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CA DELTA REPORT
Updated - 5/10/2005
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Spring on the Delta Bring Sunscreen Dan Mathisen Outdoors

From the Rio Vista Area Hap's Bait owner Audie Urbano from reported the Sacramento River and the Rio Vista Bridge have been good for stripers. He recommends Pile worms, blood worms, sardines and anchovies. Try early mornings and late afternoons.

Dave’s Bass Shack in Tracy has had a few reports of BIG stripers making appearances for trollers in Grantline Canal and Old River. Reportedly stripers to 44 pounds have come through River’s end Launch ramp

Johnny Cain from Jolly's Bait confirms the numbers of Stripers in the area saying “stripers to 8 to 10 pounds are being caught at Clifton Court Forebay near Tracy on shad and anchovies”. The biggest surprise is sturgeon to 70 inches on ghost shrimp and mackerel.
Jeff MacLean from the Outdoor Sportsman said the hot bites are largemouth and black bass in the Delta, and stripers on the Mokelumne River near Mossdale.

"The reason is that the recent flows are pulling the fish into the fresh water," he said, "and probably that's where all the bait is.''

MacLean also said a 42-pound striper was caught at O'Neill Forebay near the pumps. On the average, they're catching fish to 30 pounds.

For me it was a week of waiting as the next cycle of black bass move up to spawn. Still there is a top water bite on Nip-a-dee-dees and frogs. While yet another frog has burst into the market from River 2 sea. Still Make mine Snag Proof , might as well they continue to support our industry. In what has become a annual event the Deltas’ Snag Proof open shows promise of becoming the premier event of this type in the country. 100 percent Bass Promoter Bob “Korny” Kornhouser announced that 100 percent bass will be taking over this event for 2006. Kornhouser was very excited as he said, “ This can truly be something special now”. So mark August 5-6 on your calendars, Fishdelta.com will bring you the details as they become available. Having worked with many promoters over the years, and working the Snag Proof Tournaments in the past I can’t say how pleased I am to see this highly respected organization now putting on the event!
Rio Vista - Isleton

Bob’s Bait Report www.themasterbaiter.com

Bob’s Bait Report
Even the raining season was completely gone for over three weeks long but the water condition I Sacramento River has not been cleared yet. It is still strong current flows during the outgoing tide. The water in Sacramento is not clear yet. This contributes to hard for trolling for striped bass at this time.
However, in Mokelumne Rivers, the water is clearer starting from B&W Resort up stream. This area can be trolled or bait fishing. Torlling can start from highway 12 bridge up to the river splits into North and South Mokelumne Rivers. There are number of good size striped bass reported during last week on either boat or bank fishing.
In Mokelumne River, trolling is a fun technique to catch the striped bass by using Broken Back Rebel. Trolling along the riverbank and it’s about 20 to 30 feet away from the bank on either sides. With the boat speed about 3 mph (GPS speed), let the lure out until it hits to the river bottom then bring it up about 5 to 6 turns of your fishing reel.
Bait fishing is also good by using sardine, anchovy, pile worm, bloodworm, ghost shrimp, or grass shrimp. This time of the year, there are many shaker striped bass that like very much sardine or anchovy. Be sure to use the bigger hook size in order to release them safely and having more change to catch the bigger one.
Fishing for striped bass and sturgeon are also good along the highway 160 from Antioch Bridge up to Walnut Grove.
There was also reported some keeper sturgeon at Sherman Island and Decker Island on pile worm or ghost shrimp.
Best luck to you all and have a nice coming weekend.


The Wilson Files- Mark Wilson

Tuesday, May 9, 2006...Arthur Bard went striper trolling with me today. We found a pretty good school of fish down by Decker Island below Rio Vista. We trolled shallow running Bombers for 6 shaker stripers and 22 keeper stripers to 11.5#. The bite went at the bottom of the tide, through the entire incoming tide and to the first part of the outgoing tide and the afternoon. A pretty good day of putting lures in fishes mouths. That's it. Good luck. Catch you later and yes, I could see Mt. Diablo all day - Mark..

Sacramento Area Report - by Jack Chapman

No Report!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hook Line And Sinker Report


Black Bass:
The Bass continue to bite all over the delta but the size is starting to diminsh. With the first wave of spawners pretty much done the bigger fish will move off shore but there will still be plenty of smaller males up shallow guarding fry and also getting ready for the next wave of spawning. This upcoming week we'll see the second full moon stage and that means BIG , FISH TIME! all over again. Continue to flip plastics (senkos, brush hogs, sweet beavers and tube baits) and jigs up shallow to cover to get the maximum amount of bites. Stick with the darker patterns(blk/blue, watermelon/red and junebug) but also throw in some bluegill patterned baits as the post spawn fish will start feeding on the bluegills as they move shallow to spawn. Also, the topwater bite has come on strong as of late and will only continue to get better. Frogs and buzzbaits lead the way with black being the dominate color.

Striped Bass:
The striper bite has rebounded in the past 2 weeks in the west and central delta. Area's like Sherman Island, Franks Tract and Mildred Island have seen some good fish going through with the average running 10 lbs. but I've had reports of fish pushing 40! Trollers have been picking up the numbers dragging broken-back rebels and rat-l-traps behind the boat in chrome/black, gold/black, clown and hot orange patterns. The bigger fish I've heard have been coming up on topwater baits like Super Spooks and Pencil Poppers. Bone and Trout patterns have been producing. On the Sacramento side trolling broken-backs has also been putting fish in the boat from horseshoe bend to collinsville.

Sturgeon:
The sturgeon bite down around the Suisun bay/Martinez area has been on FIRE as of late with a lot of OVERSIZED fish being reported. In particular from Bouy 2 to Benicia, Big and Little Cut and the Fleet have been good areas to try. You name the bait it's been catching fish. Grass and ghost shrimp, salmon roe and lamprey eel. I have been hearing particular results on roe.

I haven't had any particular reports on any other species but the catfish, bluegill and crappie should all be pretty abundant up shallow. Try either around Franks Tract or Holland Tract for the best results on any of them.

 
Delta Bank Fishing
by Roland “Innovate” Aspiras

The weather has been absolutely wonderful the past couple of days! Finally, the Sacramento River is starting to resemble its former self…somewhat.

Stripers have been all the news from the banks lately. However, in the last week, the fishing has slowed down around the Miller Park and Garcia Bend area. Maybe it is due to the sudden climate change, or maybe because many of the fish have pushed up further into the system. Who knows? The fishing is fair at best with Pile Worms, Blood Worms and Sardines being the best bait. Not many reports of big Hens have been reported lately, so its possible that they are on their way up the river.

The Port of Sacramento is still producing fish as well with anglers scoring fish on just about anything they throw out. I would suggest Mudsuckers on a sliding rig or Jumbo Minnows underneath a Slip Bobber for a chance at the larger linesiders. Crappie is usually good at the Port as well – use medium sized minnows at night 4-5 feet under a bobber. Bring a couple of lanterns to attract the fish.

It was rumored that Shad were starting to come out of the Old Sacramento River below Freeport. I took a trip past Freeport last Wednesday and saw a few anglers trying their luck, but saw no fish being caught. Spots to fish were limited due to the water levels being so high. I predict the fishing should turn on in another week or so. If you just have the urge to try it out now, I would suggest fishing the brightest color Shad Dart you can find. Chartreuse/Green would be my pick.

Catfish around this time of year starts to pick up. With the high and fast water I would suggest flipping out your bait close to shore. Use a three-way swivel rig and bring lots of extra weights – getting snagged out there is almost inevitable.

Although shore access on the better sloughs in the Delta is limited, there’s still places where you can catch Black Bass – Tyler Island Road on the Mokelumne River usually produces nice fish. Keep it simple with your baits. 5 Inch Senkos in any type of Watermelon or Pumpkin will do great. ½ Ounce Spinnerbaits are good too. Chartruese, White, or a combination of the two colors is usually what I use.

Make sure that when you have some insect repellent when you go out. The warm weather usually causes large insect blooms and mosquitoes are out in full force.

So that’s this week’s report. The fish are biting. Go out and have some fun on the banks and be safe. And as always, make sure you pick up after yourself so the next person can enjoy the spot you just fished.

Roland “Innovate” Aspiras

Fish Hookers Report

If you can get past the windy conditions, fishing is decent. Barry Canevaro from Fish Hookers Sportfishing reports trolling for stripers is good, mostly on the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers, and it's pretty close to limit fishing. Canevaro said sturgeon fishing isn't great, but he's leading a trip to Suisun Bay on Thursday. Striper fishing is close to limits, using P-Line Predators and Bomber 16As. Also, Rio Vista and the Deep Water Channel are good for stripers.

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!

 

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

 

Spring Fun on Tap in the Foothills


Angels Camp- Many anglers are catching mixed limits of kokanee/trout. The kokanee seem to be slightly deeper- troll 30-50 feet deep with a small lure or spinner such as a Sockeye Slammer, Hootchie, Uncle Larry’s spinner or #! Apex. Fluorescent red and hot pint are the most productive colors. Be sure you tip your lure with shoepeg corn soaked in ProCure oil- Kokanee Special or anise scents are good choices right now. Use a nickel/chartreuse or pink dodger. Best kokanee action has been in the early morning in the main lake near the dam/Rose Island, 20-40 feet deep.”

The bass action is good, with plenty of smaller fish providing action- 30-fish days are not uncommon. Bigger fish are harder to come by. Big fish seem to be suspended, and not interested in anything you throw at them Most bass are in 15-25 feet of water, near structure, such as trees. Look for flats near cuts and creek arms that have structure at different depths. Coves in the south side of the lake have been good, as well as cuts and coves upriver. Senkos are the hot bait right now. Rig a 5” green pumpkin, watermelon or smoke Yamamoto Senko with a 3/0 or 4/0 wide-gap hook, and no weight. 6” worms and Zoom Baby Brush Hogs are also working well, in the same colors. Throw a top-water bait such as a spook in the early morning. Other successful anglers reported best luck with Senkos, as well as some rip baits. We want to remind you- it is vitally important to practice catch and release during the spawn, so that we can continue to have a healthy fishery in the future.

The sleeper here has been the crappie that are showing in better numbers than I can remember in recent years. Try fishing the brushy coves and creek arms, near structure adjacent to rocky spawning areas. The south side of the lake has been good. Fish 10-20 feet deep near structure with minnows or red/white or red/chartreuse crappie jigs.

There have been reports of big cats being caught on marshmallow-crawler combos in areas with running water. This is a prime spot for two reasons: the water is usually a few degrees warmer, and there are so many insects washing down the creeks into the lake. The fish in these areas are feeding aggressively. Bear Cove, Angels Creek, Mormon Creek, and anywhere else there is any run-off into the lake is a good bet. Use a rig that allows your bait to float off the bottom and be carried with the current.

New Melones Lake is currently holding 2,209,000 acre-feet of water, and is at 91% capacity. The lake is full and beautiful. The lake level rose 1 foot this week, and is at 1,071 ft. above sea level and only 17 ft. from full capacity. Surface water temperature has really warmed up, and is approximately 55-59 degrees.

 

 


Lake Pardee

May 03, 2006 VOL 06/15

Fred Dorman, Staff Writer e-mail lakepardee@volcano.com

<*(((---<

Water conditions: The Lake remains at capacity and is again flowing over the spillway. Saw no debris around the Marina today. Visibility continues to improve and is now good to 14 feet, taken at the end of the boat slips. Water temperatures jumped up this week, 64 degrees at 20 feet and 68 at surface.

Weather: Beautiful clear skies and temps in the mid 80’s throughout the week, continuing thru the weekend.

Trolling: Sources all agree that the fishing has been great this week but the catching leaves a lot to be desired. The general consensus is that warm surface temps coupled with the very cold influx of snow melt runoff has given the fish a severe case of lock jaw. Folks are still getting Rainbows in and around the Mouth of the River and the face of the Dam but they are working hard for what they put in the box. No word on any Browns or decent size Kokes this week. Fishing depths are all over the chart. Equipment and methods are unchanged; try flashers followed with a night crawler, small lures or bugs tipped with anise or garlic scented corn or grubs behind cop car dodgers or sidekicks. Fire tiger and tire track and patterns in red, pink and fluorescent orange are still the most productive.

Check out this 7.2 pound smallie caught by Vince Borge of Team Fishdelta.com with Bettencourt Bluegill.

Shore Anglers: The bite has been better from shore lately. The Launch Ramp, Rainbow Point and the lagoon behind the EBMUD boathouse are still good. White processed bait and eggs are still the planters’ snack of choice. Those chrome/blue casting lures and black and green wooly flies work well now that the water has begun to clear up.

As of 05/03/06 a total of 23,000 lbs of trout has been planted by Lake Pardee and the California Department of Fish and Game.

MARK YOUR CALANDERS-THE PROJECT KOKANEE MIKE CARRINGTON MEMORIAL LAKE PARDEE FAMILY FUN DERBY IS SATURDAY MAY 20, 2006. FOR ENTRY FORMS AND MORE INFORMATION CHECK THE WEB AT www.kokanee.org

Good Luck—Tight Lines

For information or reservations call (209) 772-1472



CLEAR LAKE LARGEMOUTH BASS...

"Spring has finally arrived , after snowing to near lake level just a couple of weeks ago", we are in a nother chapter of as the bass cruise. ! The big bass are moving up shallow and a lot are on near the beds, however I saw very few "locked-on" which could change in the next few days. Clients this week did very well on minnows, catching bass to 9.7 pounds. The lure bite seems to have slowed down quite a bit from last week from reports from other fisherman. There are just literally hundreds of cruising bass in the north end of the lake but try to catch them is very, very hard, senkos may be your best bet... Enjoy!

Dan Mathisen Outdoors is now booking Dates for Clear Lake Trips.

 



Big Bass Highlight catches


Wallace- Nor-Cal Bass club for held their tournament here at Lake Camanche on Saturday. They had 29 boats go out, and we congratulate Deacon Fernandes for his big fish of 7.81 pounds, and his winning weight of 20.45 pounds. Fish were caught on purple worms, jigs, brush hogs, and spinnerbaits. Dana Valdez, from Elk Grove, caught 2 beautiful bass this week on green worms. One was 8.34 pounds, and the other was 5.75 pounds. Steven Ritchie, from South Shore Camanche, caught a huge 9.49 pound bass on purple worms this week.

Trout continue to be found 20-30 feet deep on bright sunny days and closer to the surface on cloudy overcast days. On Thursday one group of fishermen reported catching limits of nice trout up to 3 1/2 pounds. They were trolling at 20 - 25 feet deep between Hat Island and the dam, using orange grubs behind a dodger, and also black Power Worms behind a dodger. Another group reported limits of trout along with a couple of big crappie. They were trolling near Hat Island in 30 feet of water, using FireTiger Apex lures, Rapalas in silver/black, and Rainbow Runners. Another group of fishermen were catching their limits of trout trolling Uncle Larry’s spinners with a piece of nightcrawler. They were trolling from South Shore Harbor to the dam, in about 25 feet.

Bait fishermen are starting to catch trout at Dike 3, south of the spillway. Anchor in about 30-35 feet of water and drop Power Bait to the bottom. The 3 biggest fish weighed in so far for our trout derby are a beautiful 6.26 pounder, caught by Joe Vanich from Sacramento. He was using Rainbow Rapala in the main lake. Second place is a 4.42 pound rainbow, caught by Jim Welch, from Sacramento. He was fishing with Power Bait in the South Shore Pond. Third place is a 3.53 pounder caught by Ted Chapman, from San Bruno. He was fishing with Power Bait in the South Shore Pond. Please remember to enter the Annual Charity Trout Derby. A one time $3.00 entry fee is good until May 14; you can win wonderful prizes; and it benefits The American Cancer Society. Details are available at both North and South stores and gates.

The crappie bite continues to get stronger, with anglers reporting fish being picked up around docks, submerged trees, and brush stick-ups. Causeway Cove, Camanche Arm, and Oregon Gulch are all great places to start, and minnows or mini-jigs are the best baits to use.

Lots of catfish are being caught right now. Jim Murray,from South Shore, reported a 25 pounder, and 2-15 pounders last week. Josh & Jake, from Stockton, caught a stringer of cats last week weighing 26 pounds. They were fishing with mackerel at the North Shore Day Use Area.

Lake Camanche’s current elevation is 226.96 feet above sea level, a drop of 2 vertical feet since last Sunday. We expect the lake to continue to drop slowly this coming week. Water is currently flowing into Camanche at 4,006 c.f.s. and water

 

 

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

 


 
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