Just when the kokanee started slowing a tad, the trout bite picked up enthusiastically at Shaver Lake. Dick Nichols, of Dick's Fishing Charters said that his clients have been working hard for 2 to 3 mixed limits each trip. The best trip this past week had Mike Balesstreri, of Shaver Lake, Chuck Delfina of Madera, Bill Beatty of Clovis and Mal Ross of Fresno bringing 3 limits of mixed fish on board. Their biggest was a nice 3 1/2 pound rainbow caught by Ross. Nichols says that more trophy sized fish are popping up. One of his clients lost an estimated 7 pounder near the boat and Shaver Lake regular Lee Gates boated a 3 pounder this week. Nichols sad that the recent planters by DF&W have scattered to many locations and are quick to hit a blade/crawler combination at 20 feet deep. The kokanee's are still at about 60 feet. Trout Busters tipped with crawler on the back hook and corn on the inside hook behind Mountain Flashers have been great for him and other regular Shaver anglers like Gates. Orange or pink Apex tipped with corn behind Mini Mountain Flasher are attracting most of the kokanee and a few trout at 60 feet deep. The island and Black Rock still are Nichols favorite spots.

Bank fishermen seem to be scoring easier on crawlers or Power Bait with the dam, roads 1 and 2 and the point providing the best success.

Dick Nichols (559) 841-3317; Shaver Lake Marina (559) 841-3324; Shaver Lake Sports (559) 841-2740