There is an old saying that the fishing was so dull, one day the tide went out and never came back.

That certainly wasn't the case on the last days of the first part of sport salmon fishing season in the Klamath Management Zone.

Phil Glenn, skipper of the charter boat Shellback, reported that on the Fourth of July he took three anglers out and they had limits by 10 a.m. The Chinook averaged 12 pounds and were taken due west of the Whistler in 31 fathoms.

On Sunday he took seven anglers out and they had limits by 8:50 a.m., the largest 14 pounds. "Limits every trip were the rule even though the weather was bouncy," he said. "Every fish that was cleaned had sardines inside."

The closing days were equally productive at Trinidad, commented Misty Logan. Bottom fishing remains excellent as well.

"They were catching salmon up to the last day off Crescent City," observed charter boat operator Bob Ginoelhio. "They averaged 10 to 12 pounds with some up to 22. Right now the bottom fishing is excellent with lots of big lingcod."

Down at Shelter Cove where the salmon season remains open, Tami Savage observed that "salmon season fishing is real good today (Tuesday). They are getting them right outside the Whistler along with some nice lings. A 47-pound Pacific halibut was also brought in."

Meanwhile, stream fishing on the North Coast is alive and healthy on the Klamath and Trinity rivers.

"Everybody got fish the past two days on the Klamath," reported guide Rich Mossholder. "One boat had 10 fish today (Tuesday) in the Blue Creek and Beaver Creek area. Salmon up to 20 pounds are being taken as well as half pounders. The salmon are taking spinners. The half pounders are hitting Glo Bugs and natural colored bait."

The mid-Klamath flows have dropped substantially and the river is fishable from Somes Bar down with fresh fish coming in nearly every day. Fishing conditions are good, especially below fresh incoming streams. The upper river has been producing some trout action for bank anglers.

Willow Creek guide Ed Duggan reports the weekend has seen an increase in good fishing on the Trinity River. Bank fishers have been doing better than the drift boaters when it comes to landing springers. "Most of the drift boaters have had to fight high water and swift currents, but I think that is over with and we are going to see more salmon coming into the lower Trinity

"Most of the salmon are being caught on roe or roe-tuna mix. The steelhead are being hooked with Little Cleos or plugs."

Upriver the fishing for springers has finally turned around, Ed continues. We are seeing some nice springers in the 20 pound range being taken up around Douglas City and Junction City area. Tuna balls, fresh roe or a 50-50 mix has been the bait of choice up there with some of the larger fish taking sardine-wrapped Kwikfish. Most of the springers are 8 to 12 pounders.

Summer-run steelies are also starting to show with a few hatchery fish in the mix. They seem to go after spoons either gold, copper or silver and blue. You will have to use a range of spoons with weight from one-quarter 2/5 ounce because of the flows, Ed points out.

"Be sure to work the slower water when fishing for German Browns as they don't like the heavier currents like the steelhead do." he said.

With the salmon spawn in full swing, the trout bite on the Sacramento River from Redding to Red Bluff is the best its been in over a month. Glo Bugs have been the best bet. Trout fishing from Anderson to Red Bluff is productive for anglers dragging K-4-K-5 Kwikfish in silver or gold.

Winds have plagued anglers on Ruth Lake. However, trout fishermen are doing well off the RV Park when conditions allow. Triple Teasers and Needlefish are working in shallow water.

Bass anglers are doing fair to good in the upper end of the lake or working the rocky areas across from the marina.

Lewiston Lake has been planted with trout by the Department of Fish and Game.

Leave Wildlife Alone

As warming weather an abundance of wildlife draws millions of Californians to the state's wonderful wild places, many people, even those with the best intentions, can shatter the serenity of the wilderness by handling young animals in the wild.

March through June are the months when most wildlife give birth to their young, and people should be aware that just because they see a baby animal alone doesnt mean its been abandoned. Well meaning people may try to "help" a young animal by feeding it or picking it up, in doing so, they can short-circuit the foraging or hunting lessons parents are trying to teach their offspring.

"People need to appreciate the viewing opportunity, then just turn and walk away and leave the animal alone," Department of Fish and Game wildlife veterinarian Pam Swift said. "Human interaction is rarely beneficial to wild animals, even though it may be tempting to handle baby animals."