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CA DELTA REPORT
Updated - 2/15/2006
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Sturgeon still tops in the Delta

While the most consistant bite is for the sturgeon with the weeks big tides. We have enjoyed some great days and terrible days as the early spring frustration gets started.

Bass fishing is on the verge of an explosion, and like clock work anglers came out in big numbers to play the game as Bob Kornhouser brings his 100 percent Teams to the to the Delta for the first time. The best action is found throughout the many areas of the Central Delta. There are still a few coming from the Discovery Bay area and in the South Delta, Sherman and Frank's are starting to be Hot.

There were a couple of sturgeon taken in the Rio Vista area this past weekend below the Rio Vista Bridge. The diamondbacks grabbed eel and ghost shrimp. There are a few more schoolie-sized stripers also starting to show in the area 6-8 pounds with shad being the top choice.

Jolly Joes Reports, On the old San Joaquin River, between the Navy Drive Bridge and the golf course on Rough and Ready Island, anglers are using minnows to hook stripers to 22 pounds.

 

Here's my Client this week....Wayne Sullens 7 pounds

 



 
Rio Vista - Isleton

Bob’s Bait Report www.themasterbaiter.com

Most of our daily activities are depending very much on the weather condition. There was too much rain in previous month caused higher water than normal and also strong current in most of the Delta channel where water was normally released to control flooding in some areas along Sacramento and American river. Week after week, the water condition changes depending on the amount of water were released by The Water Resources Agency.
The reasons above are contributing to slower than normal fishing harvest comparing other years. Based on the report from anglers last week, most sturgeons were caught from Rio Vista Bridge up to Light 49 in Cache Slough. In Old Sacramento River, bank anglers got some very good size of sturgeon on ghost shrimp while fishing at the Dump Gate. There was also some keeper striped bass was caught along Old Sacramento on either ghost shrimp or pile worm. Along Mokelumne River from B&W resort up to Wimpy marina, there were good number of striped bass from 5 lb. up to 15 lb. were caught on pile worm or mud sucker. There was also reported from anglers who fish at San Joaquin River caught number of keeper striped bass on jumbo minnow or mud sucker.
New regulation for sturgeon is not finalized yet. Department of Fish and Game Commision are still collecting more information from anglers and special interest group.
The coming days would be cold and some cold shower days during the weekend. This could be direct effect to the fishing activities in the coming days.
Best luck to you all and have a long good weekend.


Hook Line And Sinker Report
Robert from the Hook in Oakley reports.
Black Bass:
The bass seem to be starting to wake up from their winter slump with some BIG fish being brought in this past weekend. There was tournament out of Russo's in Bethel Island this past sunday that took 33LBS. FOR 5 TO WIN! Also, there was a 15LB BASS weighed in at the marina on Sat. Jigs have been the top producer of both numbers and the bigger fish right now with Black/Blue being the above and all choice of most anglers. There also been an increasing crankbait/rattletrap bite starting to pick up with any red or craw pattern being top choice.

Sturgeon:
The delta diamondbacks have been making a showing the past few weeks although the recent McAvoy's Super Bowl Derby did not show with only about 25 fish being weighed in. Most of the fish have been reported from San Pablo and South SF bays with the Honker/Grizzly Bay area producing the best action for our portion of the river. With grass shrimp being next to impossible to get right now, anglers are turning to alternatives in bait right now with roe, pile worms and eel being top choices. With the slower tides anglers fishing deeper water have been experiencing better action.


Sacramento Area Report - by Jack Chapman

No Report

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delta Bank Fishing
by Roland “Innovate” Aspiras

No Report this week

 


 

Fish Hookers Report

The sturgeon fishing in the Pittsburg area and Montezuma Slough has been very good this last week. Most of the days that we had groups out we caught at least one keeper size sturgeon each day and a couple of the days we had multiple keeper sturgeon in the box for our clients. This year there are quite a few shaker sturgeon that we are catching and releasing. It was only on the weekend with all the boat traffic that the catch got a little more difficult. The weather has been marvelous and the water is beginning to warm with the good sunny conditions. We should start seeing more stripers in the area with the warming of the water.

We are looking forward to the striper fishing to pick up in the area. All conditions are pointing to a good spring run of stripers. This will take place as the water clears and begins to warm. This should start to begin around the beginning of March depending on what weather occurs in between now and then.

In the mean time the sturgeon fishing looks like it will continue to produce some good catches in our area. We are marking some nice sturgeon in a few different areas. Salmon roe and the lamprey eel continue to be the good sturgeon baits.

If you want to catch some of these fish give us a call. The boats leave each day when booked from the City of Pittsburg Marina

Information: (916) 777-6498 (Isleton)

Flash Fishing Report www.flashfishing.net


A bit about Captain Steve, Captain Steve fished the San Francisco Bay since 1970, when his grandfather would take him out to the old Berkeley pier. He bought his first boat in 1980 and got his Captain's license in 1997. He enjoys small groups (no more than 6) and gives personal attention to all. Having 2 young daughters himself, he is especially patient with children on the boat. Bring your own equipment or use Steve's top of the line equipment. Steve has impressive state of the art commercial electronics on the boat to optimize your fishing experience! And yes, we went to the same High School, Welcome Capt. Steve!

Steve reports things are turning around in the West Delta, The bite did slow a little the last 3 days.
These photos are from yesterday.1/30/06
Denis (with fish) and son Vic bonds from Manteca.
Denis landed this 49" sturgeon( with the help from his son) in 32' of water 1 mile west of Garnet pt.Used eel/ghost shrimp during the max current of the outgo.

 

 

Capt. Steve
Flash
Sport Fishing

 

 

 

 

Lucky Strike Fishing Report www.luckystrikefishing.com

No report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FishDelta.com now brings you out of area reports as well!!!!!!!

New Melones in Great Shape for Fat Trout

Trout: Continues to be great! Many of the rainbows are big, red, and hook-jawed, weighing 3-to-5 pound on average. Most anglers are catching 2-4 quality fish. Trout can be seen swirling and chasing shad all over the lake, especially in major coves. Trollers and bank anglers alike are still having success. This has been by far the best fishing we have seen in years. Most trollers are catching fish in the top 15-20 feet of water, so downriggers aren’t necessary. It is important when trout are near the surface to have plenty of line out while trolling (your lure should be at least 100 ft. behind your boat). Your boat chop will spook the fish from the water’s surface, and you want to give them time to come back up and see your lure. Another great way to keep your lure out of the boat’s chop is to use a side planer. Many fish have been caught in the main lake, as well as at the mouths of major creek arms and coves and upriver between the two bridges. Using a crawler or crawler/spinner combo (wedding rings or Uncle Larry’s) with ProCure nightcrawler scent is working well. Shad-patterned lures continue to produce many excellent fish. Try a broken-back or Countdown Rapala, a Cop Car or threadfin shad Needlefish, or an Excel lure. Most trollers are not using dodgers or flashers. Glory Hole Sport’s BIG FISH OF THE WEEK (salmonoid) goes to Arnold Boatman from Manteca for his 7.8# Brown trout caught near the spillway while trolling a homemade silver lure during the afternoon. Arnold also caught nice fish, some over 3# on another day this week while fishing with Ken Howze using gray Needlefish. Other successful trollers this week were: Howard Thielbar, Jamestown (5.8#), Dennis DeHart, Los Gatos (5.4#), Jacob Parker, Antioch (4.8#), David Eastwood, Arnold (4.1#), Harold Garibaldi, Acampo (3.7#), Jay Daniels, Wilton (3.7#), Glade Faulkner, Toaly (3.7#), Larry Gross, Fiddletown (3.8#), Ed Weikum, Mountain Ranch, David Eastwood, Arnold (3.3#), Bob Reinhardt, Jr., Morgan Hill (3.3#), Don Myshrall, Mokelumne Hill (limit of planters). Bank fishing has still been going strong with successful anglers using a variety of colors of Power Bait including yellow, rainbow glitter and green or chartreuse. A crawler/marshmallow combo has been working well also. Bank anglers who came into Glory Hole Sports with nice fish this week include: Jim Secora, Tuolumne (4.7#), Al Judnich, Sonora (4.3#), Dave Camden, Arnold (4.0#), Jim Comphel, Twain Harte (4.1#), Fred Roberts, Modesto (4.0#), Frank Jocksch, Millbrae (3.7#), Mike Derby, Jr., Rail Road Flat (3.5#), Jessica Keyes, Linden (1#).

Kokanee: Done for the season, although trollers are picking up a few 8” fish.

Bass: Bass are suspended holding in 30-40 feet of water for the most part, with an occasional angler reporting catching shallow fish during overcast skies or some of our warmer rainstorms. A few anglers have reported observing an early spring behavior with the bass. Target the mouths of creek arms and submerged islands, and up into the deeper creek arms. When the wind comes up, the fish will sometimes move shallow to chase the bait that the wind is blowing into the shore. Drop-shot rigs with shad-patterned or crawdad-colored worms are going to produce the most fish, but bigger fish will be caught with brown jigs or swim baits. Jigging a spoon over submerged islands, 30-60 feet deep, is another good choice for winter bass fishing.

Catfish: slow though an occasional angler does catch one now and then. Dave Fong of Sonora came in with an 11pound cat caught near Bear Creek while trout fishing with green Power Bait. Dave wins the Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week (catfish) with his big cat. Tuttletown, Angels Cove, Glory Hole Point, or under the 49 Stevenot Bridge are all good spots to try for big cats. Use mackerel, anchovies, or sardines, a sliding sinker, leave your bail open, and be sure your hooks are sharp.

Crappie and bluegill: Slow. Try fishing live minnows or trying to entice them with jigs in red/white or purple/white. Target coves or some of the major creek arms that have a lot of stand-up trees in them fishing at 30-40 ft. depths. As always, fish tight to structure.

 


Lake Pardee

Lake Pardee will finally re open the gates for the 2006 season on THURSDAY February the 2nd for Campers and Recreational Vehicles only. The gate will be manned until 11 PM both Thursday and Friday for the opening. Fishing for shore anglers will begin FRIDAY morning the 3rd at 12:01 AM and at daybreak the same day for boaters. The Lake Pardee Management and Staff are looking forward to welcoming back all our friends both old and new.

Lake level is normally 10 foot or more below the spillway this time of year in anticipation of runoff from winter storms. The forecast is calling for some wet stuff this weekend so some dirt and debris will end up in the water but it never lasts long and the clarity quickly recovers to 10 feet or beyond.

Three plants are scheduled by Lake Pardee and another by the Department of fish and Game prior to season opening.

All facilities (except the pool) and services will be available on opening weekend. Check the Marina for all your fishing, boating, bait and snacking needs. The Coffee Shop is always a great place to start whether it’s a full breakfast or just a steaming cup of coffee to kick start your day.

Good Luck---Tight Lines.

For information or reservations call (209) 772-1472

 

The Lake Camanche Fishing Report - January 24, 2006

LAKE CONDITIONS:

Lake Camanche’s current elevation is 217.56 feet above sea level, a drop of 4.4 feet since last Sunday. The surface temperature at the dam is 53.8 degrees F. and drops to 50.6 degrees at the bottom. The surface temp readings upriver are 49 degrees, a result of lots of inflow from Pardee Lake. The lake waters are slightly colored with a Secchi dish reading of 11 feet at the dam and 6 to 9 feet at the upriver sampling locations.

Gate hours for North and South shores are 5 A.M. TO 11 P.M.

TROUT: There were lots of anglers out yesterday taking lots of limits of 1 pound to 6 pound Rainbows. Most trollers did best with floating Rapalas in Fire tiger or gold/black back. Another hot ticket is to troll Sep’s Scented Pro Grubs in chartreuse; pink or orange about 4 feet behind a ¼ ounce split shot or try Needlefish in bright colors, such as the #581 pearlescent white or #054, which is chartreuse with fire dots. When the skies are cloudy or overcast, the fish are right on the surface; if the sun appears , use leadcore to get down to 15 feet deep or so. John and Shirley Bartlett, of Ripon, caught 2 limits of beautiful rainbows this week. They were trolling with Uncle Larry’s spinners, and also wedding rings, and caught most of their fish up the river. Rich and Maureen Drawbert, from Camanche, caught their limits of trout while fishing in shallow water near the islands outside of Camper’s Cove. They were using Power Bait.

Bank angling has improved lately, thanks mostly to the fog and overcast keeping the ‘bows close to shore. Use Power Bait in orange or chartreuse near the North ramp or South Chevron Point. Casting and retrieving the Magic Bullet works off the banks early and again late in the day.

South Shore pond action is very good since we planted the pond with over 600 pounds last week. All sorts of stuff work at the pond; best bet is to use Power Bait in chartreuse or white. Jim Murray, from Camanche, caught a 13.11 pound rainbow from the pond this week using a Pistol Pete lure.

This week’s trout plant of 1,200 pounds will be at North Shore.

BASS: The W.O.N. Bass tournament was held at Lake Camanche on Saturday. We congratulate Leandro Sanchez and Bill Martin for winning the meet with a big fish of 8.41 pounds, and a total weight of 16.62 pounds. Jay LeClerc and Bob Haag had a 5 fish limit weighing 14.63 pounds, and Taylor Parsons and Jeremiah Payne had a total weight of 14.5 pounds. Brown or purple jigs, and worms in brown, purple, or blue were some of the favorite baits. Most bass were in 15-30 feet of water.

BOTH NORTH SHORE AND SOUTH SHORE STORES ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED DURING THE WEEK AND OPEN ON THE WEEKENDS ONLY. BOAT RENTALS ARE AVAILABLE DURING THE WEEK BY TELEPHONE RESERVATION ONLY. PLEASE CALL NORTH SHORE (209-763-5166), OR SOUTH SHORE (209-763-5915) FOR DETAILS. BOTH SHORES ARE OPEN EVERY WEEKEND (WEATHER PERMITTING).

Northshore store:(209) 763-5166

North gate: (209) 763-5922

Boat rental reservations are recommended.
Phone North: (209) 763-5166 Phone South: (209) 763-5915.

Southshore store: (209)763-5915

South gate: (209) 763-5913

Gate hours for North and South shores are 5 A.M. TO 11 P.M.

 

 

Pennies on the dollar for fishing rods, reels, baits, lures, and more? You be the judge!

 


 
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