The crowds are gone for the season, leaving some enticing angling prospects and fewer people to contend with for opportunity. Trout in the mountains, salmon on the Klamath and cod on the coast. All we need to make it better is some cooler weather and a good downpour. Here are this week’s Best Bites:

HEENAN LAKE cutthroat: This broodstock cutthroat lake opened Friday for a limited season and fishing is very good. One group of three anglers fished for two days and reported catching and releasing 106 cutthroat using yellow Panther Martins with silver blades. Creekside Lodge (530) 694-2511

LAKE TAHOE mackinaw: Steady results are what’s offered here, if not spectacular. Fishing for mackinaw has been good on a variety of offerings at 110 to 160 feet deep. Most weight 3 to 8 pounds with a few going to 10 pounds. A kayaker reportedyl caught a 20-pound plus mack this week. Jigging for kokanee has been hit and miss. Most are in the 12 to 14 inch range. Mike Nielsen (530) 721-0593 www.tahoetopliners.com

JUNE LAKE LOOP trout: All the loop lakes received plants before the Labor Day weekend and you can count on plenty of holdovers. Plus, cooler nights mean cooler water and more aggressive fish. All that and fall colors along the shoreline. June Lake Marina (760) 648-7726; Gull Lake Marina (760) 648-7539; Silver Lake (760) 648-7525

KLAMATH RIVER salmon: It’s not easy fishing but bright salmon are being caught, including limits. Mouth is packed, competition heavy but those who work are rewarded. Mike Coopman (707) 465-1367;

NAPA RIVER striped bass: Striper bite remains strong. Bass are throughout the system from the main channel in the southern stretch all the way to Napa. Sloughs have smaller fish in the 20 inch range. Sweeney’s Sports (707) 255-5544

SACRAMENTO RIVER (Lower) trout: Fishing has been amazing. River flows are steady at 7,260 CFS. Seeing some really big rainbows over the past week. The fishing has improved in the late afternoons with some rising fish being found eating emerging caddis. Water conditions are great. The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555

DISCOVERY BAY striped bass: Striper bite has launched. Top water lures work first thing in the morning. Spooning works later in the day. Swim baits and Rat-l-Traps are getting attention, too. A lot of 10 pound fish are being landed. A few over 20 pounds also have been caught. Hook, Line & Sinker (925) 625-2441

COASTAL rock cod: From Fort Bragg to Morro Bay, the song remains the same: Limits of rock cod, plenty of lings. Can’t go wrong anywhere.