20 minutes. It helps to be familiar with the kind of license options you will need, or the process may take considerably longer. Purchasing licenses as Christmas gifts is still possible, but the purchaser must know all of the recipient's personal information, including driver's license or other ID number. It is also important to purchase the correct type of license, as no refunds or exchanges are given by the DFG for online purchases." A printable online receipt is valid for 15 days, while the DFG mails your permanent license to you. Carson also reminds us that any additional cards, such as a steelhead or sturgeon report card, must be obtained from a regular license dealer. Catch Bushnell's live fishing report on KSCO 1080AM Friday mornings at 6:45am. Send comments, questions and photos to scruzfishing@yahoo.com