Fishing report, March 6-12: Delta sturgeon are still eating well, easy limits at McSwain and Eastman kicking out bigger bass
Compiled by California Outdoors Hall of Fame member Dave Hurley and edited by Roger George, who guides in the greater Fresno area and holds the striper record at Millerton Lake.
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Best bets
The Delta sturgeon are still eating well, and McSwain plants producing easy limits, Dave Hurley reported. Eastman Lake is still kicking out bigger bass, Michael Crayne said.
Valley
Westside waterways
Striper 2 Catfish 2
In the north sections of the California Aqueduct and Delta Mendota canal, fishing remains challenging due to swift and muddy water. The best action has been taking place below O’Neill Forebay where the water is pumped back into the aqueduct. It is stained, but it is far clearer than the aqueduct above San Luis Reservoir.
Striperz Gone Wild is holding their Spring Memorial Striped Bass Tournament on April 6 at a location on the aqueduct yet to be determined. The entry fee is 10 cans of unexpired food, and there is a prize for whomever brings the most cans.
Merced County has one of the highest food insecurity rates in the country, this event provides much needed food for the Los Banos and surrounding community. Food, awards, a raffle, and a photo booth will be present at the event.
In the south aqueduct in Kern County, Cope’s Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported aqueduct anglers reported fair fishing with lower flows and dirty water creating tough conditions. Cut baits, fresh shrimp, live worms, or chicken liver on the Carolina and sinker rig are the best option for both striped bass and catfish. Largemouth bass anglers took advantage of the lower flows to work finesse baits and small swimbaits before and after check gates.
Fishing Safety at the California Aqueduct
Anglers must be extremely cautious in the wet and slippery conditions on the concrete. The aqueduct has fast and deep currents – up to 30 feet in some places – so please heed all water safety tips, along with these tips for staying safe on the Aqueduct:
• Wear rubber-soled shoes for safe footing and life jacket.
• Never fish alone.
• Observe no trespassing and all signs, like restricting vehicles or bicycle use. Keep out of fenced areas.
• Stand back from the aqueduct’s steep, slippery, and difficult-to-climb sloping concrete sides.
• Look for the safety ladders and lines. Safety ladders along both sides of the aqueduct are spaced 500 feet apart and marked by bright yellow paint. The safety lines are strung on plastic floats, close to bridges and other structures that cross the Aqueduct. These ladders and lines can save your life.
• Do not go into the water to land a fish, recover fishing gear, or for any other reason.
• Take your own drinking water. The aqueduct water is untreated and not safe to drink.
• Don’t play near the aqueduct.
• Don’t make fires.
• No camping.
• Don’t block vehicle access gates or roadways.
• Do not climb structures or fish from bridges crossing the aqueduct.
A map of the 16 designated fishing locations on the California aqueduct can be accessed through this link: https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Website/Web-Pages/ What-We-Do/Recreation/Files/230424_SWP-Fishing-Guildines Locations_Online_FINAL.pdf.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis (559) 292-3474, Cope’s Tackle and Rod, Bakersfield (661) 679-6351, Bob’s Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657.
Eastman Lake/Hensley Lake
Bass 3 Trout 2 Bluegill 2 Catfish 2 Crappie 2
Michael Crayne of Valley Rod and Gun in Clovis said, “Eastman continues to kick out quality bass in the 4- to 6-pound range as the fish are migrating towards locations to stage for pre-spawn such as creek channels. They are moving up into the banks as the water temperature has been rising. Finesse jigs along with big baits such as rainbow trout patterned swimbaits or glide baits are working for the occasional big bass.”
Aaron Vang landed a 26-pound limit including a big fish at 7 pounds. The planted rainbows remain scattered, but crappie action has improved in deep structure. Crayne added, “Hensley has really improved for crappie in the 11- to 13-inch range off the 5-MPH buoy line with minnows on a slip bobber at depths from 15 to 20 feet.”
Shad patterned 2-inch Notorious Jigs on a 1/16th-ounce jig head have been very effective. Possessing Live Scope electronics are a key to staying on the crappie schools. Eastman rose 5.5 feet to 562.00 feet in elevation and 71% with Hensley rising 9 feet to 491.15 feet in elevation and 33%.
Call: Eastman Lake (559) 689-3255, Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis (559) 292-3474, 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle (559) 515-6273, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hensley Lake Hidden Dam (559) 673-5151.
Lake Don Pedro
Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 1 King salmon 2 Crappie 2
Trout and king salmon action has improved within the top 20 feet of the surface by rolling shad or with Wiggle Hoochies in shad patterns. Looking for grebes or other diving birds are a key to finding the shad schools, and the rainbows and the occasional king salmon are around the shad. Bass fishing is starting to improve with jigs, umbrella rigs, or Senkos on a Ned-rig as the fish are migrating towards the shallows in pre-spawn mode. Small Keitech swimbaits on an underspin, plastics on the drop-shot, or tubes are also producing numbers as the bass are feeding on shad. There is daily vehicle fee of $20 and with an additional $15 for boat launch. The lake dropped less than a foot to 799.96 feet in elevation and 82%. Updates on the launch ramp are available at https://www.donpedrolake.com/. 13 bass tournaments are scheduled at the lake through April 30. All the temporary mooring lines have been removed from the west bay and the 5 MPH buoy lines have been placed back in their original locations.
Call: Monte Smith, Gold Country Sport Fishing (209) 581-4734, Central Valley Bait and Tackle (209) 312-9417.
Lake Isabella/Bakersfield area
Bass 2 Trout 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 3 Bluegill 3
The lake rose 11/2 feet to 2,570.33 feet in elevation and 42% of capacity with water releases from the dam at 316 cfs at First Point. Cope’s Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported bass fishing hasn’t improved much, but the best action remains off primary lake points and offshore structure in 15 to 35 feet of water with deep-diving crankbaits along with jigs.
Trout fishing remains the best bet with most of the reports coming from near Red’s Marina on garlic scented Power Bait, spinners, or worms. Crappie fishing is fair to good in deeper water around offshore structure with minijigs or live shiners. Catfishing has improved with Triple S Dip Bait or cut mackerel.
The 33rd Annual Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce Isabella Lake will be held from March 23-25 Adult entry is $40 with youth entry at $15. Information and registration is available at https://www.kernrivervalley.com/isabellalakefishingderby.
In the upper Kern, Cope’s reported the trout bite remains steady throughout the 20-mile stretch with the best bite near Riverside Park in Kernville to the Powerhouse with salmon eggs or minijigs.
Fly anglers continue to do better later in the day with either nymphs or streamers. In the lower Kern, trout fishing has improved after the recent plants. Salmon eggs, pinched crawlers, Power Bait with garlic, or minijigs are all effective. The lower Kern bass bite has improved this week on crankbaits, jigs, or spinners. Catfish can be found on Triple S Dip Bait, nightcrawlers, or cut baits.
The flows on upper Kern at Kernville rose from 812 to 957 cfs.
Call: Cope’s Tackle and Rod (661) 679-6351, Bob’s Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657, North Fork Marina (760) 376-1812, Golden Trout Pack Station (559) 542-2816.
Lake Kaweah
Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2
The lake held at 620.50 feet in elevation and 19% due to water releases despite heavy inflow from the Kaweah River. Cope’s Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported continued fair bass fishing, but the fish are moving into the shallows, an indicator of an early spring bite. Plastics on the drop-shot or Ned-rig along with other finesse techniques are most effective in addition vertically jigging small spoons or ice jigs in deep water. Crappie remains fair on small live minnows, or minijigs while catfish anglers threw out dip baits and cut baits for a few whisker fish. Trout anglers from the banks are picking up a few planters with Power Bait, minijigs, spoons, or spinners. The Kaweah River at Three Rivers rose dramatically from 334 cfs. There are four tournaments scheduled on the lake through April 30.
Lake Success
Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2
The lake rose three feet to 626.30 feet in elevation and 44% of capacity. Cope’s Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported finesse techniques remain the top option for bass with plastics on the drop-shot or Ned-rig green pumpkin, crawfish, or bluegill patterns. Deep-diving crankbaits or vertically jigging spoons are also picking up a few fish. Catfishing has been slow with a few whiskerfish taken on either dip or cut baits. Crappie has also been slow. With last week’s trout plant, Power Bait, minijigs, or various trout lures are picking up planters from the banks. Four bass tournaments are scheduled on the lake through April 30.
Call: Cope’s Tackle and Rod (661) 679-6351, Sequoia Fishing Co. (559) 539-5626, sequoiafishingcompany.com.
McClure Reservoir
Bass 2 Trout 2 King salmon 0 Kokanee 0 Crappie 2 Catfish 2
The bass are moving into the shallows at depths from 10 to 15 feet as they are preparing for pre-spawn, like other low elevation lakes. It’s the same story as bass fishing has been good for numbers with small Keitech swimbaits on an underspin, jigs, tubes, or plastics on the drop-shot with the occasional larger fish taken on rainbow trout patterned glide baits or swimbaits. Catfishing is fair with chicken livers, nightcrawlers, or cut baits while crappie are found in deep water inside submerged trees in coves with live minnows or minijigs. However, the crappie bite has slowed. The lake rose 1.5 feet to 807.99 feet in elevation and 65% of capacity.
The Barrett Cove South Marina and Café will open under new ownership weekends-only through Memorial Day starting March 30. Only three bass tournaments are scheduled on the lake through April 30.
Call: Central Valley Bait and Tackle (209) 312-9417.
Lake McSwain
Trout 3
The annual Lake McSwain Trout Derby is April 6/7 with a $35 entry fee along with a $10 vehicle and a $9 boat fee at the gate. The derby begins at 6 a.m. Saturday and ends at noon Sunday with $2,000 for the heaviest stringer, $2,000 for the longest trout, and $500 for the wild card.
Derby entrants must download the Fish Donkey app to participate. Easy limits continue to be taken from the banks from the Brush Pile, Handicapped Docks, or the peninsula near the marina with Power Bait in Chunky Cheese, Kastmasters, or minijigs. More than 32,000 pounds of Calaveras Trout Farm rainbow trout have been released into the lake within the past two months, and trout plants will continue through the spring months in preparation for the Trout Derby. Holdover rainbows can be found in the river arm near the Second Fence Line with Ruby Red Wedding Rings tipped with a nightcrawler along with spinners. The lake dropped to 78% of capacity.
The McSwain Marina is closed through March 30 before opening for weekends only April 1-May 31.
Call: Angler’s Edge Market (209) 226-4416, McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534.
Millerton Lake/San Joaquin River
Bass 2 Striped bass 1 Shad 1 Bluegill 2 Crappie 2
Michael Crayne of Valley Rod and Gun reported less interest in the lake due to the lack of upcoming bass tournaments, but the spots are still holding out into deeper water. Senkos on a Neko rig, underspins, swimbaits, finesse jigs, or small plastics on a drop-shot remain the top techniques. The lake rose 10 feet to 538.34 feet in elevation and 67% of capacity. Sycamore Island is open 6 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. The flows in the San Joaquin River at Friant rose from 516 to 577 cfs. No bass tournaments are scheduled here through April 30. A trout plant occurred at Sycamore Island last week.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun (559) 292-3474, 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle (559) 515-6273.
New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch
Bass 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 1
High winds and stormy conditions resulted in the postponement of Saturday’s Angler’s Press bass tournament. Trout fishermen have been focusing on nearby Lakes Camanche or Pardee with their heavy planting programs along with its afterbay Lake Tulloch, but limits of rainbows are possible trolling from the surface to 20 feet by rolling shad or with shad-patterned Wiggle Hoochies or spoons. With the trout near the surface, side planers on the outside rods with a long set back on the center rods remains the top trolling technique.
For bass, Alex Niapas of Catching California Guide Service said, bass have gone their pre-spawn mode. “We are catching spotted bass in the 2- to 3- pound range with Senkos on a Neko-rig, umbrella rigs, or jigs in 15 to 35 feet of water,” he said.
“Largemouth bass are showing up in shallow water moving in the backs of creeks, and they are biting either jigs or swimbaits in 15 to 25 feet of water.” A few big bass continue to be found on rainbow trout patterned swimbaits. The Kokanee Power net pens are loaded with rainbows, and they will be released in the spring. New Melones has a daily use fee of $8 with a boat launch of $10 (day use included). The lake rose a foot to 1050.49 feet in elevation and 83% of capacity.
New Melones has a daily use fee of $8 with a boat launch of $10 (day use included). Nine bass tournaments are scheduled through April 30 including three large tournaments. The lake is at 1051.52 feet in elevation and 83% with afterbay Tulloch also high at 81% of capacity.
Call: John Liechty, Xperience Fishing Guide Service (209) 743-9932, Kyle Wise, Headhunter Guide Service (209) 531-3966, Alex Niapas, Catching California Guide Service (209) 728-4225, Monte Smith (209) 581-4734.
Pine Flat Reservoir/Kings River
Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 0 King salmon 2 Catfish 2 Crappie 2
Rain gear was at a premium during Saturday’s 52-boat Central Valley Kayak Fishing tournament as it was a combination of cold, rainy, and windy throughout the day. The competition was extremely close with only 1 1/2 inches determining first through fifth place with a 9 1/4-inch difference between first and 27th place.
A total of 27 five-fish limits were measured and photographed on the Tourney X app. The two longest limits were 75 1/2 inches by Robert Yamamoto and Sean Beach.
“Secondary points have been the best location for bass with a variety of finesse techniques including Senkos on a Neko-rig or small Keitech swimbaits,” Michael Crayne of Valley Rod and Gun in Clovis said. “The water temperature is warm at 58-59 degrees, and the bass are starting to stage for pre-spawn.
“Trout and king salmon are taken with shad-patterned spoons by trollers near the Power Lines. The trout are closer to the surface while the kings are deeper.”
In the lower Kings, both the river and Avocado Lake are scheduled to be planted again this week. Finding less pressured water is the key as the easily accessed areas can be crowded. Atomic Tubes, spinners, nightcrawlers, or Power Bait are working for up to limits of planters.
The flows have risen, and anglers need to be cautious with the higher flows as they came up at Trimmer from 849 to 1593 cfs. The lake rose 2 feet to 901.50 feet in elevation and 73% of capacity. The Kings River from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bridge on Pine Flat Road downstream to Cobbles (Alta) Weir is open to fishing all year. The Kings River, from Cobbles (Alta) Weir downstream to the Highway 180 crossing is open to fishing all year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Pine Flat is hosting three remaining bass tournaments through April 30. A trout plant is scheduled for both Avocado Lake and the lower Kings this week.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun (559) 292-3474, 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle (559) 515-6273. Sequoia Fishing Co. (559) 539-5626,
San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay
Striper 2 Catfish 2 Bass 2 Crappie 2
“Bait fishing has been the top draw at the main lake with either jumbo minnows, blood worms, or pile worms,” Josh Mesa of Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill said. “Boaters have been also drifting minnows for success for keeper-sized linesides. We have been selling several flukes, either Super Flukes or regular size, in pearl ice or white. The O’Neill Forebay has been very good for largemouth bass by flipping Senkos in the tules. Striped bass are boiling and walking baits such as Whopper Ploppers are effective. Soaking anchovies are another option.”
Roger George of Roger George Guide Service reported that the bite has been fair to decent for experienced anglers.
“The fish are moving around as the water comes up about a third of the day. Water temps are from 57-59 degrees and algae is already growing - lowering the visibility to four to five feet. I scouted before the storm with a friend and we picked up over 25 released fish - topped by a nice 31 ½ inches, 10 pounder . I’m concentrating on the main lake and once again using the regular Lucky Craft, and Rapala minnow baits at 40’ to 60’ . Finding active fish is the key to success right now! Most trollers are getting a couple fish for their efforts and there are some shore reaction bites .
The main lake rose to 69% of capacity with the forebay also rising to 90% of capacity.
To check the wind conditions on the lake - use windfinder.com/forecast/san_luis_reservoir.
Call: Coyote Bait and Tackle (408) 463-0711, Roger George, rogergeorgeguideservice.com (559) 905-2954.
High Sierra
Bass Lake
Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 0
Mike Beighey of Bass Lake Guide Service reported most anglers stayed away from Bass Lake because of the weather.
Heavy winds and a mixture of rain and snow fell on the lake this past week. More of the inclement weather is forecasted this week.
“Prior to the storms, trollers were finding good trout action with Dick’s Mountain Tubes in orange, with corn or maggots, behind a Blue Ice Mountain Dodger or Rocky Mountain Blue Dodgers in front of Miller’s Landing from the surface to 20 feet. The main ramp is open, and boats can be easily launched,” he said.
Beighey is accepting reservations now for the upcoming season. For bass, Michael Crayne of Valley Rod and Gun in Clovis reported a very tough bite on a recent trip. A webcam of the launch ramp is available at https://basslakeca.com/.
Call: Mike Beighey, Bass Lake Fishing 676-8133.
Edison/Florence/Mammoth Pool
The gate to Kaiser Pass Road remains closed through most likely Memorial Day weekend. The Kaiser Pass lakes are starting to release water with fewer anglers heading over the pass to fish the small impoundments. Edison receded slightly to 32% of capacity with Florence dropping to 13% of capacity while Mammoth Pool rose slightly to 43% of capacity.
Road conditions (559) 297-0706.
Call: Vermilion Valley Resort at Edison Lake (559) 259-4000.
Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake
Trout 2 Kokanee 2
“Cold weather with blizzard warnings at Shaver Lake kept most fishermen seeking lower fishing spots,” Shaver Lake guide emeritus, Dick Nichols of Mountain Tackle. “Up until the most recent cold, windy, snowstorm, trout fishing had been good. Anglers such as Dave McGlothlin from Clovis were connecting with mostly brown trout near the Point and Black Rock at 20 to 30 feet down. The kokanee bite has been slow. More stormy weather is in the forecast, leaving a void in Shaver fishing. For those attempting a trip to Shaver, the auxiliary launch ramp is open and in good shape. Check the Sierra web cam prior to heading to Shaver for visual weather conditions.” A webcam of the Shaver launch ramp is available at sierramarina.com/webcam-weather-page.html and for Huntington at http://www.shaverlakewebcams.info/huntington.html. Shaver dropped slightly to 47% of capacity with Huntington rising slightly to 37% of capacity.
Call: Todd Wittwer, Kokanee.net Guide Service (559) 288-8100, Jerad Romero, Jrods Guide Service 392-6994, Tom Oliveira, Tom Oliveira Fishing (559) 802-8072.
Wishon/Courtright
Trout 0
The gate to McKinley Grove Road closed on Dec. 1, limiting access to the high elevation lakes. The road is expected to reopen in April. Call: Wishon RV Park (559) 865-5361.
Ocean
Half Moon Bay
Striper 2 Halibut 2 White seabass 1 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3 crabs 3
Rockfishing could begin deeper than 50 fathoms as soon as April 1, but like last year, most of Half Moon Bay boats declined to head out a minimum of 20 miles to locate deep water south and west of the harbor. Once the regulations allow for rockfishing in less than 20 fathoms, perhaps during May, June, and July. There are six-packs and large party boats still opting for crab-only trips. Commercial crabbers are selling live Dungeness off the docks. 10-crab limits remain a possibility. The Pacifica Pier has been reopened.
Call: Captain Michael Cabanas, New Captain Pete (510) 677-7054, Captain Chris Chang, Ankeny Street (650) 279-8819, Captain Bill Smith, Riptide (650) 728-8433, Half Moon Bay Sport Fishing, Queen of Hearts (510) 581-2628.
Monterey/Santa Cruz
Halibut 2 Striper 2 White seabass 1 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3
“It has been quiet for striped bass from the beaches, but perch fishing remains solid,” Josh Mesa of Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill said. “The swells have been high, but the ocean should settle down for this Saturday’s Sand Crab Surf Perch Derby out of Santa Cruz. Mekeni Baits in the new Sand Crab pattern or S n’P Shrimp are working along the Lucky 13’s motor oil/red flake or Charlie Brewer’s Crappie Sliders.”
Rockfishing is anticipated at depths over 50 fathoms on April 1, and Chris’s Fishing and Whale Watching Trips in Monterey will start rockfish trips pending approval of the 2024 rockfish season. For the remainder of the month, they are still running the occasional sand dab/Petrale sole/Dungeness crab combination trip depending upon weather conditions and interest.
“In last week’s column we encouraged local anglers to try and look on the bright side,” Josh Mesa of Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill said. “Unfortunately, the regulatory trend, especially in the last couple years, has been increasingly restrictive for recreational anglers…. This year The Sacramento returns are even lower than 2023, suggesting a continued ban on ocean salmon fishing in 2024.”
Fishing for rock cod, which is the most consistent and productive saltwater angling for Northern California, is facing continued restrictions as well, Mesa said.
“ Because the salmon season never opened in 2023, many anglers turned towards halibut as the next best thing for catching big, quality, and hard-fighting fish. So the big flatfish came under an increase of fishing pressure. Halibut biomass has been improving steadily for the past ten years. But many of the halibut hooked were juveniles. Legal halibut must measure 22 inches for retention. Halibut are particularly sensitive fish. The mortality rate for released fish is around 40%. The DFW recognized this threat to the halibut fishery and reduced the bag limit from three fish to two, a regulation that should continue into the coming year’s fishing season. As we move into the month of March, we’ll take a closer look at the halibut fishery including handling and releasing practices. “
Call: Chris’ Landing (831) 375-5951, Allen Bushnell, Santa Cruz Kayak and Surf Casting (831) 251-9732.
Golden Gate/San Francisco Bay
Halibut 2 Striper 2 Leopard shark 2 Sturgeon 2 Crab 0
Charter boats have started their trolling operations in the South Bay, and there has been a trickle of legal halibut starting to come over the rails. Striped bass are the more consistent target as the linesides are both in the south and in San Pablo Bay. The clearest water in the bay at the start of the season is always in the south bay, and there are resident halibut residing there.
The shelves around Oyster Point and the Alameda Rockwall are normal starting points for trollers pulling hoochies or frozen herring or anchovies. Captain Melynda Dodds of the New Captain Pete out of Oyster Point put in a few halibut on Sunday while the Codfather out of Alameda scored three quality striped bass and six legal halibut. The California Dawn out of Berkeley Marina will begin its season on March 22.
Striped bass fishing has been solid in San Pablo Bay around China Camp, the Pumphouse, and off McNear’s Pier. Herring spawns have absolutely reduced to a trickle, and the sturgeon have not followed their traditional pattern of moving into San Francisco Bay during the herring spawn. The annual central bay closure for white sturgeon continues through March 15.
The March 1 annual Salmon Information meeting from the California Department of Wildlife’s provided data indicating the second lowest jack escapement in the Sacramento River Basin since 2009 along with the lowest adult escapement since last year. The Department’s representatives deferred to Pacific Fisheries Management Council meeting, March 6-11 to determine any possibility of a recreational or commercial salmon season.
With the small returns to the Sacramento River Basin, especially the upper river which comprised only 8% of the escapement, there is only a surplus of a few thousand salmon to harvest.
The final season recommendations will be adopted at the council meeting April 6-11 in Seattle. The 2023 salmon closure below Cape Falcon in Oregon throughout California was devastating to commercial salmon fishermen along with coastal communities due to the loss of economic activity by recreational anglers.
Call: Captain Ron Koyasako, Nautilus Excursions (916) 704-4169, Captain Jerad Davis, Salty Lady (415) 760-9362, Captain Steve Mitchell, Hook’d Up Sport Fishing (707) 655-6736, Happy Hooker (510) 223-5388.
San Luis Obispo
Surf perch 3
Until the 2024 rockfish season is announced, boats from Morro Bay and Port San Luis will be running whale watching and nature trips until the 2024 rockfish season is open. Party boats out of both harbors are taking reservations in anticipation of an April 1 opener in water deeper than 50 fathoms. Regulations are being formulated for the upcoming rockfish season, and significant changes are anticipated once again. Webcams of many of the coastal locations are available at https://805webcams.com/.
Call: Virg’s Landing (800) 762-5263, Patriot Sport Fishing (805) 595-4100, Morro Bay Landing.
Others
Delta/Stockton
Bass 2 Striper 2 Sturgeon 3 Catfish 2 Bluegill 3
The Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta continues to be plagued with muddy, cold, and dirty water, but white sturgeon do not mind the conditions. Sturgeon fishing remains the top draw in the Delta with solid action in Suisun Bay with a variety of baits including ghost and grass shrimp, lamprey eel, and cured salmon roe. Salmon roe remains the top bait by far, and the six-pack captains all have developed their own cure. With the heavy inflow coming out from the Sacramento River and tributaries, there is a tremendous amount of debris on the river including submerged logs from 30 to 40 feet in length. Night fishing at the present time is especially dangerous as a log can submerge an anchored boat within seconds.
Boaters are using extreme caution even in the daytime due to the amount of debris and heavy logs and interest in sturgeon fishing has been limited, leaving many six-pack captains tied to the docks throughout the week.
With the upcoming regulations recommending a quota of 1,300 legal sturgeon from 40 to 55 inches, the charter sturgeon fishery must adapt to decreased harvest and more catch-and-release.
With the dirty water, striped bass trolling and casting has been slow with best fishing with cut bait on the anchor. Captain Jeff Soo Hoo of Soo Hoo’s Sport Fishing out of Lauritzen’s Yacht Harbor in Oakley said he is looking forward to the water clearing, and he will be back out drifting live bait, trolling, or spooning within a few weeks.
The cleanest water is found around Mildred Island in the central Delta, and Randy Pringle, the Fishing Instructor, plans on targeting this area for largemouth bass this week.
“The central part of the Delta is ideal at this time since you can push off into the sloughs off the main thoroughfare to find cleaner water,” he said. “The main channel will be muddy, but we might find clean water in the branches. If I can’t find clean water, we will opt for the warmest water which will be in the east/west sloughs off the main river.”
Spinnerbaits when the wind is blowing or plastics on a finesse presentation are working best for largemouth bass, and there are signs that the fish are preparing for pre-spawn. Sea lions have been omnipresent on both sides of the Delta, but they are hunting in deep water instead of the shallows. They will be ravaging the spawning bass in the shallows within the month.
Johnny Wang, manager of Turner’s Outdoorsman in Stockton, added, “The main Sacramento River is cold and dirty, but Eight Mile Road east of Stockton and Bacon Island Road close to Highway 4 continue to pump out crappie to 14 inches. The slabs are coming in waves as they are there one day before the sea lions chase them out. Off Bacon Island Road, there are some boat slips, and the crappie are holding tight to the docks in the clearer water.”
The third annual California Striped Bass Association- Isleton Chapter Barry Canevaro Memorial Striper Derby will be held at the Rio Vista boat ramp on April 6. This will also be a fundraiser for a veteran’s organization.
In the south Delta, the south San Joaquin below Mossdale Bridge is high and muddy, and fishing for striped bass is limited to the occasional small keeper striped bass. Clifton Court Forebay remains a solid location for striped bass at night with live bait.
Call: Randy Pringle (209) 543-6260, Captain Steve Mitchell, Hook’d Up Sport Fishing (707) 655-6736, Vince Borges, Vince Borges Outdoors (209) 918-0828. Soo Hoo Sport Fishing (925) 899-4045.
Events:
March 7-10
Sacramento Boat and RV Show – Cal Expo – information - https://www.sacramentoboatshow.com/.
March 15-17
Bakersfield – Central Valley Sportsmen’s Boat and RV Show – information - https://www.calshows.com/.
March 24
Oakley – Bass Hole Tackle Swap Meet – 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 6
Roosevelt High School Bass Fishing Club Spring Fishing Tackle Faire, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Boat Shoppe, 2125 Ventura Ave Fresno
Rio Vista boat launch - 3rd Annual California Striped Bass Association- Isleton Chapter Barry Canevaro Memorial Striper Derby – registration - https://csba-isleton.square.site/3rd-annual-barry-canevaro-striped-bass-tournament.
Tournament results
March 2
Tulloch – Manteca Bassin’ Buddies
1st: Jason DeFrenchi/Brett Humphrey – 22.02 pounds (2nd Big Fish – 6.13); 2nd – Jason and Jake Hopper – 21.05; 3rd – Fred and Jim Ruiz – 19.02. Angelo Quierolo/Melissa - Big Fish – 7.04.
Pine Flat – Central Valley Kayak Fishing
1st: Robert Yamamoto – 75.50 inches; 2nd – Sean Beach – 75.50 inches; 3rd – San Saechao – 75.25 inches (Big Fish – 18.00 inches).
Upcoming tournaments (dates and locations subject to change)
March 5
Santa Margarita – Bakersfield Bass Club
March 9-10
Don Pedro – Fresno Bass Club
Lake Success – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments
March 9
Lake Camanche – Central Valley Anglers Team Trout Derby – Information: (209) 479-4172
Bass Lake – 559 Bass Kayak
Santa Margarita – American Bass Association
March 10
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Bass Hole LLC
Pine Flat – California Bass Nation
Kaweah – Kings VIII Bass Club
March 16-17
Pardee – Yak-A-Bass
Kaweah – Lahu Bass Club
March 16
Camanche – 17/90 Bass Club
New Melones – Best Bass Tournaments/Santa Clara Bass Busters Tulloch – Valley Backlashers
Don Pedro – Sierra Bass Club
Hensley – Kerman Bass Club
Bass Lake – Kings VIII
Murry Park Pond – City of Porterville
Success – Kern County Bassmasters
Santa Margarita – Best Bass Tournaments/San Luis Obispo Bass Ambushers March 17
Lake Camanche – Best Bass Teen Tournaments
New Melones – Kings River Bass Club
Pine Flat – Bass 101
March 23-24
Don Pedro – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments
March 23
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Christian Bass League
Pardee – Bass Anglers of Northern California
Tulloch – Nor Cal Bass
San Antonio – Golden Empire Bass Club
March 24
Delta/B and W Resort – California Bass Federation
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Modesto Ambassadors
Salt Springs – Bass ‘N Tubes
March 29
Don Pedro – E and J Gallo Winery
March 30
Bass Lake – California Bass Federation
Santa Margarita – 805 Bass Addicts
April 6
California Aqueduct - Striperz Gone Wild Spring Memorial Striped Bass Tournament
For more go to fresnobee.com/fishing.
