Fishing report April 12-18: Where ‘the best bass bite in the area is taking place’
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
Delta sturgeon lead the bite, Steve Mitchell reported. Don Pedro trout and bass bites solid, Monte Smith said. New Melones bass and trout hitting, Kyle Wise reported. McClure spotted bass active, Dave Hurley said. Eastman and Millerton bass hungry, Michael Crayne reported.
Roger’s remarks
Roger George’s column will return.
Valley
Westside waterways
Striper 2 Catfish 2
Omega Nguyen of Mega Bait and Tackle in Lathrop reported slow action for striped bass in the California Aqueduct with the best action for catfish with a variety of baits. The Delta Mendota Canal has been a better bet for the linesides, but most of the fish are less than 18 inches.
Bill Sterling of Striperz Gone Wild was at the aqueduct on Sunday, and he said, “The bite remains very tough as we had a total of 10 rods out off of Hilldale Road all day with nary a bite. The water in the aqueduct is still very murky and moving swiftly. The Delta Mendota canal seems to be the best bet, but it is producing mostly undersized stripers. Catfish are still a pretty good bite on chicken livers, anchovies, or nightcrawlers.”
This coming Saturday, Striperz Gone Wild will be out at the forebay helping out the Los Banos 4-H youth and anyone else who wants to come out and fish.
In the south aqueduct in Kern County, Cope’s Tackle and Rod in Bakersfield reported, “The striper bite has improved for anglers fishing cut baits and jumbo live minnows after check gates, but with the fast flows be sure to use a heavy weight. Flukes or chartreuse/white swimbaits on a jig head have also been effective. Catfishing is best with Triple S Dip Bait, chicken livers, or cut sardines in the same areas as stripers, which is where fast-moving water meets calm. Catfish have been the best bet lately, and many whiskerfish anglers reported an excellent bite. Largemouth anglers used finesse baits like plastics on the drop-shot or curly-tail grubs in any area with slower-moving water. That bite remains fair. Carp have been active, and carp dough bait has been the best way to entice them to bite.”
The next Striperz Gone Wild tournament is the 2nd annual Haley Lauchland Memorial Aqueduct Tournament on April 22 at the Hilldale Bridge. The entry fee for this tournament is 10 cans of unexpired food to be donated to the local food bank in Los Banos.
With the cold water and rapid flows, anglers have to use extreme caution to avoid slipping into the deadly torrents. The following safety tips are provided by the Department of Water Resources:
When you fish, stand back from the Aqueduct’s sloping concrete sides. They are steep, slippery, and difficult to climb. You could easily slide right into the water.
Wear rubber-soled shoes for safe footing at the Aqueduct.
If you go to the Aqueduct to fish, look around 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 any other reason. It’s too dangerous—the current is swift below the surface.
Take your own drinking water. The Aqueduct water has not been treated and is not safe to drink.
Don’t play close to the aqueduct.
Do not climb structures or fish from bridges crossing the Aqueduct. They are not safe fishing spots.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; 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 & Gun in Clovis said, “Eastman has been solid for largemouth bass despite cold and dirty water. The recent angling success during the Central Valley Kayak Fishing tournament has piqued interest. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs, or plastics on a shakey head or Carolina rig are working near the dam while some are tossing rainbow trout-patterned swimbaits near the shorelines. The recent trout plants should turn on the big bait bite. Boaters should get updates on Avenue 26b between Roads 27 and 29 – the main road to Eastman as it was previously closed due to a washout across the roadway. Road 29 is open on the backside of the lake. Hensley remains slow, but there are carp are all over the shallows. Eastman has stabilized at 569.68 feet in elevation and 81% with Hensley rising a couple feet to 508.53 feet in elevation and 53%.
Call: Eastman Lake 689-3255; Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hensley Lake Hidden Dam 673-5151
Lake Don Pedro
Bass 3 Trout 3 Kokanee 1 King salmon 2 Crappie 2
Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing reported solid trout trolling as the water temperature has risen to 53/54 degrees with clarity in the 8-foot range. The rainbows remain high in the water column from 10 to 17 feet with kokanee gear, heavy spoons on lead core, or Rapalas. He said, “Kokanee fishing should be outstanding as 10-inch mats of plankton are showing throughout surface.” The Best Bass Tournament Mother Lode Region attracted 82 boats on Saturday with 30 limits over 10 pounds and a winning weight of over 15 pounds. This has been a typical winning weight over the past few months. The bass are starting to move into the shallows, but the most consistent action has been from 20 to 40 feet with umbrella rigs, underspins, or plastics on the drop-shot for solid fish in the 2.5- to 3-pound range. The big fish in the tournament was just over 3 pounds. The lake dropped 3 feet to 803.96 feet in elevation and from 86% to 84%.
Call: Monte Smith, Gold Country Sport Fishing (209) 581-4734; Kyle Wise, Head Hunter Guide Service (209) 531- 3966; Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Fishing (559) 691-7008
Lake Isabella/Bakersfield area
Bass 2 Trout 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Bluegill 2
The lake dropped 1.5 feet to 57% and 2,581.19 feet in elevation due to steady releases of 4,791 cfs of release out of the dam at First Point. Cope’s Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported, “Boaters are reminded to proceed with caution due to debris that’s gathered in lake from the Upper Kern River.” Three boat docks are back in service at the South Fork Recreation, Old Isabella Road, and Camp 9. The 32nd annual Kern County Chamber of Commerce Trout Fishing Derby has been postponed from its April 1 start, and it will now occur from May 20 through June 4. Registration is $40/angler with youth at $15/angler. The derby has 500 tagged trout worth between $20 and $10,000 and over $55,000 in cash and prizes. Registration and information at kernrivervalley.com/isabellalakefishingderby. Flows have been ramped up in the lower Kern River, and Cope’s said, “The spring bass bite is beginning to kick in and have been coming on Get Bent Baits, Senkos, jigs, and spinners. Catfish can be taken with Dip baits and nightcrawlers.”
At the local lakes, Cope’s reported slow trout action at the River Walk due to the lack of plants, but there are still a few holdovers taken on garlic-scented Power Bait, pinched crawlers, or Get Bent Baits. At Lake Ming, bass are moving into the shallows and on bed. Senkos in green pumpkin, baby bass, or green pumpkin/purple flake are working while there is an early morning bite with Lucky Craft’s squarebill crankbaits in bluegill or buzz baits. Bluegill are taken on wax worms, meal worms, or red worms while crappie can be found in the warmer waters of the afternoons with live minnows or minijigs. At Buena Vista, holdover trout can be taken on garlic-scented Power Bait, pinched crawlers, and lures such as Kastmasters as there are still both rainbow and Lightning trout in the lake. Crappie are taken on minijigs tipped with Crappie Nibbles, live minnows, or minijigs in orange, black, or chartreuse. Catfishing is best with Triple S dip bait, garlic-scented nightcrawlers, or chicken livers. Bass are moving into the shallows and taken with plastics on a finesse presentation. At Hart Park, a few largemouths are taken on rainbow trout-patterned swimbaits, but the more consistent bite is with plastics such as Robo Worms in Aaron’s Magic on the drop-shot along with Senkos in green pumpkin or watermelon. Catfishing is best with chicken livers or cut anchovies with bluegill on red worms under a bobber.
Call: 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
Cope’s Tackle and Rod in Bakersfield reported the dropping water level has left the floating debris on the shorelines, and anglers are reporting fair fishing with Senkos, plastics on the drop-shot, or reactions baits. The bass are moving into the shorelines in preparation for the spawn, and the current warm conditions will only further spur on the movement to the shorelines. The Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournament will take place this coming weekend. The lake dropped another 17 feet to 660.08 feet in elevation and from 61% to 46% within the week. Both Lemon Hill and Slick Rock launch ramps are open. The Kaweah River dropped from 1,982 to 1,606 cfs.
Lake Success
Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2
Success rose 4 feet to 634.49 feet in elevation and from 50% to 57% this week. Cope’s Tackle and Rod and in Bakersfield reported finesse baits are working best for bass as the fish are moving into the shallows. The bite is not wide open, but it is improving.
Call: Sequoia Fishing Co. 539-5626, sequoiafishingcompany.com
McClure Reservoir
Bass 3 Trout 2 King salmon 0 Kokanee 0 Crappie 2 Catfish 2
The lake has dropped 21 feet in the past two weeks to 818.86 feet in elevation and from 82% to 71%. Winning limits for recent bass tournaments have ranged from 12 to over 17 pounds. Numbers of spotted bass are found in the shallows throughout the lake with a variety of techniques. The bass have moved up in preparation for the spawn. Crappie are found with live minnows or minijigs near structure.
Call: Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Guide Service (559) 691-7008
McSwain Reservoir
Trout 2
The lake is spilling over at 107%, and the dirty water from releases from Lake McClure has slowed down the trout bite after a good showing for the annual Merced Irrigation District’s Lake McSwain Spring Trout Derby. 211 participants participated in the derby won by John Yang with a 19.5-inch rainbow. There are holdovers from the pre-derby plant in the lake, but most bank anglers are struggling for a fish or two per trip.
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
Millerton is the home lake for the Roosevelt High School Bass Fishing Club, and the club is holding their annual Spring Tackle Sale this coming Saturday, April 15, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Boat Shoppe in downtown Fresno on Ventura and L streets. Club adviser Michael Spencer said, “Lew’s, Powell, Dobyns, Yamamoto, Z-Man’s, Shimano, Iovino, Keitech, Rapala, Spro, D &M, …. There will be something for everyone who targets bass. And if you know about our sales, you know the prices are low, like $5 for a pound of plastics. Go out and see how many packs of Senkos it takes to make a pound.” As far as fishing is concerned, Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “The best bass bite in the area is taking place here as the spotted bass are moving into the shallows at depths from 15 to 20 feet along the Madera side and in Winchell’s Cove. There are scattered pockets of clear water ranging from 55 to 60 degrees, and underspins, umbrella rigs, crankbaits, or jerkbaits along with jigs or plastics on the drop-shot are also effective. Anglers are working the Madera side banks for crappie with minijigs. The lake dropped 13 feet to 517.99 feet in elevation and 52% with heavy water releases at 8,828 cfs down the San Joaquin River at Friant.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun 292-3474
New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch
Bass 3 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Trout 3 Kokanee 2
Experienced bass fishermen are scoring from 40 to 80 fish per trip with finesse plastics, and the occasional spotted bass to 5 pounds is found on swimbaits or glide baits. With the lake continuing to rise, there are areas with flooded grass, bringing nutrients into the lake. Kyle Wise of Head Hunter Guide Service said, “Kokanee to 15 inches are starting to show up, but the best is yet to come. We continue to find quick limits of rainbows to 18 inches working at depths from 20 to 30 feet with J7 Rapalas or Speedy Shiners.” Crappie fishing has been outstanding with small Keitech swimbaits or minijigs over structure as the slabs are also moving into the shallows. The debris is settling on the shorelines, but the winds will move it from side to side. The lake rose a foot to 993.23 feet in elevation this week and 59% with the start of snowmelt coming down the Stanislaus River. Downstream Lake Tulloch has been outstanding for bass fishing within the past month, but cold and dirty water arriving from New Melones slowed the bite.
Call: John Liechty, Xperience Fishing Guide Service (209) 743-9932; Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Guide Service (559) 691-7008; Kyle Wise, Headhunter Guide Service (209) 531-3966; Monte Smith (209) 581-4734
Pine Flat Reservoir/Kings River
Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 0 King salmon 0 Catfish 2 Crappie 2
Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “Crappie are showing up near the Trimmer Marina with live minnows or minijigs with bass fishing best in the submerged trees near Deer Creek or Island Park Marinas. A wide range of offerings are working including underspins, swimbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, or jigs. The lake dropped 9 feet to 896.83 feet in elevation and 66%. The flows on the lower Kings have fallen from 3,763 to 2,723 cfs. Bank anglers are scoring recently planted rainbows below the dam with Power Bait, nightcrawlers, spinners, or Atomic Tubes.”
Call: Valley Rod & Gun 292-3474; Sequoia Fishing Co. 539-5626
San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay
Striper 2 Catfish 2 Bass 2 Crappie 1
The lake has risen to 100% this week. Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill reported most anglers are working from the banks with pile worms or blood worms while boaters have been few and far between based upon the lack of sales of jumbo minnows this past week. Roger George of Roger George Guide Service said that the bite has improved slightly for trollers and bank casters with the lake reaching its top. “The bite is very slow and the numbers per boat are between zero for most to as many as four fish for just one or two boats. The fish are still suspending and holding mid-level in the water column. The biggest issue is finding the fish in a lake that is four times bigger than it was just four months ago. The fish are still adjusting to the huge change and it may take another week for the bait and fish to get positioned. The full moon is going down and the weather is stabilizing, which should really help things to pattern up.”
The O’Neill Forebay is clearing up, and the banks around Check 12 have been lined with anglers soaking anchovies, sardines, or mackerel. Largemouth bass are moving into the shallows in preparation for the spawn. The forebay rose to 83% in spite of releases down the California Aqueduct.
The wind is expected to come up on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Wind warning and lake closure lights are used on San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay to alert boaters of current wind conditions. On San Luis Reservoir, watch for the three wind warning and lake closure lights near the Basalt Entrance Station, Quien Sabe Point, and the Romero Visitor Center. On the O’Neill Forebay, wind warning lights are located near the old Medeiros boat ramp and above the South Beach Area. Amber lights signify caution conditions for winds or other concerns while red lights indicate the lake is closed to boating and all vessels are required to immediately vacate the lake when the red lake closure lights are on.
Call: Coyote Bait and Tackle (408) 463-0711; Roger George, rogergeorgeguideservice.com (559) 905-2954; windfinder.com/forecast/san_luis_reservoir
High Sierra
Bass Lake
Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 0
Mike Beighey of Bass Lake Fishing said, “The lake is looking really good as it is nearly filled at 75%. The dock at the dam launch is not yet in the water so it takes two people to launch a boat safely. The rainbow trout are found at depths from the surface to 20 feet with a troll speed of 1.3 to 1.6 mph with Dick’s Trout Busters behind a Mountain Dodger in blue or gold. The annual Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce Trout Derby is scheduled for April 29-30. Derby registration is $25/adult and $15/youth under 16. Registration and information at basslakechamber.com/fishing-derby. A webcam of the launch ramp is at basslakeca.com.
Call: Mike Beighey, Bass Lake Fishing 676-8133
Edison/Florence/Mammoth Pool
The Kaiser Pass Lakes are out of play until late spring as heavy snow fell in the region.
Call: Road conditions 297-0706; Vermilion Valley Resort at Edison Lake 259-4000
Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake
Kokanee 1 Trout 2
Dick Nichols, Shaver Lake guide emeritus, said, “After a treacherous winter, Mother Nature is providing some beautiful weather at Shaver Lake. It’s doubtful that the Department of Fish and Wildlife has made a trout plant this week due to heavy snow and often impassable roads, but there are still a number of holdover rainbows, browns, and goldens in the lake. The past couple of weeks have been hit or miss for trollers, but a limit or more of mixed trout have been taken. With this nice weather, more trollers should be out, and a better measurement of fishing results should be available. Much of the snow around the Sierra Marina and the ramp has melted, and the ramp and parking lot is open. Shaver Marina is attempting to move their docks for their planned April 15 opener, but Tyler Powell, general manager, cautioned his clients that there is a possibility of opening a bit later. Todd Wittwer of Kokanee.net Guide Service will start his charter operation once the dock is available, and he will be focusing on kokanee although, to date, trout have been the primary target so far.” It will take some additional time for higher-elevation Huntington to dig out. A webcam of the Shaver launch ramp is at sierramarina.com/webcam-weather-page.html.
Call: Todd Wittwer, Kokanee.net Guide Service 288-8100; Jerad Romero, Jrods Guide Service 392-6994; Tom Oliveira, Tom Oliveira Fishing 802-8072
Wishon/Courtright
Trout 0
Heavy snow continues to fall in the region, perhaps pushing back the traditional road opener on McKinley Grove Road further into April.
Call: Wishon RV Park 865-5361
Ocean
Half Moon Bay
Striper 1 White seabass 1 Crab 3 Sand dabs 3
The salmon closure has hit this port particularly hard, but boats will be able to take the 18- mile trip south of Pigeon Point for rockfish starting May 1 through September 30 at all depths. The local rockfish season starts on May 15 through July 15 seaward of the 50-fathom curve before opening up July 16 at any depth until December 31. Crab limits are possible off of the Pacifica Pier with snares loaded with anchovies, squid, or sardines.
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
Striper 2 White seabass 1 Crab 3 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 2
Alan Bushnell of Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing and Surf Casting Guide Service said, “It looks like the weather gods have decided we have had enough rain for now. Thank you. Very much. The incessant storms and giant swells of winter seem to have retired for the year. The latest weather patterns over Monterey Bay have presented their own challenges included stiff ongoing winds of up to 40 knots, often continuing overnight. That kind of sustained wind results in big wind, swell, chop, and discolored muddy ocean waters, especially close to shore where the bottom gets roiled. As a result, local surfcasting has been a bit challenging. Farther offshore the bite is going strong, though few boats are out fishing. In previous years, king salmon and rockfish seasons opened in April, bringing a boomtown atmosphere to our ports and boat launch facilities around the bay. This year, it’s not quite a “ghost town,” but it’s pretty quiet at the harbors. The bigger charter boats are making trips and doing quite well from all accounts. Stagnaro’s Sportfishing in Santa Cruz reported 390 sanddabs for 15 anglers aboard the Legacy on Sunday. That factors out to 26 fish per person. Chris’ Fishing Trips in Monterey is doing equally well with the ‘dabs, plus a few other fish varieties as well as Dungeness crab. The weekend counts from Chris’ included “lots of sandabs,” up to 30 Petrale sole, 12 black cod and up to 120 crab for clients on the Check Mate and the Caroline. When local surfcasters can find a beach with clean water lately, good things can happen. The surf perch bite is somewhat slow as to be expected this time of year. With a little bit of warming water, we’ll see more big sand crab beds appear in the swash zone, and the slab perch will be right behind. One very beneficial result of our gigantic rainstorms has been to flush out the local river populations of striped bass. Last year was a very dry winter. Striper fishing on the beaches last spring and summer was slow to nonexistent. This year is shaping up to be a horse of a different color. A good number of anglers are catching stripers from the beach right now. Still mostly small fish, the school- sized stripers have ranged from 12 up to 26 inches with 18 inches being the minimum size for retaining the fish. The beaches south of Moss Landing seem to where these bass are feeding now. We’ve received the occasional report of solo stripers hooked from beaches north of Moss so far this year while the stretch of sand from Monterey to Moss Landing is producing well for those in the know. The bass are being caught with a variety of baits and lures including swimbaits, stickbaits, perch grubs or worms and of course live sand crabs when available.”
Chris Arcoleo of Chris’s Fishing in Monterey said, “We have been running a few crab/sand dab/Petrale sole combination trips until the May 1 rockfish opener, and although the sand dabs are a sure thing, the crab counts have dropped. There are five females released for every male kept right now. We are full on the May 1 opener for rockfish, but there is room after the opener.” Below Pigeon Point will be the only game in town for nearshore rockfish until the other ports north of Pigeon open at unlimited depths on July 16.
Surf perch and shore-based rockfishing are the only game in town until rockfishing opens below in the Central Management Area from May 1 through Sept. 30 at all depths. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod is open seaward of the 50 fathom RCA line. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line. Similar to the other ports, the salmon closure is devastating news to this location.
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 2
Emeryville Sport Fishing is running halibut/Dungeness crab combination trips, but few boats are heading outside the Golden Gate even with the spectacular flat calm conditions over the weekends. The next opportunity for boat-based fishing in the ocean will start on May 15 seaward of the 50-fathom line until it opens at any depth beginning July 16 until December 31. The salmon closure a hit the ports of Sausalito, San Francisco, Berkeley, and Emeryville very hard. The migration of the six-packs out of the California Delta to San Francisco has begun in earnest, and with the salmon closure and rock fishing north of Pigeon Point on hold until May 15, the traditional bay boats have been joined by party boats out of Half Moon Bay and six-packs out of Bodega Bay in search of halibut and striped bass. With all of the pressure, there was the beginning of a movement to reduce the daily bag limit to two halibut during the salmon closure, but after initially finding some traction, it has been ‘business as usual’ with boats working for limits. The increased competition has resulted in party boats and six-pack operators lowering their daily fares. Although the scores have been solid, the numbers of undersized halibut so prevalent over the past two seasons, have been lacking.
Dirty water, larger tides, and high winds slowed the bite to a fish per rod on Friday, but there was an improvement on Saturday with large party boats returning with two fish per rod. Captain Chris Smith of the Pacific Dream out of Berkeley Marina said, “The bait in the south bay has been scarce, but we finally found some good signs of feed. We went out in blustery conditions on Friday for a fish per rod for 15 anglers on a 3/4 day trip, and we are running 3/4 day trips for $175/angler. Two days prior, we returned with 17 limits (51 halibut) along with 6 striped bass. Your scores are dependent upon the conditions, and we returned with two fish per rod on Saturday as the wind was down and the water was cleaner.”
It’s been all on the troll so far, but there is a distinct possibility that live bait will be available in the San Francisco bait receiver within a few weeks. Once live bait is available, boats will be able to spread out to target deeper water and move away from the south bay. Also encouraging is the increased presence of striped bass, and there is hope the linesides will arrive on the central bay rockpiles in numbers in June.
Leopard shark are another option in the bay, and Captain Steve Talmadge of Flash Sport Fishing out of Pier 45 in San Francisco has been running ½ -day shark trips along with shark/halibut combination trips. Leopard shark are generally reliable biters, and they are a great option for beginning anglers and children on a catch-and-release basis.
Call: Captain Trent Slate, Bite Me Charters (415) 307-8582; 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 2
The boat-based rockfish season will not reopen for boat-based anglers until May 1 where it will be open from Pigeon Point in San Mateo County to Point Conception south of Morro Bay at all depths through September 30. From October 1 through December 31, the take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod is open seaward of the 50-fathom line. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line. The boats will focus on nature trips while surf perch action will take center stage. Webcams of many of the coastal locations are available at 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
Just wait, the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta is on the verge of busting wide open for largemouth and striped bass as the water continues to warm up with increased visibility. High flows have kept the waters on both sides of the Delta cold and muddy for the past few months, but the recent break in the weather along with temperatures nearing 80 degrees leave hope for ‘any day now.’ Bass fishing on both sides has been either ‘feast or famine’ but there are signs that we are on an upward trend. Dave King, tournament director for Saturday’s 41-boat Nor Cal Bass tournament out of Ladd’s Marina in Stockton said, “35 boats weighed in with the winning weights pushing 19 pounds. I weighed in fish during Thursday and Friday’s Bass and Badges tournament, and Thursday was very slow with the exception of one limit before all boats found success on Friday. Spinnerbaits with big Colorado blades are working best on the reaction side while dead-sticking a Senko in the shallows is best once the reaction bite slows down. Numbers are found in the mornings with the larger fish found in the warmer waters of the afternoons.”
Johnny Wang, manager of Turner’s Outdoorsman in Stockton, added, “There is a good crappie and bass bite off of Eight Mile Road with minijigs or live minnows, and I expect the first of the spawn arriving with the coming full moon. Even in the dirty water, the fish are biting.”
For striped bass, Dave Houston of Livermore said, “Both Sacramento and the San Joaquin are both dirty with only about 12 to 18 inches of clarity. Stripers are still very difficult to find. Clyde Wands and Ron Burns and I fished from the Antioch bridge up to Little Connection Slough and over to Old Rive Flats on the San Joaquin, and only found fish in one location. Because of the dirty water, I slowed down a little and caught most of our fish on red head deep diving Yo-Suri Crystal Minnows, I also tested a new Lamiglas trolling rod that is working excellent. We ended up with our six fish boat limits with a couple shakers. It is still probably going to take a few weeks for this water to clear up, and the spring run to really begin.”
Sturgeon fishing is still going strong in Suisun Bay, but the majority of the six-pack operators in Pittsburg have vacated the harbor in search of halibut and striped bass in San Francisco Bay. Captains Steve Mitchell and Mike Funtanilla are still available for sturgeon charters out of Pittsburg. With the high water conditions, the diamondbacks will be holding in Suisun Bay throughout the summer months.
April is normally during the peak of the striped bass run in the Sacramento Delta, but this is a most unusual and welcome year with heavy inflow throughout the watershed, leaving the Delta waters muddy and cold. As a result, striped bass fishing has been less than stellar, but this fact didn’t stop 110 anglers from attending the annual Hammerdown Striped Bass Derby at B and W Resort near Isleton on April 1. The event is a collaboration between several fishing groups, and tournament organizer, Joseph Green of Hammerdown, said, “This was our third year of coordinating the derby with the Jason Judson of Nor Cal Fish Whisperers, and we invited two new groups this year: Ben Mechling of Reel Addiction and James Powers of Devil Fish to join us for the event. Out of the central valley, Bill Sterling and Striperz Gone Wild came up from the Fresno-area for the third year in a row. We work with people who understand that this isn’t necessary about catching fish, but it is about being out on the water with others and supporting a great cause. We have been working with the Purple Heart Anglers, Inc. (PHA) for the past few years, and through the support of our sponsors and participants, we were able to raise $5,000 for their cause. The PHA has the following goal: To produce a program that aids in the healing of the wounded warriors of the United States Military. By connecting individuals, private companies, non-profit organizations and Government agencies, a community is in place to serve the past, present and future wounded warriors that they may continue to have mental, emotional, and physical access to the country they served and are honored for their commitment and service to that community. We were able to raise $3,300 from the raffle alone as we had at least 15 guided trips from Bay Area captains along with high end prizes such as box seats to Giant’s baseball games. There were several custom rods made by Forrest Mackey of Stubborn Rods, and the best thing happened when the rods were raffled off. After the first adult winner handed his rod to a youth, the remaining winners decided to turn their rods over to youth as well. We are thankful for all of the support to put on the event along with providing financial support for the Purple Heart Anglers. We are fortunate to attract like-minded anglers who support our cause. We run two derbies per year, and in addition to the striped bass derby, we have a trout derby at Collins Lake on May 13. In the meantime, we are working on putting together a series of fishing derbies specifically for youth.”
50 anglers representing the best of the Major League Fishing Toyota Series, APEX Pro Tour, Wild West Bass Trail, and Western Outdoor News BASS will arrive in Sacramento to participate in the inaugural Discount Tackle Western Bass Shootout. The anglers invited are the top performers in the four major professional tours in the western United States, and the event is based out of Discovery Park at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers at the edge of downtown Sacramento. Weigh ins will be held at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center at 1401 K Street in Sacramento starting at 3:30 p.m., and the center will also host an Outdoor Expo loaded with vendors. The anglers will be vying for a total of $200,000, paying half the field down to 25th place with the winner receiving a Bass Cat Boat, Mercury engine, Garmin electronics, Power Pole and cash package valued at $100,000. All 50 anglers will compete on Friday and Saturday before the field is culled to 10 boats on Sunday with the winner determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative weight. A three-day weight of 85 pounds is not out of the question, but the overall Delta bite has been challenging. Fortunately, some of the best action in the Delta has been in the northern section as the clearest water has been found in the back sloughs. Since it is a long run from Discovery Park to the central and south Delta, anglers may opt to target the north. The reaction bite is improving just in time for the event as the water continues to warm and clear. The event will also be televised on the Pursuit Channel along with various other networks. As most of the major professional tournaments take place east of the Mississippi River, this inaugural event has the potential of raising the profile of professional bass fishing on the West Coast.
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
Lake Nacimiento/San Antonio/Santa Margarita/Lopez
Bass 2 White bass 1 Striper 0 Catfish 3 Crappie 2 Bluegill 2 Trout
Lopez Lake is currently at 100.6%, and it is spilling for the first time in 25 years. Anglers can view a live webcam of the lake at 805webcams.com/lopez-lake-webcam. At Nacimiento, the lake has risen to 94%, and there is still debris floating throughout the lake. Cope’s Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported plastics on the drop-shot or dart head along with Senkos are working at depths from 10 to 30 feet, but the spotted bass are moving into the shallows. Crappie are taken with small swimbaits over submerged structure. A webcam of the lake is at 805webcams.com/lake-nacimiento-live-webcam. At Santa Margarita, the lake continues to spill over, and it is currently at 101.3%. A webcam of the lake is at 805webcams.com/santa-margarita-lake-webcam-california. At San Antonio, the lake continues to rise slowly, and it is currently at 67%. However, the lake is muddy with debris on the surface, and it will take some time to clear before fishing is back in action. Once the lake clears, fishing could be as good as it has been in recent memory for bass, catfish, and crappie.
Reminder: consuming white bass, black bass, crappie, catfish, or carp are subject to safe eating guidelines due to excessive mercury.
Events
Tournament Results
Lake McSwain – Merced Irrigation District Spring Trout Derby – April 1-2: 1st – – Largest Trout – John Yang – 19.5 inches; Stringer of 3 largest trout – James Ruben Reyes – 51.75 inches; Wild Card – Beni Gonzalez – 22.75 inches; Wild Card Kid’s – Nico Anes – 13.5 inches.
Delta/Russo’s Marina –-29th annual Corrections, Police, and Fire Fish Off – April 6-7: 1st – Mike Fredericks/Jesse Ochoa of Tracy Fire – 36.86; 2nd –John Thomas/Ben Willis of the California Department of Corrections – 34.98; 3rd – Greg and Tim Meeks of the California Department of Corrections – 33.76 (Big Fish – 7.30).
Delta/Ladd’s Marina –-Nor Cal Bass – April 8: 1st –Lorenzo and Luca Rossetti – 18.73; 2nd – Tre Dodd/Erin Smylie – 18.08 (Big Fish – 8.41); 3rd – Bill Vernon/Brian Mucky – 15.99.
Don Pedro –- Best Bass Tournaments/Mother Lode Division – April 9: 1st – Curtis Voigt/Albert Oliver – 14.08 (Big Fish 3.46); 2nd – Russ Pierson/Michael Beevers – 13.43; 3rd Xong Heu/Yoham Chang –– 12.86.
Upcoming Tournaments (Dates and locations subject to change)
April 14-16
Sacramento/Discovery Park – Western Bass Shootout
April 15
New Melones – Big Water Adventures
Tulloch – Kerman Bass Club
Don Pedro – Angler’s Press/Tri Valley BassMasters
Success – Lahu Bass Club
Santa Margarita – Best Bass Tournaments
April 16
Tulloch – Fresno Bass Club
McClure – Riverbank Bass Anglers
Eastman – Slay Nation Tournaments
April 18
Don Pedro – Mid Valley Agriculture
April 19
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Major League Fishing
April 20-22
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Major League Fishing
April 22-23
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Kern County BassMasters
Camanche – Bass Anglers of Northern California
April 22
Delta/Sandy Beach – Central Valley Anglers Striped Bass Derby
Tulloch – Yak-A-Bass
Don Pedro - Wild West Bass Trails
Eastman – Sheet Metal Workers #104
Bass Lake – Sierra Bass Club
Success – Golden Empire Bass Club
Isabella – American Bass Association
Santa Margarita – San Luis Obispo Bass Ambushers
Lopez – American Bass Association
April 23
Millerton – California Bass Federation
Bass Lake – Kings River Bass Club
April 29-30
Don Pedro – Bakersfield Bass Club
Bass Lake – Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce Trout Derby
April 29
New Melones – Christian Bass League
Eastman – Mid-Valley Bass Club
April 30
Delta/B and W Resort – California Bass Federation
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – American Bass Association
