Fishing report, July 26-Aug. 1: Pine Flat, Don Pedro and New Melones top this week’s best bets for best spots
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
Pine Flat boasting of good bass, trout and catfish bites, Michael Crayne said. Don Pedro is kicking out big king salmon , Monte Smith reported. New Melones catfish and kokanee hitting, Kyle Wise said. Shaver trout top dog, Dick Nichols reported. West side waterways producing catfish and stripers, Omega Nguyen said.
Valley
Westside waterways
Striper 3 Catfish 3
Triple-digit heat has made sitting at the shadeless aqueduct difficult during the day. Omega Nguyen of Mega Bait and Tackle in Lathrop reported a solid catfish bite for big channel cats in both the Delta Mendota and California Aqueduct with striped bass fishing best south of Santa Nella. Striperz Gone Wild Three-Year Anniversary ‘Fall Classic’ Striper Derby is 5 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Hilldale Bridge with a BBQ, 50/50 raffle, and prizes in the adult and youth divisions.
In the south aqueduct in Kern County, Cope’s Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported the striped bass bite has been on fire with lugworms, nightcrawlers, or anchovies sprayed with Bang! Garlic scent. Anglers are split-shotting the ‘crawlers and tossing them directly into the moving water at the headgates. Catfishing is also outstanding with Triple S Dip Bait, cut baits, or chicken livers. Poppers, Whopper Ploppers, small swimbaits, or plastics in Baitfish, white, or green pumpkin are working for largemouth bass.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis (559) 292-3474; Bob’s Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657.
Eastman Lake/Hensley Lake
Bass 2 Trout 1 Bluegill 2 Catfish 2 Crappie 2
Eastman remains very tough as more than 70 anglers participated in a fundraising tournament for Kevin Vue hosted by Michael Her and sponsored by 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle, BGC Swimbaits, and Nujay Outdoors. A total of only 5 fish were weighed in with the winning limits just over 7 pounds. Michael Crayne of Valley Rod and Gun reported tough fishing at both lakes with the triple digit heat and budding algae blooms behind a hindrance. Eastman dropped 3 feet to 561.83 feet in elevation and 73% with Hensley also dropping 2 feet to 514.44 feet in elevation and 61% as water releases continue.
Call: Eastman Lake (559) 689-3255; Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis (559) 292-3474; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hensley Lake Hidden Dam (559) 673-5151.
Lake Don Pedro
Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 2 King salmon 3 Crappie 2
Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing has been finding excellent action for king salmon with a total of 8 kings, a kokanee, and a rainbow trout on a recent trip. He said, “The kings ranged from 1.5 to 4.2 pounds, and they all came on kokanee gear as we are running Apex lures or hoochies tipped with corn with the best action from 50 to 55 feet. The kokanee was close to 18.5 inches at 2.7 pounds, and it came at 75 feet. The kokanee was a male, but it was still in good shape with it’s teeth started to show. I have been launching very early in the morning at Blue Oaks which is at the very top with the high water, and you have to make a 5 mph run through a small channel marked with red and green buoys. With the heat, you have to be on the water very early before getting off early.” For bass, Ryan Cook of Ryan Cook’s Fishing said, “The bass bite is decent, but it is getting tougher. There is a good jerkbait bite early with the Megabass Vision 110 + 1 in shad patterns along shade lines in the early mornings, and there have been periods of bass schooling on the surface in 40 to 80 feet of water along main lake points. A 1/4th-ounce Kastmaster in blue/silver is also working along with a 5-inch Senko thrown out into open water. The bass are total suspended. There is still a jig bite, but it is slowing down. I was out with Joseph Peacock over the weekend, and he landed his personal best largemouth bass at 9.04 pounds on a topwater lure. We ended up with a five-fish limit just a few ounces shy of 30 pounds.”
The Blue Oaks ramp has been closed intermittently due to high water, but it reopened as the lake rose 2 feet to 824.53 feet in elevation and 97%.
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 3 Trout 3 Crappie 2 Catfish 3 Bluegill
The lake rose nearly 2 feet to 2,603.78 feet in elevation and 97%. Cope’s Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported tremendous interest in the double-digit largemouth bass landed at the lake within the past few weeks. The water temperature is rising, hitting 68 degrees in the North Fork and 75 degrees in the South Fork. Bass action continues to be solid in the South Fork at depths from 6 to 12 feet with Roboworms in Aaron’s Magic or Oxblood along with jigs, crankbaits, topwater poppers, or buzzbaits. The area around Lime Dyke and Rabbit Island has been productive. Crappie are located in open water at depths from 12 to 20 feet with Get Bent Baits or live minnows. Despite the warm temperatures, trout fishing remains solid from the shoreline as well for trollers. With the cooler water temperatures, the North Fork is the best location for bank anglers with garlic Power Bait, Get Bent Baits, or spinners while trollers are pulling Needlefish or Flicker Shad on leadcore. Catfishing improved this week with Triple S Dip Bait, nightcrawlers, or cut baits.
The Kern River at Kernville dropped from 1996 to 1595 cfs while water releases out of the dam dropped from 3422 to 2772 cfs at First Point. The flows remain dangerous for swimming in in both the upper and lower Kern. At the local lakes, Cope’s reported a decent bluegill bite with live worms under a bobber or on a Carolina-rig at the River Walk while Ming is sporting an outstanding bluegill bite with meal worms, red worms, or small crappie jigs. Bass fishing is good with plastics on the drop-shot after tossing frogs or topwater lures in the early morning hours. Small catfish are coming on Triple S Dip Bait or cut baits. Crappie action is fair with live minnows or minijigs. At the Buena Vista lakes, Cope’s reported bass anglers are flipping and pitching near the cattails along with weightless Senkos in green pumpkin or topwater frogs along weed lines. Crappie are taken on small minnows or minijigs tipped with Crappie Nibbles while catfishing is best with fresh shrimp, Triple S Dip Bait or cut sardines. At Hart Park, there is a decent bass bite with 6-inch plastic worms in purple, brown, or dark green on a Texas-rig fished weedless under floating weeds. Topwater frogs or poppers are working in the morning. Bluegill are taken on red worms or waxworms while catfishing is best with Triple S Dip Bait on a Carolina-rig
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 3
The lake dropped slightly to 710.94 feet in elevation and 95%. Cope’s Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported bass fishing is best with Roboworms in Aaron’s Magic, green pumpkin, or Oxblood are working on either a drop-shot or shakey head. Small jigs with a twin-tailed trailer or crankbaots along main and secondary points are another option along with topwater lures in the early mornings or late afternoons. Crappie are found over submerged rockpiles or brush with small live minnows, small swimbaits such as Keitechs, or minijigs. Triple S Dip Bait or chicken livers are best for catfish. The Kaweah River at Three Rivers is dropping, and it came down from 2224 to 1690 cfs this week.
Lake Success
Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2
The lake dropped slightly to 648.46 feet in elevation and 90%. Cope’s Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported a decent bass bite with crankbaits, finesse plastics or jigs with the fish holding near main lake points and near submerged vegetation. Plastics on a Carolina-rig, spider jigs, or stick baits are also effective. Crappie are holding either near the docks in the marina or over submerged vegetation, and minijigs, small swimbaits, or small live minnows are working for the slabs. Catfishing is best with Triple S Dip Bait or cut anchovies
Call: Cope’s Tackle and Rod (661) 679-6351; Sequoia Fishing Co. 539-5626, sequoiafishingcompany.com.
McClure Reservoir
Bass 2 Trout 2 King salmon 0 Kokanee 0 Crappie 2 Catfish 2
Triple-digit heat and much better bass action at Don Pedro has led to most anglers giving McClure a break for the time being. The best action remains at night, and there have been some quality bass landed in the evening hours with deep-diving shad patterned crankbaits, topwater Spooks, or spinnerbaits. The lake has started to release water, and it dropped nearly a foot to 858.22 feet in elevation and 94%.
Call: Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Guide Service (559) 691-7008.
McSwain Reservoir
Trout 2
The lake has risen once again to 99% with water releases out of Exchequer Dam at Lake McClure. There hasn’t been much change here as the summertime is dominated by campers and recreation on the lake. Without trout plants, bank anglers continue to struggle for the occasional holdover rainbow. Trout plants should resume in the fall months prior to the October Merced Irrigation District Trout Derby, but the lake is dominated by recreational activity during the summer months.
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 3 Crappie 2
Michal Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “Most anglers are avoiding the lake due to heavy recreational boating pressure in the main lake combined with the extreme heat. The best fishing remains in the upper lake near the river arm, but the majority of bass remain small.small Swimbaits or plastics on the drop-shot are working best. The lake has risen to 101 percent of capacity at 878.94 feet in elevation. Water releases down the San Joaquin have held steady at 2575 cfs at Friant. The San Joaquin River from Friant Dam to the Merced County line has reopened for recreational use, but interested individuals should check the local parks for availability. Sycamore Park is open seven days per week.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun 292-3474.
New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch
Bass 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 3 Trout 2 Kokanee 3
Fishing pressure on the lake has increased for kokanee as trollers are hunting down the state’s largest kokanee. Kyle Wise of Head Hunter Guide Service continues to find limits of big kokanee over 2.5 pounds trolling Apex lures or spinners behind a Paulina Peak’s gold hammered dodger at depths from 40 to 45 feet. He added, “The catfish bite is on fire as we are finishing off our kokanee trips by soaking cut sardines for the whiskerfish. Melones catfish love cut bait, and there are some big ones over 20 pounds in the lake. I have also been drifting live minnows for spotted bass, but it isn’t lights out as you really have to work for them.” Richard Kowski and Frank Ceneca night fished for rainbow trout with the Kowski Crawler method for limits of rainbows to 22 inches before targeting kokanee the next day. Kowski said, “We started at the Spillway and ended at Glory Hole Point for limits of kokanee with two over 19 inches trolling watermelon Apex lure or spinners behind the Kowski Special Dodger from TopCoat Tackle at depths from 33 to 45 feet at 1.2 to 1.7 mph.” For bass, Shaun Leytem of RB Bass came in 2nd during Saturday’s Yak A’ Bass tournament with the best bite on either the Berkley Choppo 120 topwater lure in Perfect Ghost or a 4-inch Senko on a Texas-rig. He said, “After spending numerous days on the water before the tournament, I came to the conclusion that there are fish literally everywhere. What I mean is there are fish on nearly every point, cut/ cove, rock pile, or underwater island, and the majority of the fish were from 10 to 25 feet deep. Finesse baits on a Ned, dart head, or drop-shot were all catching fish, and during practice, I would catch around 30 fish, but I wasn’t getting the larger 15- to 17-inch fish on a regular basis. My big clue was I caught a couple larger fish up the river arm and just off the main river channel so I during the tournament, I fished Coyote Creek all the way to the back with the Choppo in the early morning to 11:30 a.m. The bites were few and far between, but when I did catch one it was a good one. When I came back to a cove or a cut with wood in the back, I would throw a 4-inchSenko on a Texas-rig.” Water releases have started, and the lake has dropped a foot to 1057.29 feet in elevation and 86%.
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 3 Trout 3 Kokanee 0 King salmon 0 Catfish 3 Crappie 2
The lake is extremely high as it has risen another 8 feet in the past week to 948.03 feet in elevation and 98 percent. The restrooms are now under water to roof level, and there is limited parking with the high water levels. Michael Crayne of Valley Rod and Gun in Clovis said, “The lake has been fishing very good in the upper end and into the river arm for trout, bass, catfish, or carp. My friend was up there over the weekend throwing a jerkbait while his family was soaking worms, and they found a variety of species willing to bite. There is a reaction bite with crankbaits or topwater lures along with a finesse bite with plastics on a drop-shot or jigs.” The flows on the lower Kings at Trimmer remain dangerous despite dropping from 10,296 to 8595 cfs. Portions of the lower river were closed during the holiday weekend, but interested individuals should check for accessibility as the river is scheduled to reopen soon.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun (559) 292-3474; Sequoia Fishing Co. (559) 539-5626.
San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay
Striper 2 Catfish 2 Bass 2 Crappie 2
The lake is finally releasing water, and it has dropped from 99 to 95 percent. Mickey Clements of Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill said, “Before this heat wave, there was a good topwater and fluke bite in the early mornings, but this has been much tougher since the extended run of triple-digit temperatures arrived. Evergreen’s Shower Blow SB1500 in bone has been a top producer. With the hot temperatures, most boaters are trolling near the dam, Romero Visitor Center, and the Basalt Recreation Area with Duo Realis 120’s in Neo Pearl or red head/white or Lucky Craft 120’s. In the O’Neill Forebay, the weeds are piling up, and there are few areas from the banks clear of weeds. The Twin Islands have been the best bet for clearer water, but the area around Check 12 is getting choked up. We have been selling loads of Sea Wave’s Green Label anchovies for limits of schoolie stripers.
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 3 Kokanee 1
Mike Beighey of Bass Lake Fishing said, “The lake is still kicking out rainbow trout, but I haven’t seen any kokanee yet. I am beginning to wonder what happened to the kokanee although it the lake was reportedly planted. The rainbows are found from the surface to 29 feet across from Miller’s Landing with Dick’s Mountain Tubes or Trout Busters tipped with maggots behind a Dick’s Mountain Dodger in gold/purple or blue/silver. Rocky Mountain Tackle’s Planktons in pink behind a Signature Dodger are also working.” Recreational boat traffic remains heavy, even on weekdays. Bass fishing is best with plastics on a drop-shot for a small grade of fish. A webcam of the launch ramp is available at https://basslakeca.com/. The lake is at 90%.
Call: Mike Beighey, Bass Lake Fishing 676-8133.
Edison/Florence/Mammoth Pool
The Kaiser Pass lakes are rising, and trout fishing has been solid at both Edison and Florence Lake. Edison has is kicking out multiple browns and rainbows for troller with the high water level. All the lakes are nearly filled with Edison at 90, Florence at 97, and Mammoth Pool at 100 %. Road conditions (559) 97-0706. A trout plant is scheduled for Ward Lake this week.
Call: Vermilion Valley Resort at Edison Lake 259-4000.
Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake
Kokanee 2 Trout 3
Dick Nichols of Dick’s Fishing Charters, Shaver’s Guide Emeritus, said, “The trout bite remains active, but the kokanee bite continues to be slower. Even with hotter weather conditions, the trout remain in the upper 25 feet. On our last trip out, we picked up multiple limits of trout/kokanee, but we had to remove our dodgers and put on weighted Dick’s Mountain Flashers in front of Stevenson Creek. We were able to get down between 20 to 25 feet using Dick’s Trout Busters or purple Dick’s Koke Busters with a setback of 100 feet behind the weighted flashers. On the downriggers, we are scoring with Mountain Tubes or Mountain Candy in pink or orange tipped with corn behind Mountain Dodgers at depths from 30 to 36 feet deep for the kokanee. The kokanee will be dropping in water column as the extreme heat continues.
Rob and Rick Scheidt of Clovis trolled from the Point to the island with Dick’s Scout Trout Buster’s with scented corn behind a Dick’s Mountain Flashers on the side poles while using the same setups at 30 feet deep on the down riggers. Rick reported catching 5 trout an hour on the side poles and only a few trout on the riggers. No kokanee were caught. Culling through the trout, the brothers kept two limits of trout to 16 inches. With a good trout bite, we can expect a boost in the action with another CDFW this week.”
At Huntington, the lake remains high and 98 percent, and the launch ramp is accessible. Nichols reported small kokanee or catchable rainbow trout are found at depths around 25 feet for trollers working near Dam 2. Huntington is also scheduled for a trout plant this week. A webcam of the Shaver launch ramp is at sierramarina.com/webcam-weather-page.html and for Huntington at http://www.shaverlakewebcams.info/huntington.html. A trout plant is scheduled for Shaver next week.
Call: Todd Wittwer, Kokanee.net Guide Service (559) 288-8100; Jerad Romero, Jrods Guide Service (559) 392-6994; Tom Oliveira, Tom Oliveira Fishing (559) 802-8072.
Wishon/Courtright
Trout 2
Courtright Reservoir is now open, but Michael Crayne of Valley Rod and Gun in Clovis reported slow trout action despite no gear on the lake for months. He said, “One troller landed a total of four trout over the weekend. Bank fishing is slow with the fish moving out into deep water. Wishon has been the best option for trollers working the upper end of the lake, and fly fishermen are also finding solid action in the early mornings and evenings, particularly in the inlet. Banks fishing is slow with the hot temperatures.” Wishon and Dinky Creek are scheduled for trout plants this week.
Call: Wishon RV Park (559) 865-5361.
Ocean
Half Moon Bay
Rockfish 3 Striper 2 Halibut 2 White seabass 1 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3
Rockfishing along the coastal reefs south of the harbor are producing limits of assorted rockfish along with the occasional ling cod and California halibut. The ability to head further offshore for rockfish has been limited by the continued inclement weather, and although bluefin tuna hunters are having a hard time being patient, trips offshore to the Half Moon Bay Weather Buoy and outside the Farallons are on hold until the next weather window. Rockfishing is open at any depth until Dec. 31.
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
Rockfish 3, Halibut 2 Striper 2 White seabass 1 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3
Alan Bushnell of Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing and Surf Casting Guide Service said, “Monterey Bay is a great place to be if you like to fish. And we’re really just getting going on our summer season. Fishing has been great all around the bay and it’s going to get better. In Monterey, Chris Arcoleo sends out the Check Mate and Caroline nearly every day, and everyday reports limits aboard each boat. Wednesday’s trip on the Check Mate recorded 220 rock cod and 31 lings for 22 anglers. The Caroline only had 20 anglers aboard, and their tally was 200 rockfish. The Point Sur area is teeming with big chilipeppers in 300-500 feet of water while crowds of lingcod are ready to bite out to 750 feet. Arcoleo reports the squid spawns nearshore have dwindled, though the private boaters are picking up plenty of nearshore rockfish as well as halibut. Joey Stagnaro is at the wheel of the Kahuna these days and he’s stoked with the numbers and quality of fish they are getting. “It’s the same, same, same. Every trip we’re getting beautiful limits of chilis, vermilion and canaries,” he reported this week. “Some nice ling cod coming over the rail too!” The Kahuna has been fishing mostly close to Moss Landing in roughly 300 feet of water. The deep canyon edges seem to be the spot for chilipeppers. Stagnaro says they will be taking longer range trips soon, down to the Point Sur area, when the weather cooperates. Meanwhile in Santa Cruz, Ken Stagnaro has been dispatching the Velocity and Legacy out for a variety of deepwater trips as well as half-day outings. Thursday and Friday’s half-day nearshore trips netted limits for all aboard.
Call: Chris’ Landing (831) 375-5951; Allen Bushnell, Santa Cruz Kayak and Surf Casting (831) 251-9732
Golden Gate/San Francisco Bay
Halibut 3 Striper 2 Rockfish 3 Leopard shark 2. Sturgeon 2
After a slow start for rockfish on last Sunday’s opener, the coastal rockfish have received the memo, and they have decided to bite aggressively. Most party boats are heading outside the Golden Gate for the Marin coast to focus on rockfish before making a few drifts for halibut either inside or outside the bay. Boats targeting halibut have been focusing on the North Bar with outstanding results. The Happy Hooker out of Berkeley found an excellent grade of halibut on the bar on Saturday with 9 limits of big flatfish. Their sister boat, the Pacific Dream, loaded up with 18 limits of halibut plus a crew fish to go with a single striped bass outside the Gate. Captain Ron Koyasako of Nautilus Excursions out of San Francisco has been following this script, adding a try for striped bass inside the bay for limits of linesides one day, followed by slower action on the stripers the next day. Halibut and rockfish have been a given.
Captain James Smith on the California Dawn 2 had a spectacular Sunday with 25 limits of rockfish, 25 limits of ling cod to 21 pounds, 11 halibut to 24 pounds, and a bonus striped bass. The California Dawn 1 treated a small group of 11 anglers for limits of rockfish, near limits at 21 ling cod, and 5 halibut.
Captain Jerad Davis of the Salty Lady out of Sausalito took out a group of young anglers from the San Mateo Police Activities League for an excellent day inside the bay for 15 halibut and 7 striped bass. These trips are sponsored by the Golden State Salmon Association’s Roger Thomas Youth Fishing Endowment fund, designed to get youth under the age of 18 out fishing.
Bluefin tuna mania remains on a simmer as the weather offshore has not allowed boats to venture out the 30-plus miles to the Continental Shelf. Private and party boats are champing at the bit to head out, and most party boats have organized a waiting list once the weather breaks.
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
Rockfish 3 Surf perch 3
Rockfish season is now open all depths through Sept. 30. The Endeavor out of Morro Bay Landing in Morro Bay had another banner trip full day trip on Sunday with 25 anglers returning with limits of rockfish composed of sub-limits of 100 vermilion to 10 pounds, 150 assorted rockfish, and one ling cod. The Avenger and Flying Fish were out on trips ranging from ½- to 3/4th – day with 73 passengers for 168 vermilion, 400 assorted rockfish, 60 Boccaccio, 5 ling cod to 8 pounds, and a rock sole. Out of Virg’s Landing, the Fiesta and Rita G were out on trips ranging from ½-day to 3/4th day on Saturday with 50 anglers for near limits of rockfish composed of 138 vermilion, 267 assorted rockfish, 31 Boccaccio, one copper, one Petrale sole, and a single ling cod.
The Rita G took out a rockfish research trip on Sunday from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s California Collaborative Fisheries Research Program to Piedras Blancas for a total of 13 different species. Out of Patriot Sport Fishing in Port San Luis, the Patriot and Flying Fish were on ½-day trips on Sunday with a combined 33 passengers for 72 vermilion, 175 assorted rockfish, 15 Boccaccio, 10 Bolina, and two ling cod for a total of 274 fish. The Phenix had a small charter of 12 anglers on an all-day trip for 11 vermilion, 6 Boccaccio, 83 Bolina, 12 assorted rockfish, 8 cabezon, and 2 ling cod to 10 pounds. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 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. Boats out of Morro Bay and Port San Luis are filling up for the opening week. 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
Bass fishing is showing signs of life, particularly in the north Delta where the water is clearest. Fresno-native Vince Borges of Vince Borges Outdoors put together a 27-pound limit this week throwing chatterbaits in the grassy flats. The water is clearer in the north Delta as the bite remains slow throughout the central and south Delta where the water remains cold and dirty.”
Alan Fong of Alan Fong’s Outdoors found a solid bite for both striped and largemouth bass on the flats north of the Rio Vista Bridge over the past week, but the fish have moved on as of the weekend. Stripers in the 5- to 7-pound range along with quality bass to 5 pounds were taken on crankbaits in Red Craw. Fong said, “Some of the stripers looked like they hadn’t spawned yet.”
Johnny Wang, manager of Turner’s Outdoorsman in Stockton, reported good action for striped bass in Disappointment Slough with live minnows or bluegill. Frank’s Tract and Mildred Island are also holding stripers.
There have been reports of largemouth bass with deformations in the north Delta, and as of yet, there is no answer for the reason for the deformations. Herbicide spraying continues throughout the Delta, and the aggressive spraying approach may contribute to the condition of some of the largemouth bass.
Triple-digit heat has plagued the entire Central Valley, but the hot weather is essential for the success of the upcoming frog tournaments. The end of July is a highly anticipated time for the Ultimate Frog Challenge and the original frog tournament, the Snag Proof Open. The 8th Annual Ultimate Frog Challenge will be held at Russo’s on July 29/30 followed by the original frog tournament, the Snag Proof Open on Aug. 5-6.
Few anglers continue to sturgeon, but the diamondbacks remain thick in Suisun Bay.
White sturgeon regulations are slated to be revised in 2025, and a video and Power Point of the Department’s special online presentation on the current status and the upcoming process for regulation changes for white sturgeon is available via this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtdCzvzJqWE while slides of the presentation can be downloaded here: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=213229&inline.
The Delta Cross Channel Gates at Walnut Grove have been opened, but they may be closed from time to time on a short-term basis. Updated information on the status of the gate is available through this link - https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvo/vungvari/dcc_chng.pdf.
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 2 Striper 0 Catfish 3 Crappie 2 Bluegill 2 Trout 1
At Nacimiento, water releases have started, and although the lake is historically full, it has dropped to 81%. Cope’s Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported a decent finesse bite for spotted bass at depths from 10 to 25 feet with Roboworms in Oxblood, green pumpkin, or Aaron’s Magic on the drop-shot or Neko-rig along with small jigs. The shad schools are deep, and there is a spoon bite over the shad schools while Senkos on a wacky-rig are working in the shallows. White bass have been boiling on occasion, and white Kastmasters, small topwater lures, or Roostertails are working for the whites.
Catfishing is best with Triple S Dip Bait, anchovies, or fresh shrimp while crappie are taking with small live minnows or minijigs in submerged structure. With the brutally hot temperatures, recreational boating remains extremely high, even during the week. A webcam of the lake is available at https://805webcams.com/lake-nacimiento-live-webcam/. Lopez Lake dropped slightly to 99.2%, but it is basically still full. Working flooded vegetation is the key to success here, and creature baits, Senkos, or crawdad-imitation jigs are all effective. Trout plants will continue, and this should spur on the swimbait bite for the quality largemouth bass. Anglers can view a live webcam of the lake at https://805webcams.com/lopez-lake-webcam/.
At Santa Margarita, chatterbaits, Senkos on a wacky-rig, or walking-style topwater lures are working best, as similar to Lopez, the bass are holding around the flooded vegetation in the nearly filled lake. The lake is releasing water, and it dropped slightly to 96.2%. A webcam of the lake is available at https://805webcams.com/santa-margarita-lake-webcam-california. At San Antonio, the lake held at 69%. There hasn’t been much change as hot weather has driven the fish into deeper water. Catfish remain best bet with cut mackerel, Triple S Dip Bait, or chicken livers. Bass fishing remains very slow. With the high water, fishing should be the best it has been in recent memory, particularly after the disappearance of striped bass due to extreme low water conditions several years past. Triple-digit temperatures have limited fishing to the early morning or late afternoons into the evenings.
Reminder: consuming white bass, black bass, crappie, catfish, or carp are subject to safe eating guidelines due to excessive mercury.
Events
Striperz Gone Wild Three-Year Anniversary ‘Fall Classic’ Striper Derby - 5 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 7, at the Hilldale Bridge with a BBQ, 50/50 raffle, and prizes in the adult and youth divisions.
Tournament results
Pine Flat – Sierra Bass Club – July 15: 1st – Joe Ploharz/Traci Lucceshi -13.13; 2nd – Dave and Ken Smith – 9.26; 3rd – Danny Lopez/Richard Jones – 9.12 (Big Fish – Lopez – 4.03).
New Melones – Yak A’ Bass– July 22: 1st – P. Yang -85.75 inches; 2nd –Shaun Leytem – 85.25 inches; 3rd – R. Lewis – 79.75 inches.
Upcoming tournaments (dates and locations subject to change)
July 26
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Bertolli Disposal
July 29-30
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Angler’s Press
July 29
Santa Margarita – San Luis Obispo Bass Ambushers
Aug. 2
Delta/Ladd’s Bertolli Disposal Wednesday Night Shoot Out
Aug. 2-3
Tulloch – Grumpy Old Men
Aug. 5-6
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Snag Proof Open
Santa Margarita – Bass Addicts of SoCal
Aug. 5
Stampede Reservoir – Kokanee Power
New Melones – Manteca Bassin’ Buddies
Aug. 6
Delta/Big Break – American Bass Association
Aug. 9
Delta/Ladd’s Bertolli Disposal Wednesday Night Shoot Out
Aug. 9-10
Tulloch – Grumpy Old Men
August 12th –
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Bass Anglers of Northern California/Tri Valley Bassmasters
New Hogan – Outlaw Bass Club
Isabella – Golden Empire Bass Club
Lopez – Kern County Bassmasters
August 13th –
Don Pedro – Best Bass Tournaments/Modesto Ambassadors
August 16th–
Delta/Ladd’s Bertolli Disposal Wednesday Night Shoot Out
August 16th/17th –
Tulloch – Grumpy Old Men
Aug. 19-20
Millerton – Fresno Bass Club
Aug. 19
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Nor Call Bass
Bass Lake – Sierra Bass Club
Isabella – American Bass Club
Santa Margarita – 805 Bass Addicts
Aug. 20
Delta/Russo’s - Angler’s Press
Pardee – Gold Country Bass Tour
Aug. 23
Delta/Ladd’s Bertolli Disposal Wednesday Night Shoot Out
Aug. 26-27
Millerton – Bass 101
Aug. 26
Delta/Big Break – Bass N’ Tubes
Santa Margarita – 805 Bass Addicts
Aug. 27
New Melones – Riverbank Bass Anglers
Aug. 30
Delta/Ladd’s Bertolli Disposal Wednesday Night Shoot Out
For more go to fresnobee.com/fishing
