Conditions: Air temperatures 65 – 76, water temperature 60 degrees, light afternoon breeze.

I fished Stony Gorge Reservoir for the first time today. Stony Gorge is yet another Interstate 5 impoundment that everyone rockets past enroute to elsewhere. It’s west of I-5 near the small town of Elk Creek, Ca (take the HWY 163 West out of Willows).

The lake is smallish, no more than a couple miles in length, and boasts outstanding water clarity (up to 20-30 foot), numerous encounters with Bald Eagles, no trash, few humans, and absolutely no hungry fish – which is likely the reason our small group had the lake to ourselves.

We split up and covered both sides of the lake, I fished alternating deep plunging shoreline interspersed with shallow flats enroute to the Southern end, which hosted a lot of brush and timber in the water.

I saw only six middling size carp in the shallow water, and nothing in the way of bass or crappie in any of the areas that were visible.

The 60 degree water is a might chill to trigger much in the way of spawning debauchery – and I was surprised the lake was as cold as East Park, as we’re in the grip of a warming trend that will culminate in 90 degree temperatures this weekend.

With nothing visible in the shallows, I ran a quick test with drop shot in the deeper portions of the lake’s center. Picked up a pair of fish in as many casts, so the fish are still sulking in the deeper water.

Like East Park Reservoir, Stony Gorge access is seasonal. The Bureau of Reclamation is the Dam operator and is the best source of information as to the gate being unlocked to allow anglers into the campgrounds and launch area.  I think the season is roughly April to October, but call the Bureau’s Shasta (Redding) office to verify they are open (530) 247-8500.

I was much taken by what I saw of the lake. The combination of scenery, wildlife, lack of trash, and the unique light coloration of the bass – will likely have me returning soon.