The largest fish of the week, was a 14 pound monster weighed in by an angler who wished to remain anonymous (must have called in sick to go fishing). The fish fell for a crankbait in Scow Canyon.

"The bite has been steady throughout the day and should stay that way as long as water temperatures remain cool," added McDowell. "As a matter of fact, I thought the bite might have slowed down today because we didn't weigh any big fish in this morning. I just checked in and they weighed in 5 fish over 5 pounds in the 30 minutes."

Both bank anglers and boaters are getting in on the action at San Pablo. The bite has been especially productive for bank fishermen because the trout are currently feeding in shallow water close to shore. "You don't have to throw out very far right now and the fish are feeding right near the surface," said McDowell. "Power Bait, Crave and nightcrawlers are working best. The hot spots have been the Steps, the Pines, V's Landing and the launch area."

For trollers, McDowell said clown colored Rapalas and red rainbow Runners are the top getters. "Trollers are taking their fish from the surface down to 8 feet deep," he explained. "I would try a few different areas until you locate a concentration of fish. The Rockwall, the Tower and the mouth of Scow Canyon are a few good places to start."

At press time, a total of 21.200 pounds of rainbows have been planted the season opened in mid February. The lake received 3600 pounds on March 5 and is scheduled for another plant of 3600 pounds on March 13. "We're seeing a lot of limits come in and most experienced anglers are taking their limit or close to it," said McDowell. "The water temperatures have been running 53 to 55 degrees and the lake is 90% full."

Vic Macchietto confirmed the red hot trout action at San Pablo Reservoir. "The bait fishing has been excellent this week," he said. "Use bright colored Power Bait or Crave. If you're using nightcrawlers, add a bright colored marshmallow and make sure your bait floats. Trolling is also great right now and make sure you use bright colored lures from the surface to 8 feet deep."

Bass and catfish action are still on the slow side, but that should change as water temperatures continue to climb. Despite the tough fishing a couple whoppers were weighed in during the past week. Rich Crispi from Sonoma nailed a monstrous 23 pound 14.4 ounce catfish while soaking a worm in Scow Canyon. Chan Saetern from Oakland subdued a 13 pound 11.2 ounce whiskerfish on a worm at the launch ramp. Maintaining San Pablo's reputation for big bass was Yoshihide Nakaz from Pinole. He landed a 12 pound 12.8 ounce largemouth on a spinner.

For more information on fishing San Pablo Reservoir, call the main recreation line at (510) 223-1661. The fishing hotline number is (925) 248-FISH.