For those who may have read some of my past articles, every winter I note that just because the general trout season has closed for those in the north state, that does not mean an end to catching quality trout. I often tout the potential success to be had on Baum Lake during the winter, where with the help of late season plants from adjacent Crystal Lake Hatchery, the catching puts a new meaning to the term fishing.

My friend, Neil Amundson, the fishing manager at  the Redding Sportsman's Warehouse, along with  his son Ethan, and friends, visited Baum Lake this last Sunday and found perfect winter fishing conditions, albeit a bit cool sitting in the mid 30's. But warm clothing and constant action is a sure cure for cold temperatures.

Neil launched his drift boat and quickly and gently dropped anchor just yards from the ramp. Trout...Brown trout were everywhere. Neil immediately found constant action stripping wooly buggers, while other nearby anglers enjoyed success on midges and red copper johns under indicators. Some of the planters caught were up to 22 inches with a few larger fish getting an unintentional quick release from the barbless hooks.

Ethan, a master angler in the making, who is no stranger to handling fishing rods and bringing fish to the boat, found success tossing spinners, especially using dad's “old reliable,” a black Panther with red dots.

Success can also be had for bank anglers along many locations at Baum. Waders can enjoy success along the area between the hatchery and launch ramp. Just give this lake a few days to clear from this next set of storms, check road conditions for the Burney area and you too can enjoy a great day of fishing...I mean catching.