Fishing report March 29-April 4: Millerton produces 17-pound plus bass limit

Compiled by Dave Hurley and edited by Roger George, who guides in the greater Fresno area and holds the striper record at Millerton Lake.

Photo gallery

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Best bets

Delta sturgeon on the chomp, Dave Hurley reported. Don Pedro trout providing a solid bite, Monte Smith reported. New Melones bass and trout active, Kyle Wise said. Millerton bass bite good, Michael Crayne reported.

Roger’s remarks: No pain, no gain

Pain and suffering is usually a big part of the back stories of personal successes in life and angling.

Growing up on our family farm as the eldest of four children meant that doing whatever needed to be done was my job description. My father was ex-military (staff sergeant), so regardless of time of day, or how tired or sore you were, the chore or job had to be done.

Working hard all day, often in extreme Valley conditions, taught me how to do what had to be done. No excuses. After a while I didn’t know how to work any other way. It carried into my fishing, hunting and life.

My freshman year at Fresno State I was competing in my first decathlon. Dutch Warmerdam was my coach and he had trained me hard all that fall. I got to the fifth event, the 400-meter run, and overheard a shocking conversation between two competitors. The guy who had just run his flight told his buddy getting ready for his race, “The wind down the backstretch is tough, so I kind of just backed off my pace and came in slower. I knew it would hurt. You might want to coast a little.”

I couldn’t believe that an athlete would really give less than his best. In our training, there was never any coasting or less than a great effort, no matter the pain. The expectation was to train like you compete, and we knew that dealing with the pain and suffering barrier was the way to get better. You have to practice all-out, just the way you compete.

It hit me that I was in a different mindset and competitive level than 90% of the other athletes. I learned that most of them were trying to avoid the very pain and suffering necessary to succeed.

In my decathlon career, this piece of knowledge carried me through because I knew that when things got tough, most guys would start to waffle.

The best anglers have this same mentality. They usually do things so tough, others would never consider doing them. All-tackle striped bass world-record holder Greg Myerson taught me that “doing effective, difficult things takes good planning and excellent execution. However, most people don’t know that paying the price to reach extraordinary goals means exercising the discipline and self-control to reach into your pain threshold and keep going.”

Pain can be your friend if you’re focused on separating yourself from the crowd. Never give up.

Roger George: rogergeorge8@protonmail.com, Rogergeorgeguideservice on Facebook and @StriperWars

Valley

Westside waterways

Striper 2 Catfish 2

Pumping continues through the aqueduct systems from the south Delta, and San Luis Reservoir has risen to near capacity at 90% with more water to come. As a result, the aqueduct remains extremely slow. Private contractors are removing hydrilla and vegetation from spur canals and dumping the vegetation into the Delta Mendota Canal, adding additional debris to the canal already loaded with debris and vegetation.

In the south aqueduct in Kern County, Striped bass fishing remains consistent with the best action near the headgates with sardines, anchovies, or mackerel along with live jumbo or extra-large minnows. In the slower water, largemouth bass are taken on plastics or jigs.

The next Striperz Gone Wild tournament is the second annual Haley Lauchland Memorial Aqueduct Tournament on April 22 at the Hilldale Bridge. The entry fee 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 2 Trout 2 Bluegill 2 Catfish 2 Crappie 1

Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “Eastman has been picking up a bit with chatterbaits or jigs as the bass are holding close to the banks. Most boaters are coming through the back way to Eastman from Hensley right now. Tuesday’s storm should bring more inflow into the lake. It’s still very muddy.” Boaters should call for 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 is similar to Eastman with small bass in the very muddy water. A double plant of rainbow trout was scheduled for Eastman last week with a single plant scheduled for Hensley. Both lakes are on the rise again due to last week’s atmospheric river, and more heavy rain is anticipated on Tuesday. Eastman held at 84% and 573.00 feet in elevation while Hensley held at 59% and 513.07 feet in elevation.

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 2 Trout 3 Kokanee 1 King salmon 2 Crappie 2

Don Pedro is another trolling option as Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing has been finding solid action over the past few weeks. He said, “We waited for a downpour to stop on Friday morning before launching, and we tried hard for the first few hours for king salmon by rolling shad. Finding no takers, we switched over to targeting rainbows in the top 10 feet with blade/’crawler combinations or Power Grubs on sideplaners or ExCel spoons on leadcore line at 3 to 4 colors at 1.5 mph. The water temperature has dropped to 49 degrees, and the fish want a slower presentation. The visibility has been between 3 to 4 feet, and the debris is mostly gone in the main lake.” Mike Gomez of the Bait Barn in Waterford added, “Bass fishing continues to improve with finesse techniques being the top bet.” The lake rose to 809.96 feet in elevation and from 77% to 88%.

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 has risen to 58% and 2,581.97 feet in elevation, and water releases have been ramped up out of the dam. As a result of the debris floating on and below the surface of the lake, boating is closed. 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 will have 500 tagged trout worth between $20 and $10,000 and over $55,000 in cash and prizes. Registration and information at kernrivervalley.com/isabellalakefishingderby.

In the Kern River, the flows have dropped to 921 cfs at Kernville, but they may rise precipitously again with Tuesday’s storm. There have been several recent trout plants, but the high and dangerous water levels have created difficult access. Once the river settles and clears, trout fishing should be outstanding with all of the plants.

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

The Golden Empire Bass Club tournament scheduled for this past Saturday was postponed due to all of the floating trees and debris along with the very high water level. The ramps have been closed due to the water level as the lake remains at 715.39 feet in elevation and 100% with inflow from the recent storms and snowmelt. A trout plant was scheduled for last week, and with limited access, the rainbow trout will be able to disperse throughout the lake without fishing pressure. The Kaweah River dropped from 3,825 to 2,015 cfs, but it should rise again this week with Tuesday’s rainstorm.

Lake Success

Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2

Success is loaded with debris as the lake continues to spill over at 111% of capacity and 655.36 feet in elevation. Fishing has been placed on hold in the high and muddy lake loaded with floating debris. A trout plant was scheduled for last week, and with the lake having limited access, the trout will be able to settle before fishing pressure starts.

Call: Sequoia Fishing Co. 539-5626, sequoiafishingcompany.com

McClure Reservoir

Bass 2 Trout 2 King salmon 0 Kokanee 0 Crappie 2 Catfish 2

The lake rose to 838.67 feet in elevation and 82%, and this is the highest it has been in years after starting at 20% just a few months ago. There is debris on and below the surface. Mike Gomez of the Bait Barn in Waterford said, “Underspins bounced off of rocks are the best bet for bass, although finding large fish has been a challenge. Eventually, the high water will pay dividends for the spotted and largemouth bass population as new areas are open along with new sources of food. Both the spotted and largemouth bass are moving into the shallows.”

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

McSwain Reservoir

Trout 2

The annual Merced Irrigation District Lake McSwain Spring Trout Derby is April 1 and 2. The derby uses the SmartPhone app Fish Donkey for registration and payment along with photos, videos, and judging. Derby entrant fees are $35/adult angler with an additional $10 vehicle fee and a $9 launch fee. All campsites at Lake McSwain have been reserved for the weekend, but they are available at nearby McClure. Trout plants will be released prior to the derby. This year’s categories: Longest trout, $2,000; Stringer with three longest fish combined, $2,000; Wild card, one adult winner is randomly selected for $500 prize; and Kids Wild Card, a winner under 16 will be randomly selected to receive a fishing pole and tackle box. (Sponsored by Splash N Dash and the Reel Deal Market and Café at Lake McSwain). Trout plants will be released prior to the derby. The lake is at 103% and spilling.

Call: Angler’s Edge Market (209) 226-4416; McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534

Millerton Lake/San Joaquin River

Bass 3 Striped bass 1 Shad 1 Bluegill 3 Crappie 1

The Future Pro Tour drew 23 boats on Saturday, and the team of Mike and Victor Gomez took first with 17.42 pounds working parallel to the bank in 4 to 6 feet of water with umbrella rigs. Crankbaits in the shallows were also effective. The 17-pound plus limit is one of the largest limits at the lake over the past few years. Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “Spinnerbaits or A-rigs have been flying out of the shop for Millerton, particularly the Yumbrellas or the Picassos. There is also a demand for custom Blade Runner umbrella rigs.” The lake rose to 554.79 feet in elevation and 79% this week despite heavy water release rising from 6,411 to 8,693 cfs down the San Joaquin River at Friant. Crayne added, “The largemouth bass bite has been solid at Sycamore Lake Park pond with flipping worms or jigs on a slow presentation in the shallows from the banks to 5 feet in depth for fish to 5 pounds.” The Trout Pond at Sycamore Lake Park was planted two weeks ago, and Sycamore Island will remain open for weekends only; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with a $9 vehicle fee.

Call: Valley Rod & Gun 292-3474

New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch

Bass 3 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Trout 3 Kokanee 1

Dave King of Nor Cal Bass said, “We held a 39-boat tournament on Saturday with a winning weight over 14 pounds with a big fish at 5.50 on a jig. There were a number of fish in the 2-pound range as the range from third to 10th place was less than a pound. Brush Hogs in 2 to 3 feet of water were also effective. The debris is dissipating in the main lake due to the winds, and the clearest water is found in the inlets with moving water. Kyle Wise of HeadHunter Guide Service continues to find quick limits in the top 20 feet with small spoons or Rapalas, and he said, “I expect the kokanee bite to be phenomenal this summer as there are already big plankton blooms on the lake.” The lake rose to 978.91 feet in elevation this week and 54% with heavy inflow from the upper watershed.

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 reported, “The bass bite has been on and off, but umbrella rigs and swimbaits such as the MegaBass Magdrafts in 6 or 8 inches are working in the shallows. Smaller bass are coming on jigs.” The water clarity is 2 feet at best, and there is plenty of logs and stumps floating on the surface. The lake has risen to 77% and 909.10 feet in elevation despite high water releases at Trimmer. The flows on the lower Kings have fallen from 6,018 to 3,763 cfs, but the high flows remain dangerous for bank anglers. In the lower Kings, a trout plant is scheduled for this week, but the river is high and dangerous with some sections of the river closed due to high water. A trout plant took place at Avocado Lake last week.

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

Heavy pumping continues from the south Delta, and the lake has risen more this week. Josh Mesa of Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill said, “Angling interest has slowed, but when there are breaks in the weather, extra-large to jumbo minnows are working best from the shoreline while trollers are running Yozuri Crystal Minnows or P-Line’s Predators in chartreuse or red/white for stripers in the 18- to 20-inch range. The forebay has been outstanding for largemouth bass with jigs, deep-diving jerkbaits, or crankbaits although the water clarity is limited.” The forebay rose to 76% in spite of releases down the California Aqueduct. Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis added, “The main lake has been hit or miss, but the striped bass action is starting to pick up. It has been very windy over the past week.”

Roger George said that the fishing has been slow, but the inflow has slowed to around a half-foot daily vertical surface increase the last couple days, which may change the bite soon. “Seeing the lake less than 5 feet from the top at 96% is like looking out on an ocean right now. It’s possible the lake could remain at the top for quite awhile, which should really help the fish with more food and space. I’ve found suspended non-active fish around the lake, but the rapid changes are slowing the bite.“

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, “Traffic on the lake has come to a stop due to the weather as the lake is just about full. After these storms pass and they get the launch dock in the water, it will be easier to launch. Shore fishing is good for planted rainbow trout to 18 inches, and the best spot to fish is across from the Sheriff’s Tower with Power Bait, nightcrawlers, or spoons. My boat is ready to fish but we are waiting for a break in the weather. If you are going to troll, I recommend Dick’s Trout Busters with some crawler behind Dick’s Mountain Dodgers in orange or pink.”

The annual Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce Trout Derby is April 29-30. There will be over $55,000 in total cash prizes with two $10,000 tagged fish, one $5,000 tagged fish, 150 tags for $100, and 847 tags for $20. Derby registration is $25/adult and $15/youth under 16. Registration and information is at basslakechamber.com/fishing-derby. The lake held at 74%. 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 the 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 of Mountain Tackle said, “It’s still going to be a while before things return to normal at Shaver Lake as snow is once again expected to fall at 3,000 feet on Tuesday, bringing more snow to the lake. The marinas are scheduled to open April 15.” It will also 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 2 White seabass 1 Crab 3 Sand dabs 3

Due to the salmon closure, Half Moon Bay party boats such as the New Captain Pete are relocating to San Francisco Bay’s Oyster Point Dock 13, slip 36 by the launch ramp to target halibut. Captain Michael Cabanas said, “The halibut are right out in front, and the bite is on. Trips are $145 for half day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Arrival time is 6 a.m. Similar to the other small coastal communities, the ocean salmon closure is a devastating blow to the local economy. Surf perch and land-based rockfishing are the only game in town until May 1 below Pigeon Point. The Pacifica Pier remains the best location to score up to 10-crab limits of legal-size using snares from the shorelines, but with the inclement weather, the pier is subject to temporary closure. The first ocean action will take place south of Pigeon Point for rockfish as it 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.

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 3

Alan Bushnell of Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing and Surf Casting Guide Service said, “Local anglers are dismayed with last week’s announcement regarding the 2023 king salmon season in California. Last year, salmon season dates were carefully regulated along the coast, with the Klamath River area being closed completely. This year, all areas along the coast will remain closed for both recreational and commercial king salmon fishing. Only once before, in 2008, has an overall closure been imposed on this vitally important fishery. The decision was announced this month by the Pacific Fisheries Management Council that has jurisdiction over the US West Coast Exclusive Economic Zone (3-200 miles offshore). The California Department of Fish and Wildlife aligns with decisions of the PFMC. This closure was determined a necessity as a result of California’s eight-year drought, with the past three years being particularly severe. Golden Gate Salmon Association president John McManus commented, “We don’t have enough salmon this year to have a season.” Low numbers of returning spawners in California rivers, particularly the Sacramento and San Joaquin systems are driving this decision, and all agree the underlying problem is lack of water as well as state mismanagement along these river systems. The GGSA believes ongoing state water policies unfairly favor Big Agriculture businesses over the preservation and enhancement of the natural resources that support healthy riverine systems necessary for robust salmon populations.

McManus points to dam operations and subsequent water allotments as primary culprits. First off, damming rivers prevents salmon (and steelhead) from reaching many historical spawning areas upstream. Dams restrict the natural flow of our rivers leaving downstream spawning areas high and dry after eggs are deposited during periods of high water. In addition, lower flows mean higher water temperatures in the rivers that often means death for incubating eggs.

The closure will have a big economic impact all along the coast, but especially in the Monterey Bay area, where salmon is “King” for both sport and commercial anglers. That negative impact also spreads to peripheral and support businesses such as tackle shops, fuel sales, hotels, restaurants and other seaside businesses. Commercial and sport boats will likely make up some of the loss by targeting other species such as rockfish, halibut and the deepwater sablefish. Depth restrictions for the rock cod fishery were lifted for this year, which might help a bit. Many stakeholders are very concerned that the halibut population will get hammered this year as anglers search for alternate prey.”

Chris Arcoleo of Chris’s Fishing in Monterey is running crab/sand dab/Petrale sole combination trips until the May 1 rockfish opener depending upon weather and interest. 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 16th.

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

Boats won’t be venturing outside the Golden Gate until at least May 15 when the rockfish season opens seaward of the 50-fathom curve through July 15. Even then, most of the interest will remain inside the bay, especially when live bait begins to be available at the San Francisco bait receiver. The date for the first availability of live bait is fluid, ranging from April to early June, depending upon when the anchovies make their presence felt.

Halibut trolling in the south bay has been surprisingly productive, but Sunday was an example of what is yet to come during the remainder of the spring and summer months as an estimated 125 boats and 40 kayaks were along the Peninsula side of the bay below the Bird Cage south of Oyster Point Marina. Captain Steve Gutierrez of the Deadliest Kast out of Oyster Point Marina said, “It was a tough bite on Sunday as we ended up with two fish for two anglers in the 28- to 26.5-inch range. We found some clear water in the morning on the outgoing tide, but the bite shut off. There have been only a few isolated bait balls down here, and the water is still cold at 50 degrees. Once we have a few weeks of clear weather with no rain, the action should stay more consistent.”

Captain Chris Smith of the Pacific Dream took his initial halibut trolling trip on Saturday, and he said, “We came in high boat with 16 halibut for 17 anglers in the muddy conditions, and this was a good score given the big tides and cold, dirty water. Once the water clears up, we can find more action on the larger tides, but it’s more challenging on the large tides now.”

Prior to the arrival of heavy silt and sediment flow from the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta along with the big tides, halibut trolling has been solid with some six-packs returning with scores ranging from two-fish per rod to three-fish limits. There is support from the Golden Gate Fishermen’s Association, the party boat association, to temporarily reduce the halibut daily bag limit to two fish over 22 inches during the salmon closure, but there are still party boats working for a three-fish limit. Sunday’s heavy boat traffic is an indicator that the bay will be littered with vessels this year, and if the bag limit stays at three fish, it may not take long to sweep up the bay’s legal halibut.

One encouraging sign is the appearance of striped bass in San Pablo Bay.

There is hope the stripers continue to make a showing in June and July on the central bay rockpiles. The linesides have been missing in action in the bay the past few summers, but salmon out of the equation, striped bass will need to relieve some pressure on the bay’s halibut.

Call: Captain Trent Slate Bite Me Charters (415) 307-8582; Captain Jerad Davis, Salty Lady (415) 760-9362; Captain Steve Mitchell of Hook’d Up Sport Fishing (707) 655-6736; Happy Hooker (510) 223-5388.

San Luis Obispo

Surf perch 3

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 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 2

Heavy water releases out of Lakes Oroville and Folsom along with drainage from the rainstorms has resulted in a rush of cold and muddy water flowing down the Sacramento River into the Delta, putting striped bass and largemouth bass action on hold while sturgeon fishing remains the top show in town. The Yolo Bypass remains flooded, and silt and sediment from the plowed ground in the bypass adds to the sediment load in the river.

Alan Fong of Alan Fong’s Outdoors was in the north Delta this week, and after finding excellent largemouth bass action over the past few weeks in 4 to 6 feet of water, the current was so heavy that he had difficulty turning the boat around. He said, “Spring is just around the corner, and the bite will be wide open within a few weeks. The bass want to go, but the water is still too cold with all of the releases from upstream.”

Randy Pringle, the Fishing Instructor, is the tournament director of the Western Bass Shootout held from April 13 to 16 at Discovery Park in Sacramento with 50 of the top bass anglers on the West Coast participating by invitation only with a Bass Cat vessel at stake. The anglers have been chosen from the FLW Elite, the U.S. Open, the Wild West Bass Trails Pro/Am, and the Wild West Bass Trails Apex Circuit. There will be a Bassmaster-style weigh in with the boats driving into the arena. However, high water conditions may continue through mid-April at Discovery Park, perhaps forcing the tournament to seek another location such as B and W Resort in Sacramento County.

A 53-boat tournament out of Russo’s Marina resulted in 5 limits over 20 pounds, but only 17 boats returned with 5-fish limits. The largemouth bass bite has been good for a small%age of anglers as finding clear and warmer water in the back sloughs is a key.

Sturgeon fishing has been the big story, and with the high water, the diamondbacks have been on the chomp in Suisun Bay. Six-pack boats out of Pittsburg have reported up to a dozen sturgeon on the hook per trip, and Kyle Wise of HeadHunter Guide Service hooked a total of 29 sturgeon on two trips this week. He said, “The fish are definitely on the chomp, but you have to fight through the grass. The key is finding locations with a minimum of grass, and this has been challenging. We have been working our cured salmon roe at depths from 18 to 60 feet.”

A number of boats have been heading into the shallows of Suisun Slough in search of sturgeon instead of working in the main river, and the water is slightly warmer in the backs of the sloughs. Six-pack operators out of the Pittsburg Marina have been providing input towards the regulatory process through Nor Cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association FLAME app to record all catches of undersized, slot-limit, and oversized sturgeon and the participating boats reached a total of 500 sturgeon this week. Regulation changes for white sturgeon are anticipated to begin on January 1, 2024, and the changes could involve a combination of slot-limit size range reduction, bag limit reduction, area closures, or bait restrictions.

Heavy water releases from the Stanislaus, Tuolumne, and Merced Rivers into the San Joaquin and their tributaries, combined with heavy rains, have caused the rivers and sloughs of the south Delta to reach extreme levels on the surrounding levels. Due to the potential levee damage from boat wakes, particularly at high tide, sections of the south Delta are closed to recreational boating until further notice. Waves against the levees, particularly at high tides may cause erosion to the levee which increases the threat to the levees. The closures began on March 17, and they are dependent upon the water levels in the Delta which will fluctuate with rain events along with the definite possibility of closures again during the spring or early summer due to snow melt from the Sierra Nevada’s.

Currently, you can boat on Old River, Mildred Island, the San Joaquin River, or any river or slough not closed by the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services (see attached map). While the closure is in place, bridges in the affected area other than the Orwood Railroad Bridge, Bacon Island Bridge, and MacDonald Island Bridge will open on an emergency basis only. Bridge and tide information is available at bridge and tide: https://deltaboating.com/tides/tidesj.html. Questions should be directed to the SJ County OES at (209) 953-6200. Boaters should check the status of the closures and high tide restrictions at https://sjready.org/assets/docs/winterStorm/River-Closure-Notice-and-Map_(03172023).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 1 Striper 0 Catfish 2 Crappie 2 Bluegill 2 Trout 2+

Lopez Lake is currently at 100.9%, and it is spilling for the first time in 25 years. Tuesday’s storm should bring more water over the spillway. Anglers can view a live webcam of the lake at https://805webcams.com/lopez-lake-webcam/ At Nacimiento, heavy debris on and below the surface along with cold and muddy water are keeping nearly all anglers off of the lake. Both the spotted and largemouth bass are moving into the shallows, and finesse presentations are working best. The lake has risen to 87%. A webcam of the lake is available at https://805webcams.com/lake-nacimiento-live-webcam/. At Santa Margarita, the lake continues to spill over, and it is currently at 102.8%. A webcam of the lake is available at https://805webcams.com/santa-margarita-lake-webcam-california. Last weekend’s Best Bass Tournament at Santa Margarita was relocated to Lopez due to inaccessibility to the launch ramps. At San Antonio, the lake held at 54%, and the lake is muddy with debris on the surface. 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

Delta/Russo’s Marina –- March 25th: 1st –Robert Jones/Brent Potter – 23.96 (Big Fish – 8.34); 2nd – Jake Howard/Larry Lubner – 20.84.; 3rd – Xavier and Rodney Green – 20.72.

New Melones – Nor Cal Bass - March 25th: 1st – Casey and Mike Davis – 14.11 pounds (Big Fish – 5.50); 2nd – Daniel Reen/Austin Proctor – 12.16; 3rd – Rodney Bull/Brent Jobe – 10.90.

Tulloch – Christian Bass League - March 25th: 1st – Jeff Eddings/Eladio Garcia – 19.52 pounds (Big Fish – 6.08); 2nd – Angelo and A.J. Queirolo – 19.36; 3rd – Brian Dickson/Colin DeGough – 17.66.

Don Pedro – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments - March 25th:1st – David Donatelli/Casey Case – 15.27 pounds (Big Fish – 3.28); 2nd – Rusty Baron/Bob Jones – 14.80; 3rd – Craig Gong/Ryan Reynolds – 14.70.

Millerton – Future Pro Tour - March 25th: 1st – Mike and Victor Gomez – 17.42 pounds

Upcoming Tournaments (subject to change)

April 1-2

Delta/Brannan Island – Hammerdown/NCFW Annual Striped Bass Derby

Delta/Russo’s Marina – Best Bass Tournaments

New Melones – Sierra Bass Club

McClure – Merced Irrigation District Spring Trout Derby

April 1

Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Manteca Bassin’ Buddies

Salt Springs – 17/90 Bass Club

Tulloch – Kings River Bass Club

Eastman – Central Valley Kayak Fishing

Millerton – Kerman Bass Club

Pine Flat – Orange County Bass Club

Kaweah – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments

Nacimiento- American Bass Association

April 2

Delta/B and W Resort – Wild West Bass Club

Tulloch – American Bass Association

Don Pedro – Kings River Bass Club

McClure – California Bass Federation

Bass Lake – Kings VIII Bass Club

April 7

Don Pedro – E and J Gallo Winery

April 8

Don Pedro – Best Bass Tournaments

McClure – Stanislaus County Sheriff’s

Pine Flat – Bass 101

April 9

Delta/B and W Resort – CA BASS Nation Kayak

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