Fishing report, June 28-July 4: Be careful when telling a whopper of a fish tale

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

West side waterways - striper and catfish bites improved, Josh Mesa said. Don Pedro bass hitting, Ryan Cook reported. New Melones still kicking out big kokanee, Kyle Wise said. Bass Lake trout and bass active, Mike Beighey reported.

Pine Flat bass hitting topwater, Brandon Grimsley said. Shaver trout and Kokanee bite rebounds, Dick Nichols reported. Wishon trout on a tear, Kelly Brewer said.

Roger’s remarks

I had a very funny encounter at Millerton Lake many years ago with a guy cleaning the dock area, while preparing my boat to launch on the Madera ramp.

I had my boat backed down near the water for a final pre-launch check when a worker near doing some cleaning came over and asked: “ Been catching anything?”

Now, to set the stage, a few weeks earlier, I had caught a large striper, which had gotten a lot of attention. As usual, there was intense discussion by many fishermen about where and how I had caught it.

Of course I only said, “ I’ve had some luck” as most anglers do.

Without interruption the guy dove into what another angler had just told him about this big striper that a local regular striper angler had caught , and asked if I had heard about it.

Before I could say anything, the worker enthusiastically told me that he knew who the guy was who had caught the big striper and even how he did it. Obviously, he didn’t know it was me.

I wanted to laugh, but I didn’t. This guy was so excited to tell me about his inside fishing information I suddenly realized he needed an audience, and seemed to want to help me however he could. I really didn’t want to embarrass him at this point. However, his story got even better when he explained that he saw this guy almost every day out fishing for the big stripers.

In fact, he had even gotten to know him pretty well. All I could do now was go along for the ride. This was getting to be a whopper of a story. I knew he just wanted to have someone take him seriously. He was so excited I was listening to him, he just kept pouring out information he said “might help me.”

I decided to take the conversation in another direction by asking him what this striper guys name was? That slowed him down for about 3 seconds, before he told me he would get his name next time he saw him. Probably in the next few days. I grimaced.

Lowering his voice and moving in closer he said - “ I know how and where he catches the big ones and I haven’t told anyone. I watch him and his technique.”

He pointed towards the dam area and said, “ That’s the deepest part of the lake. He fishes there, using a special ‘back east technique’ where he gets the biggest minnow he can and hooks it on a sliding swivel that can run up and down a main fishing line. This lets the minnow go to the right depth in the deep water. It’s a deadly and very subtle way to fish a minnow for the giant stripers hanging out in the deepest water.”

It was certainly one of the most creative and unique fishing tactics I had never heard of. And I don’t know how he came up with the idea.

I really didn’t know what to do? He was a nice guy but once he got into sharing secret information - I felt that it was okay to have a little fun with him.

Of course since I’ve never exaggerated or embellished a good fishing story, I asked if he could put me in touch with his friend? He said he could, that the guy’s name and picture are at the ranger station.

I finished by giving him my card and asked him to have the angler give me a call.

I never got a call and I have wondered if he ever really tried to connect me. I think he was just so happy that someone would listen to him that he left satisfied

I want to clarify that the last thing I wanted to do was to be mean to someone seeking credibility.

But it reminded me that you don’t go talking till you know who it is you’re talking too. That could be me - making claims I thought were mostly true- and passing along pure conjecture while posing as an expert. Wanting to be affirmed and taken seriously can be a powerful motive to exaggerate – especially for anglers.

Valley

Westside waterways

Striper 3 Catfish 3

Catfishing remains best in the northern section of the Delta Mendota Canal with sardines, anchovies, or chicken livers, and overall, catfish are the top species in the California Aqueduct. Striped bass action continues to improve with jerkbaits, topwater lures, or glide baits as well as cut baits or pile worms. Moving water is the key to finding success as the bait will accumulate around the head gates. Josh Mesa of Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill said, “There has been an excellent striper bite with 6-inch glide baits along with large swimbaits such as the Mega Bass Magdraft or large r. There is also a topwater bite when the bass are boiling on the surface.”

In the south aqueduct in Kern County, striped bass action remains solid with cut baits, jerkbaits, and extra-large minnows along with jerkbaits or topwater lures in the early mornings or evenings. There have been some quality largemouth bass taken on 6-inch plastics in brown, green, or purple on a Texas-rig around the slower water in the eddies Catfishing is best with Triple S Dip Bait, chicken liver, or cut sardines.

Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; Bob’s Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657

Eastman Lake/Hensley Lake

Bass 2 Trout 2 Bluegill 2 Catfish 2 Crappie 2

Brandon Grimsley of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “At Eastman, the bigger grade of largemouth bass remains scarce, primarily due to the heavy angling pressure over the past several months. There are still numbers to be taken on a variety of small jigs or plastics on a Carolina-rig, Texas-rig, or drop-shot. Hensley is producing numbers of small bass on a variety of techniques, but there are carp throughout the lake.” Eastman dropped slightly to 572.06 feet in elevation and 83% with Hensley also dropping slightly to 521.20 feet in elevation and 70%.

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 2 Kokanee 2 King salmon 2 Crappie 2

Ryan Cook of Ryan Cook’s Fishing said, “Bass fishing remains tremendous as I haven’t had a trip with less than 40 bass within the past two months. The bite hasn’t changed over the past week as we continue to use 3.5-inch Dry Creek tubes on a 1/4th-ounce Lunker Daddy jig head, plastics on a Carolina-rig, 1/4th ounce G-Money Jigs underspins with a 3.25-inch Strike King Rage Swimmer, or on a 1/2th-inch G-Money Jig with a 5-inch Lunker Daddy twin tail trailer in the main lake at depths from 5 to 25 feet. The key remains fishing slow on wind-blown banks.”

Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing said, “I took out Mike Abourezk of Farmington this week, and we landed king salmon at 2, 3, and 5 pounds in addition to quality rainbow trout and kokanee. The kokanee are scattered, but when they school up by the end of the season, it is going to be very good. The high water has spread out the kokanee, but they will group up as they prepare for the spawn in the coming months. The key is to concentrate on the windward side of the banks and cover lots of water. Once you find a fish, stick around the same area until it plays out as we have been picking up a few here and there at depths from 35 to 50 feet.”The lake rose 4 feet to 804.81 feet in elevation and 85%. You can launch at Mocassin, but there is no access to the main lake from this ramp.

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 3 Catfish 2 Bluegill 3

The lake rose 2 feet to 2,597.70 feet in elevation and 85%. The Kern River at Kernville dropped from 3985 to 2496 cfs. Water releases out of the dam have dropped from 5320 to 4639 cfs at First Point. Senkos, crankbaits, and jigs remain the top bass offerings while crappie are holding near structure in the shallows in the South Fork and off of Rocky Point. Small to medium minnows or minijigs are best for the slabs. Catfishing continues to improve with chicken liver, Triple S Dip Bait, or shrimp. With all the planted trout prior to the annual derby along with the high water levels, trout fishing remains solid for trollers pulling Kastmasters, Tasmanian Devils, or spinners near the shad schools. As the trout are moving toward the cooler water in the river arm, bank fishing is best near the inlets with garlic Power Bait. The flows on the upper Kern are dropping, and it is getting closer to becoming fishable, but the high water remains dangerous. The coming heat wave may give the final push of heavy snowmelt as temperatures in the high 90’s are anticipated by the weekend.

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 rose 9 feet this week to 703.85 in elevation and 86%. Crappie continue to be found near structure in Horse Creek with minijigs, small swimbaits, or small minnows. The lake has risen to the point where a restroom is submerged with the roof visible above water line. Bass are found on primary or secondary points at depths from 5 to 20 feet with jigs, Senkos, or finesse baits in green pumpkin, Oxblood, or Tequila Sunrise. Catfishing is best with chicken liver, anchovies, or Triple S Dip Bait. The Kaweah River at Three Rivers continues to run high, but it dropped from 3985 to 2496 cfs this week.

Lake Success

Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2

Success rose less than a foot to 647.73 feet in elevation and 88%. Bass fishing remains best at depths from 5 to 20 feet with jigs in brown/purple, or plastics on a Ned-rig or Texas-rig. Deep-diving crankbaits are also working with the best grade found in deeper water. Catfishing is best with chicken liver, sardines, or Triple S Dip Bait on a sliding sinker rig while crappie are taken on small Keitech swimbaits or minijigs over rocky structure.

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

Bass fishing remains challenging for quality as a recent tournament was taken with a five-fish limit less than 10 pounds. The rising water levels have scattered the bass off of the shorelines, and finesse plastics remain the top technique for numbers. There is a window for topwater in the early mornings with the Berkley Choppo 90 or River2Sea Rover at depths from 10 to 30 feet. The lake is on the rise again, and it rose 6 feet to 844.11 in elevation and 85%.

Call: Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Guide Service (559) 691-7008

McSwain Reservoir

Trout 2

The lake has finally stopped spilling, and it is currently at 96%. High water is expected through August with all of the snowmelt coming down the Merced River through the Exchequer Dam at upstream Lake McClure. The water clarity is limited, and trout plants are not scheduled as they will be pushed over the spillway by the high water. Bank anglers continue to struggle for the occasional holdover rainbow.

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

Brandon Grimsley of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “There is a decent bass bite with small swimbaits or plastics on the drop-shot in the main lake. Squarebilled crankbaits running from 9 to 12 feet have also been producing, and although the larger fish have been scarce, there are plenty of numbers.” After producing a 17-pound winning limit a few weeks ago, Sunday’s 25-boat New Jen Bass Tournament event was taken with a limit of less than 10 pounds which included the big fish at 5.20 pounds.” Water releases down the San Joaquin remain high, but they have dropped slightly from 3983 to 3539 cfs at Friant. The lake rose 22 feet in this week to 555.69 in elevation and 80 percent. The San Joaquin River from Friant Dam to the Merced County line has reopened for recreational use, but parks that are currently closed along the San Joaquin River will remain closed. Sycamore Park is open seven days per week, and they have a June Bass League currently led with an 18.5-inch smallmouth.

Call: Valley Rod & Gun 292-3474

New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch

Bass 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 3

Not every troller is scoring quality kokanee in excess of 18 inches, but Kyle Wise of Head Hunter Guide Service has been putting his clients onto limits most days trolling at 40 feet in depth with large Apex lures behind a gold hammered dodger. The largest kokanee have already migrated to the southern portion of the lake.

For bass, John Liechty of Xperience Bass Fishing Guide Service said, “We still aren’t finding the quality bass expected of Melones, but one client landed a 6-pound largemouth this week on a wacky-rigged plastic worm. The topwater bite is dead as we aren’t seeing any shad in the shallows with minimal bait fish along the shorelines. The key has been to keep the bait above the grass level with plastics on a drop-shot or wacky-rig as jigs or plastics on a shakey head will get clogged up with weeds. Float N’Fly, flukes, or small swimbaits are also effective.” The rising lake and flooded terrain may be reasons for the overall slow bass action for the larger grade of fish. The lake came up 5 feet to 1053.18 and 84%.

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 2 Kokanee 0 King salmon 0 Catfish 2 Crappie 2

Brandon Grimsley of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “There is a good topwater bass bite along with plastics in chartreuse or purple/pink on a Ned-rig or shakey head. Trollers are scoring planted rainbows with Needlefish in shad patterns along with lime green or fluorescent orange around the shad schools.” The lake rose 21 feet this week to 901.20 feet in elevation and 73%. The flows on the lower Kings at Trimmer remain dangerous although they have dropped from 20,757 to 10,331 cfs due to cooler weather. The river is closed below the dam for any contact with the water.

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 2

Josh Mesa of Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill said, “Trolling continues to improve, and P-Line’s Predator Minnows or similar minnow plugs are working. The topwater bite is picking up, and the River2Sea Whopper Plopper 110 in shad patterns or the Heddon Super Spook in white/red head are working.

Roger George of Roger George Guide Service said that the problematic winds continue to close the lake on some days. “The troll bite seems to be improving if you can get out, but that is still the key issue. The best overall action is still coming from Portuguese Cove where most boaters go to hide from the wind. Stripers to 25” are showing up on the regular Lucky Craft, Yozuri and Predator lures at about the 40-50’depth. There is a real heat wave predicted to reach 109 this weekend that could change the bite a lot.”

In the O’Neill Forebay, jerkbaits such as Jackal’s Rerange in bone or bone/orange belly, Duo Realis in Neo Pearl along with the new Tide Minnow 145 Slim are effective along with white flukes on a scrounger head. Bank anglers continue to soak anchovies, pile worms, nightcrawlers, or large minnows as access is easy. Extra-large and large minnows were unavailable this week, but anglers are settling for large minnows. Heavy pumping at Check 12 has led to an excellent bite in the O’Neill Forebay with topwater lures such as walking-style baits. The forebay held at 83 percent.

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 3 Trout 3 Kokanee 0

Mike Beighey of Bass Lake Fishing said, “The lake is still kicking out quality trout from the top to 20 feet with the best action on the north end of the lake. Dick’s Mountain tubes in orange, Dick’s Mountain hoochies in pink or orange, or Rocky Mountain Tackle’s Planktons in pink, or light pink Radical Glow Tubes are working behind an orange or blue Dick’s Mountain Dodger or a RMT Signature dodger. The kokanee have yet to show up, but we are out there looking.”

Brandon Grimsley of Valley Rod and Gun in Clovis said, “There are still fish on beds, and the swimbait bite has been very strong with the 6-inch Mega Bait Magdraft.” A webcam of the launch ramp is available at https://basslakeca.com/. The lake is at 89 percent.

Call: Mike Beighey, Bass Lake Fishing 676-8133

Edison/Florence/Mammoth Pool

The Kaiser Pass opened on June 22nd, and Vermillion Valley Resort at Lake Edison is back in business. There ferry service started on Monday, leaving VVR at 9:00 a.m. and arriving at the back end around 9:45 a.m. to pick up any hikers wanting a ride. This will occur every day if it is not raining and thundering. This is repeated at 4:00 p.m. with a pickup at 4:45 p.m. The cost is $20 each way. If you are leaving from VVR, the desk staff should be notified the day prior. If you are at the back end and need a ride to VVR, text 559-259-4000. Road conditions 297-0706. Edison is at 58%, Florence at 88% and Mammoth Pool is full at 100%

Call: Vermilion Valley Resort at Edison Lake 259-4000

Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake

Kokanee 3 Trout 3

Shaver guide emeritus Dick Nichols said, “Shaver Lake trout fishing remains hot, and the kokanee bite has improved. We had two trips this week with great success on both. On Wednesday, Kristen Lucas of Clovis, took her children, Heather and Brixton and her parents Mike and Elaine Flora of Dinuba out for a morning trip, picking up mixed limits for everyone. The previous week, we fished the Point for a total of 88 mixed fish on three trips, but this week, we found big schools in the Stevenson Bay area between the surface and 20 feet. We continue using Dick’s Koke Buster’s in purple tipped with a piece of crawler behind a Dick’s Doc Barb or Captain J. Mountain Dodger. On the downriggers, we are using Dick’s Mountain Tubes in pink or orange tipped with corn also behind Dick’s Mountain Dodgers. Veteran guide Todd Wittwer of Kokanee.net Guide Service had good success targeting kokanee at depths of 20 to 25 feet for up to 17 kokanee for his clients on Friday. Cool weather prevailed through the week, but there is a warming trend.” There are some large kokanee showing up at Shaver as Karla Doyle landed a 19-inch/3-lb. plus fish on a Blue/White Dick’s Mountain Hoochie with a single kernel of Shoepeg white corn marinated in tuna oil on each hook at 20 feet on the downrigger at 1.2 mph. Jeff Wolf of Kerman trolled in front of the marina from 12 to 30 feet for a number of small rainbows along with two kokanee to 14 inches using purple Koke Busters or pink/purple Mountain Hoochies.” Shaver has risen to 95%.

Huntington dropped slightly to 95%. Bank access is available along with launching a boat. Campers need to check for accessibility to the campgrounds. 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 3

Kelly Brewer of the Wishon Village RV Park and Store said, “There hasn’t been much change as trout action remains excellent for both trollers and bank anglers alike. Blade/’crawler combinations or Rapalas are working for trollers at depths to 20 feet while bank anglers are also scoring soaking pink Power Bait for rainbows. Last week’s trout plant boosted action. Courtright remains closed, but interested anglers should check road conditions for Courtright through the High Sierra Ranger Station in Prather at 855-5355.

Call: Wishon RV Park 865-5361

Ocean

Half Moon Bay

Rockfish 3 Striper 2 White seabass 2 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3

Surf casters are finding quality striped bass and surf perch working rocky structure or sandy beaches from Fort Point in the north down the coast to Pescadero.” Deep water rockfishing depends upon the weather, but once the private boats are able to access water seaward of 50 fathoms, the quality of rockfish is outstanding.

Rockfish are not be taken in the open zone below Pigeon Point and transported back to Half Moon Bay through the San Francisco Groundfish Management Area until the season opens on July 16. Anglers should use the following link to access the specific location of the 50-fathom curve - https://cdfw.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c00c82e1f32a49e99c747e2411e3439e. which is also accessed here: Anglers can view closed areas utilizing CDFW’s Ocean Sport Fishing Interactive Web Map.

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 3 Striper 3 White seabass 2 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3

Deep water rockfishing out of Monterey continues to be excellent with limits of quality rockfish and a decent ling cod count for the boats running out of Chris’s Fishing and Whale Watching in Monterey. Access to deep water seaward of 50 fathoms is close to the Monterey harbor as the edge of the canyon is relatively close compared to other coastal ports.

Alan Bushnell of Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing and Surf Casting Guide Service said, “For fishing success, the southern portion of Monterey Bay should never be overlooked, especially during the summer season. As water temps rise with the season, we often see some “exotics” in the Carmel and Pacific Grove areas. We receive reports nearly every year of sheepshead, trigger fish and calico bass from that area. These are all considered Southern California fish. Northern species are always well represented, due to the locale’s habitat structure, clean water and abundant bait. This year, the numbers of fish caught reported by private boats as well as charter operations has been staggering. Chris’ and Whale Watching Fishing Trips from Monterey remains the leader of the pack in terms of clients served and fish caught. They’ve reported nothing but full limits of fish since the season opened.

Owner Chris Arcoleo said, “IOur boats are getting tons of reds. Vermilion, canaries and lots of bocaccio. Last week we caught 50 lings on one trip on top of the rockfish limits. We’re catching lots of Petrale sole too.” Last Saturday, the Check Mate also added 300 mackerel to their tally. Arcoleo reported, “There’s mackerel and sardines all over the place right now. The guys on our other pier (Wharf No. 2) are catching buckets of sardines right now!”

Arcoleo said the trips near Monterey are concentrating on the delicious chilipeppers from the deep reefs near Monterey, but longer trips toward Point Sur are catching more “giant yellows” and Bocaccio. Inshore, there’s still some squid around with halibut and rockfish scattered along the broad reach from Cannery Row to Sand City. And of course, Arcoleo reminds us, “They’re still getting stripers all up and down the beaches here!” The news is good from the Kahuna, launching out of Moss Landing as well. Skipper Joey Stagnaro is in a pretty good mood these days. He said, “It’s raining chili’s! We’re having solid days on the outer bay. It’s full limits of quality fish! In Santa Cruz, the big charter boats, Velocity and Legacy from Stagnaro’s Sportfishing are making full-day trips as well as half-day and twilight fishing trips. The full day reports cite limits from the deep reefs, while the shorter trips are getting limits or near limits from both deep and shallow water destinations. Captain Rodney Armstrong from Santa Cruz Coastal Charters fished inside this week on days when it was too windy offshore. He reports a great mix of nearshore rockfish including olives, blues, blacks, and yellows.”

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

The bulk of halibut and striped bass have migrated into the central bay, and the halibut action remains steady for boats working Alcatraz, Treasure Island, the Barges, Angel Island, and Southhampton Shoals.” Captain Steve Mitchell of the 15-pack Malia Kai out of Berkeley Marina put his 10 customers onto limits of halibut on both Saturday and Sunday along with a handful of striped bass. The number of undersized halibut have improved considerably, providing more hope for the future. Captain Chris Smith of the Pacific Dream out of Berkeley put his 23 passengers onto 27 halibut on Sunday along with 9 striped bass, and he said, “We must have released 100 shakers. The undersized halibut are far more active as we move towards Red Rock Shoals.” Captain James Smith of the California Dawn 2 out of Berkeley put in a dozen limits of both halibut and striped bass on Monday. As the tides get larger, the striped bass action will continue to improve. Captain Ron Koyasako of Nautilus Excursions in San Francisco made a late afternoon solo to Angel Island, and he said, “I didn’t even throw any bait for striped bass at 16 and 12 pounds released, keeping a limit of smaller fish. The bass were thick on Saturday morning, and our group of six came home with limits of both stripers and halibut.”

A few party boats such as the Outer Limits out of Sausalito are making the run to Rittenburg Bank for incredible rockfish action in 325 to 350 feet, but this is all weather dependent. The offshore bank, which is at least 38 miles from the Golden Gate, remains a popular destination for private boaters with at least 30 boats this far offshore during a good weather window last week.

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 September 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 100 vermilion for sub-limits along with 40 Boccaccio and 110 assorted rockfish to go with 46 ling cod to 22 pounds. Joshua Maner of Taft took the jackpot with the 22-pound ling at White Rocks. The Avenger and Flying Fish were out on trips ranging from ½- to 3/4th – day with 54 passengers for 167 vermilion, 206 assorted rockfish, and 60 Boccaccio. Out of Virg’s Landing, the Rita G and Fiesta were out on Saturday on ½- and 3/4th- day trips with 41 anglers for 164 vermilion, 132 assorted rockfish, 45 Boccaccio, and a ling cod. Out of Patriot Sport Fishing in Port San Luis, the Patriot, Flying Fish, and Phenix were out on Sunday on trips ranging from ½ -, 3/4th- to all day with a combined 62 passengers for 81 vermilion, 6 Boccaccio, 333 assorted rockfish, one Petrale sole, one halibut, and four ling cod for a total of 426 fish.

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. 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

The Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta is starting to show some life for striped bass as the linesides are moving back downstream towards San Francisco Bay. The best activity has been in the north Delta, but trollers are starting to focus along the West Bank from Rio Vista to Collinsville. As the stripers are finished with their spawn, there will be increasing numbers of linesides on their way back to the bay.

Largemouth bass fishing remains spotty, but there are definite signs of improvement. Alan Fong of Alan Fong Outdoors said, “I was concentrating on the shoreline with limited results, but I decided to move into deeper water on the flats over the weeds, and the bass are feeding heavily on crawdads. I switched over to a Squarebill crankbait or a crawdad-patterned chatterbait to put in a limit over 18 pounds. It had been very rough over the past few weeks, but I figured the post-spawn bass would be out feeding on crawdads in the moving water.”

Johnny Wang, manager of Turner’s Outdoorsman in Stockton, said, “Stripers are in the San Joaquin system for those drifting live bluegill around the Old River Flats or Union Point. The stripers are found the further south you go, and bluegill are the best bait as the available minnows are too small. Around Stockton, bass fishing has been solid in Pixley Slough as the water is warmer, and there are also striped bass on the Old Sacramento River near Isleton with swimbaits in trout patterns.”

The Delta Cross Channel Gates at Walnut Grove were opened over the weekend, 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.

The wind has been the limiting factor for sturgeon fishing in Suisun Bay as the Delta breeze in the afternoon has been intense. The heat wave anticipated over the weekend may slow down the winds. Captain Steve Mitchell of Hook’d Up Sport Fishing continues to find solid sturgeon action on his intermittent trips out of Pittsburg, and he said, “Salmon roe remains the top bait, but few anglers have been willing to brave the winds.”

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife released a video of their special online presentation on the current status and the upcoming process for regulation changes for white sturgeon. A video and Power Point of the presentation 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 stated goal of the department is to implement the new regulations by 2025 through a process of public input along with input during Fish and Game Commission meetings; however, there exists the possibility that Interim Emergency Regulations for a catch and release-only fishery may be needed until harvest rates can be effectively managed with the new regulations. The Department has released an Angler Survey available in English, Spanish, Korean, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese, traditional Chinese and simplified Chinese. The link for the survey is https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Fishes/Sturgeon. Anglers can add their voice by completing the survey, sending any questions to the Department at Sturgeon@wildife.ca.gov, and attending future meetings of the Fish and Game Commission and Wildlife Resources Committee meetings, either in person or online.

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 3 White bass 2 Striper 0 Catfish 3 Crappie 2 Bluegill 2 Trout 2

At Nacimiento, the lake remains high at 90%. Bass fishing has been outstanding in the early mornings or late afternoons when recreational boating has slowed down. During the daytime, recreational boating has been very heavy. Plastics in dark green, shad, or brown on the drop-shot, Neko-rig, or dart head at depths from 5 to 20 feet are working for the numerous spotted bass along with small topwater Poppers. With the coming hot weather, the white bass should start to chase the shad schools towards the surface, but the best action for whites has been with shad-imitation lures along with white spoons or spinners such as Kastmasters or Roostertails. Catfishing remains best with Triple S Dip Bait, chicken liver, or nightcrawlers. A webcam of the lake is available at https://805webcams.com/lake-nacimiento-live-webcam/.

Lopez Lake has dropped slightly to 99.9%, but it is basically still full. Largemouth bass are holding on the flooded vegetation while weightless presentations are best such as weedless Ned-rigs, creature baits, plastics worms, or stickbaits. 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, largemouth bass in the 2- to 4-pound bass are taken on Keitech swimbaits, jigs, walking baits, or crankbaits. This is the top lake for size of all of the coastal reservoirs. The lake has dropped slightly to 99.1%.

A webcam of the lake is available at https://805webcams.com/santa-margarita-lake-webcam-california. At San Antonio, the lake is holding at 70%, and bass fishing remains slow. Catfishing is best with cut mackerel, Triple S Dip Bait, or chicken livers. 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.

Reminder: consuming white bass, black bass, crappie, catfish, or carp are subject to safe eating guidelines due to excessive mercury.

Events

July 1

Free Fishing Day – No fishing license required

Tournament results

New Melones – Slay Nation Kayak Tournament – June 17 – 1st: Josh Griffin – 79.50 inches; 2nd – Robert Yamamoto – 76.75 inches; 3rd – John Myer – 76.50 inches.

Lake Pardee – Central Valley Anglers Russ Faught Memorial Kokanee Tournament Kokanee Bag (Five Fish) – June 24 – 1st: Stan Ita/Seth Johnson/Mike Rodriguez – 2.75 pounds; 2nd – Heather Buie/Jenna Horine/Brian Mayfield – 2.65 pounds; 3rd (tie) – 2.55 pounds between three teams.

Lake Pardee – Central Valley Anglers Russ Faught Memorial Kokanee Tournament Big Trout – June 24 – 1st: Ted and John Handel/Mike McFee – 2.85 pounds; 2nd – Jim Fox/Glenn Greenwell/Bruce Culler – 2.15 pounds; 3rd (tie) – Nathan, Cynthia, and Nathaniel Lenard – 1.90 pounds; Stan Ita/Seth Johnson/Mike Rodriguez – 1.90 pounds.

Delta – Yak ‘A Bass – June 24 – 1st: Greg Blanchard – 81 inches; 2nd - Josh Griffin – 80.75 inches; 3rd – Rachel Uribe – 80.50 inches.

Delta – Yak ‘A Bass – June 25 – 1st: Sean Beach – 77.50 inches; 2nd – Caymen Rasmussen – 76.50 inches; 3rd – Alex Cox – 73 inches.

Millerton – New Jen Bass Tournaments – June 25 – 1st – Rusty Rummerfield/Tom Loya (Big Fish – 5.20) – 12.62; 2nd – Tim Ling/Ryan Huskey – 9.59; 3rd – Dusty Mart/Mike Alvarez – 8.75.

Upcoming tournaments (dates and locations subject to change)

June 28

Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Bertolli Disposal

July 1-2

Delta/Russo’s Marina – Best Bass Tournaments

Pine Flat – Bass 101

July 1

Tulloch – 17/90 Bass Club

Nacimiento – San Luis Obispo Bass Ambassadors

July 5

Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Bertolli Disposal

July 7/8

McClure – Fresno Bass Club

July 8

Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Nor Cal Bass

Delta/Russo’s Marina – Best Bass Tournaments

Lake Pardee – Manteca Bassin’ Buddies

Lake Amador – Modesto Ambassadors

Pine Flat – Bakersfield Bass Club

Isabella – American Bass Association

July 12

Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Bertolli Disposal

July 15

Don Pedro – Riverbank Bass Anglers

Pine Flat – Sierra Bass Club

Success – Central Valley Kayak Fishers

Isabella – Golden Empire Bass Club

July 16

Delta/B and W Resort – Best Bass Tournaments

July 19

Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Bertolli Disposal

July 22-23

Delta/Russo’s Marina – Best Bass Tournaments

Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Kern County Bassmasters

July 22

New Melones – Yak A’Bass

Santa Margarita – 805 Bass Addicts

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