This past Memorial weekend kicked off an awesome fishing and camping season along the Hwy 4 corridor. Ebbetts Pass is open and most of the high country lakes are now open for fishing. The high country streams are still running high due to the current snow melt.

The No. Fork of the Stanislaus has been producing some beautiful big trout. Baitcasters should try split-shotting inflated nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, and crickets with a 15"-20" leader. Lure casters have had success using Rapalas, Kastmasters, and Panther Martin spinners. Fly casters should try nymphs, stimulators, ants, blue wing olive, and woolly buggers. There was a 5lb. 3oz. 25" rainbow caught on the Stanislaus Sunday on a nymph.

The road to Spicer is now open and the docks are in the water. Trollers have been successful using Apex lures tipped with nightcrawler behind a small dodger.Bank fishermen have been doing well using the new Gulp Power Bait, Gulp Worms, Inflated nightcrawlers. Rooster Tail spinners, Kastmasters, and Rapalas have been producing some nice fish from the bank. Fly casters have had great success using ants as there was a hatch of flying ants this past weekend.

White Pines Lake in Arnold kicked out some nice fish this last weekend. Baitcasters should try the new Gulp Power Bait, Gulp Worms, Power Eggs, and inflated nightcrawlers on a 15" to 20" leader either on the bottom or under a bobber. Fly casters should try woolly buggers, ants, and blue wing olive.

The Lodge at Lake Alpine is now open. The docks have also been placed in the lake. Lake Alpine is still producing alot of big fish. Trollers have success using Apex lures tipped with nightcrawler behind a small dodger. Fly casters have been doing well using wooly buggers and ants. Lure casters should try Kastmasters, Rapalas, and spinners. Baitcasters have been doing well using the new Gulp Power Bait, Gulp Worms, Power Eggs, and inflated nightcrawlers on 15" to 20" leader. Just a reminder on the regulations regarding hook, leaders and weight restrictions. If you use a weight 1/2oz. or larger your leader must be 18" or longer. You could get a ticket if you violate this regulation. For information regarding Lake Alpine you can contact the Lodge at (209) 753-6358.

Congratulations to our winners of last week's Big Fish Contest. The winner of the youth division was Jason Trafas with a fat 1.5lb, 16 3/4" rainbow caught in White Pines on Power Bait. The winner of the adult division was Harold French with a hefty 5.4lb, 23 1/2" rainbow caught at Alpine Lake on Rainbow Power Bait. The competition has been fierce with alot of nice fish being caught. So keep bringing in your catch, you could be the next winner.

Sign-ups have started for our 13th annual Trout Derby, Father's Day June 17, 2007 at White Pines Lake near Arnold. Open to all, with kids 12 and under free and a low $5.00 entry fee for all others. All entry fees are used to purchase trophy sized trout. For more information you can contact us at Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods (209) 795-1686.

Camping is available at Big Trees State Park, Golden Pines Resort, Alpine Lake, The Wakalu Hepu campground at Sourgrass. For camping information call the Calaveras Ranger District at (209) 795-1381 or go to their website at wwwr5.fs.fed.us/stanislaus/calaverasor Big Trees State Park at (209) 795-2334. Their website is sierra.parks.state.ca.us/cbt/btfacts.htm or Golden Pines at www.goldenpinesrvresort.com

National fishing and boating week is June 2-10, 2007. Free fishing day is June 9, 2007. Also the C.A.S.T. kids event will be held June 9, 2007 at New Melones. You can contact Glory Hole Sports at (209) 736-4333 for more details.

Bill Reynolds Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods