Bridgeport is ready to go for the opener. The ice is out, water levels are high, and the fish are there, though there's a slight chance of rain/snow for the weekend. Boat rentals will be available at the marina.

Stocking wise, the county recently planted some giant trout, and CDFW made an additional stock this week. Trollers typically do very well for big fish on the opener, long lining Rapalas. Shore casters can soak PowerBait, Mice Tails, or a floated nightcrawler and expect to pull limits. The East Walker inlet and the southern shallows are excellent early-season zones worth targeting.

Before you launch, be aware of the new golden mussel regulations... vessel inspections are required, and there is an inspection station in the Bridgeport area.

Bridgeport Reservoir is producing solid trout numbers for boat anglers working bait rigs. The best fish are coming out of the deeper cuts and channels, including Robinson, Buckeye, and East Walker. Shore access is mostly a bust right now. Most of the trout are running 3 to 5 pounds, with some bigger fish mixed in, pushing up to 8. PowerBait, mice tails, and inflated crawlers are all getting bit. Trolling has dropped off.