Fishing report, May 17-23: Remembering lessons learned from the Alcorn’s ‘court’
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.
Photo gallery
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Best bets
Delta stripers headline the bite, Randy Pringle reported. Eastman kicking out big bass for weekday anglers, Pine Flat bass and crappie hitting, Michael Crayne said. Bass Lake trout bite picks up, Mike Beighey reported. Don Pedro bass and trout bites solid, Monte Smith said. Shaver Lake putting out limits and trophy-sized trout, Dick Nichols reported. Aqueduct stripers pick up the pace, Dave Hurley said.
Roger’s remarks: Alcorn’s ‘court’
One of the most impressionable things I remember as a young angler was going to Gary Alcorn’s sports shop in the Hanoian’s shopping center near downtown Fresno.
It was a treasure trove of everything fishing and hunting, but there was more. If you wanted to be on the cutting edge of fishing, or considered to be any good at all, you needed to be a part of the daily “Gary Alcorn’s Sportsman’s Court.” It wasn’t called that, but just about any fishing/hunting issue or question would get taken up by the group of sportsmen all pulled up around the counter area in folding chairs. The debates could get intense. I learned a lot by just listening.
In the mid-1960s you either made it a point to regularly catch up with the news at the shop or you just weren’t up to speed on the best bites, lures, places to fish and who was catching the big ones.
When I finally caught some fish big enough to get some respect from this group, it was a red-letter day for me. But there was more going on at Alcorn’s than just how big your fish was. Your reputation, success, integrity, honesty and sportsmanship all had to meet the unwritten standards of the “court.” I learned at Alcorn’s that being a good angler/sportsman was more than just catching some fish.
It’s unfortunate that many young aspiring fishermen don’t have this same kind of environment that makes being a sportsman something that’s earned, learned and promoted. Learning how to be someone you can trust, that your word is your bond, choosing to do the right thing and to suck it up and get it done aren’t popular themes these days – but these character traits are the coinage of people who depend on and trust one another.
The life lessons I “caught” at Alcorn’s were the real dream and treasure that still sustain my angling passion.
Never give up...the dream!
Roger George: rogergeorge8@protonmail.com, Rogergeorgeguideservice on Facebook and @StriperWars
Valley
Westside waterways
Striper 3 Catfish 3
The northern section of the aqueduct continues to improve for striped bass, particularly where and when the water is moving. The action with ripbaits, jerkbaits, flukes, and Rat-L-Traps is solid while soaking anchovies, sardines, or live jumbo minnows are all producing. Catfishing remains a definite possibility with clams, minnows, chicken liver, or cut bait.
In the south aqueduct in Kern County, similar to the northern section, striped bass action is on the upswing with reaction baits along with cut bait or minnows while catfish are inhaling chicken liver, Triple S Dip Bait, or cut bait. Finding moving water is the key for the linesides. The Golf Course section of the aqueduct has been crowded on the weekends.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; Bob’s Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657
Eastman Lake/Hensley Lake
Bass 3 Trout 2 Bluegill 3 Catfish 2 Crappie 2
Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “If you are planning on going to Eastman, I suggest that you go during the week because the weekends have been very crowded. There have been several largemouths in the 7- to 10-pound range caught and released on swimbaits, and there was even a 7-pounder caught on a frog. Pitching and flipping plastics on the submerged brush is another option along with jerkbaits. Hensley has been either a ‘hero or zero’ as anglers are reporting very slow action for bass along with picking up the very occasional largemouth in the 5- to 7-pound range on similar baits as Eastman.” Eastman rose just over 1 foot to 577.64 in elevation and 90% with Hensley also rising nearly 3 feet to 522.83 in elevation and 73%.
Call: Eastman Lake 689-3255; Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hensley Lake Hidden Dam 673-5151
Lake Don Pedro
Bass 3 Trout 3 Kokanee 2 King salmon 1 Crappie 3
Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing said, “The water continues to drop here, and the kokanee are scattered. The rainbow trout bite is solid, and when you do hook a kokanee, it is a solid one at up to 16 inches. There are plenty of fish in the lake, it is just a matter of finding them, and when you hook one, it is important to mark the location and stay in the area. Good electronics and GPS is a must.” For largemouth and spotted bass, Ryan Cook of Ryan Cook’s Fishing said, “There is a good early morning top water bite with the Berkley Chopp or Strike King Sexy Dog in shad patterns along with underspins with a ¼-ounce G-Money jig and a 3.25- to 3.75-inch Strike King Rage Swimber. We are picking up numbers of bass on flukes, but the larger grade is coming on topwater lures. Most of the bass are done spawning, and they are found from the banks to 10 feet in depth.” The lake is at 782.17 feet in elevation and 73%. Debris removal has started in Moccasin Bay and in the Tuolumne River Arm, but boat launching is still permissible, but access to the main lake is closed from Moccasin. Boaters are advised to continue to use caution and be aware that there are workers removing the debris. Suntex Marinas will be working to reopen operations at the Moccasin Point Marina this summer.
Call: Monte Smith, Gold Country Sport Fishing (209) 581-4734; Kyle Wise, Head Hunter Guide Service (209) 531- 3966; Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Fishing (559) 691-7008
Lake Isabella/Bakersfield area
Bass 2 Trout 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Bluegill 2
The lake dropped nearly 1 foot to 2,583.39 in elevation and 60% as water releases have increased with 5,575 cfs at First Point below the dam as 7,244 cfs of water is coming into the lake at Kernville. The warmer weather has increased the snowmelt as last week’s inflow at Kernville was 3,967 cfs. A total of 14,000 pounds of rainbow trout will be stocked prior to the May 20 opener of the 32nd annual Kern County Chamber of Commerce Trout Fishing Derby including 4,000 pounds of Mt. Lassen rainbows and at least 400 pounds of trophies. The derby will occur from Saturday, May 20 through June 4. Registration is $40/angler with youth at $15/angler, and there are 500 tagged trout worth between $20 and $10,000 and over $55,000 in cash and prizes. Registration and information are at kernrivervalley.com/isabellalakefishingderby. Crappie can be found at depths from 10 to 20 feet with minijigs or live minnows. The bass are in all stages of the spawn as the water is colder than normal with the snowmelt, and 7- to 10-inch plastic worms, deep-diving crankbaits, or swimbaits in rainbow trout patterns are all working for the best grade of largemouths. Catfish can be taken on Triple S Dip Bait, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, or live minnows. The debris has mostly been pushed into the coves due to the rising water levels and the wind. Trout fishing in the upper Kern River remains slow with the high water levels as the planters are hugging the banks and staying out of the main current. The road is reportedly closed at Camp Owen.
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 lake is dropping again, 12 feet this week to 613.55 in elevation and 16%. The colder-than-normal water temperatures have kept the bass into all stages of the spawn, but post-spawn bass are taken on plastics on the drop-shot, jigs, ripbaits, or chatterbaits. The Kaweah River at Three Rivers rose once again with warmer weather from 1,714 to 3,735 cfs.
Lake Success
Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2
Success dropped 2 feet to 641.96 in elevation and 73%. A number of bass tournaments are scheduled on the lake in the coming summer months, and the bass are taken on a variety of techniques including plastics on the drop-shot, Senkos, or twin-tailed Hula Grubs at depths to 20 feet. Crappie are taken on live minnows or minijgs near structure in the shallows.
Call: Sequoia Fishing Co. 539-5626, sequoiafishingcompany.com
McClure Reservoir
Bass 3 Trout 2 King salmon 0 Kokanee 0 Crappie 2 Catfish 2
Ryan Cook of Ryan Cook’s Fishing said, “The bite is good, but it is not as good as it is at Don Pedro. We are catching and releasing from 20 to 40 bass per outing with the same lures as used at Don Pedro, but the exception is when there is no wind. When the lake is still, a weightless 4.68-inch Jackal Flick Shake in green pumpkin on a wacky-rig is working. The topwater bite is good with the Berkley Choppo or the Strike King Sexy Dog in shad patterns as both lakes have a big shad spawn right now. Most of the bass are holding from the banks to 20 feet in depth.” The lake is releasing water, and it dropped 6 feet to 798.97 in elevation and 61%.
Call: Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Guide Service (559) 691-7008
McSwain Reservoirs
Trout 2
The lake continues to spill over at 106%, and the 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 limited as they will be pushed over the spillway by the high water. Bank anglers continue to struggle for up to a fish or two per trip.
Call: Angler’s Edge Market (209) 226-4416; McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534
Millerton Lake/San Joaquin River
Bass 2 Striped bass 1 Shad 0 Bluegill 2 Crappie 2
Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “The lake has really dropped within the past few weeks as they are preparing for the heavy snowmelt yet to come. The lower San Joaquin River is ripping with high flows. The water temperature in the lake varies from the low 50s up the river arm to over 60 degrees in the main lake. The lake is down to the bottom of the 5th boat ramp. Spotted bass are in post-spawn, and they can be taken with underspins or umbrella rigs. There is a good shad spawn up the river arm.” Water releases down the San Joaquin have ramped up from 5,630 to 8,119 cfs at Friant.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474
New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch
Bass 3 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 2
Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing said, “The larger kokanee scattered for a few days early in the week, perhaps due to the cold spell and/or the rising water. In any case, we couldn’t find the 17-inch kokanee that we had found earlier. Kokanee in the 12- to 13-inch range were taken north of the Spillway toward Glory Hole Point at depths from 30 to 35 feet with Paulina Peak’s T-Bone’s Tackle. These are next year’s fish as the larger third-year fish went somewhere else on the lake. Perhaps they went into shallow water or moved south toward Rose Island although it is early for them to move south. The water temperature had cooled to 60 degrees, but it warmed to 70 degrees later in the day.” With the big kokanee already, Melones is anticipated to be the big fish lake for the summer. Bass fishing remains excellent for numbers with flukes or underspins at depths from the banks to 15 feet. There is also a topwater bite with lures in shad patterns early or late. The lake rose 3 feet to 1,011.87 in elevation and 66% with the start of snowmelt coming down the Stanislaus River.
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 3
Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “There is a good shad spawn here, and the topwater bite for bass in the early mornings has been great with shad-patterned lures. There is a good bite in the afternoons with spinnerbaits, umbrella rigs, or jigs. The majority of bass are post-spawn, and they are up on the bank edges. Crappie fishing has also been hot, and we are selling plenty of minijigs along with meal worms for the slabs. Island Park is out of the water, Trimmer is very low, and there is no dock at Lakeview Resort, formerly Lombardo’s.” The lake dropped 20 feet to 807.27 in elevation and 34%. The flows on the lower Kings at Trimmer ramped up from 6,122 to 11,495 cfs with the warmer weather melting the snowpack. The lack of trout plants and the high, dangerous water levels have limited action in the river below the dam.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; Sequoia Fishing Co. 539-5626
San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay
Striper 2 Catfish 2 Bass 2 Crappie 2
Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill reported, “Umbrella rigs, big jerkbaits, or swimbaits are working best while the topwater bite has yet to emerge. Portuguese Cove or similar coves with the high water level have been the best locations, and trollers are also working Smithwick’s, P-Line’s Angry Eye Predators, or Lucky Craft 128s up and down the coves at depths to 40 feet. Drifting jumbo minnows at the mouth of Portuguese Cove or near the islands close to the Romero Visitor Center is also effective. Roger George of Roger George Guide Service said that the stripers are in full spawning mode and the best bet is to fish minnows slowly over any shallow schools in coves. “The reaction bite doesn’t seem to be interesting to them right now with their focus on the spawning cycle. We hope the behavior will start slowing down soon. The last full moon we had was the trigger that seemed to set things off,” George said.
The O’Neill Forebay has been decent for school-sized stripers near Check 12 with jumbo minnows or anchovies along with trolling umbrella rigs or broken back lures. Flukes with a scrounger head or Keitech 3.8 swimbaits with Owner Flashy Spinners are also working. The lake has dropped slightly to 98%.
Call: Coyote Bait and Tackle (408) 463-0711; Roger George, rogergeorgeguideservice.com (559) 905-2954; check wind conditions on the lake, windfinder.com/forecast/san_luis_reservoir
High Sierra
Bass Lake
Bass 2 Trout 3 Kokanee 0
Veteran Bass Lake guide Mike Beighey of Bass Lake Fishing said, “The lake is nearly filled, and it is starting to warm up as the rainbows are hitting on the surface to 10 feet with Dick’s Mountain Tubes in orange or pink along with Trout Busters in pink or orange behind a Mountain dodger. Rocky Mountain Tackle’s Radical Glow tubes in pink or blue tipped with a piece of nightcrawler are also effective. The best action for trout has been in the north end of the lake. We haven’t landed any kokanee as of yet, but we are seeing some good numbers on our electronics.” Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “There has been a reaction bite in the mornings with Keitech swimbaits or glide baits before switching over to plastics on a Texas- or Neko-rig by mid-morning.” A webcam of the launch ramp is at basslakeca.com. The lake dropped slightly to 84%.
Call: Mike Beighey, Bass Lake Fishing 676-8133
Edison/Florence/Mammoth Pool
The Kaiser Pass Lakes are out of play until late spring as heavy snow fell in the region. Edison is at 6%, Florence at 15% and Mammoth Pool at 100%.
Call: Road conditions 297-0706; Vermilion Valley Resort at Edison Lake 259-4000
Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake
Kokanee 1 Trout 3
Shaver guide emeritus Dick Nichols said, “I was out with Dave McGlothlin of Clovis on Monday, and we landed two limits of trout ranging from 14 inches to 5 pounds on Dick’s Koke Busters in orange or purple behind the new Doc Barb Mountain Flashers.” Nichols added, “The Shaver Lake Trophy Trout Project’s trophy trout plant last week has carried on into this week with some very nice rainbows caught. Fish from 3 to 10 pounds have provided great action from both shore and for trollers.”
Shaver guide Todd Wittwer reported that his trips have provided his clients some great trout action, releasing nearly all the trophies safely back into the lake. He reported picking up six of the trophies on Dick’s Koke Busters in purple behind Dick’s Mountain Flashers. An assortment of Rocky Mountain Tackle along with Tasmanian Devil lures have been his go-to tackle most of the time. Besides the trophies, the holdover trout from last year have been fairly active. Mixed in with a couple browns in the 16- to 18- inch category make it possible to pick up a couple limits of mixed trout. The trophies have spread quickly since they were planted, and some have been found as far as Sierra Marina. There have been little sign of a Department of Fish and Wildlife plant.
But where are the kokanee? Wittwer reported that his guest fishing with him Friday picked up one kokanee along with several trout including trophies along with yearling rainbows and browns on a catch-and-release day. He expected the kokanee action to pick up as the water warms causing an increase in plankton. Great weather continues to be the norm. Shaver Marina moved into its cove a couple weeks ago but completed moving its docks on Saturday. Both marinas are fully equipped with rentals and tackle. The lake is at 77% with Huntington at 40%. The snowpack at Huntington remains impressive and launching a boat is next to impossible.
The annual Greg Mark’s Youth Derby is June 10 at the Edison Road 3 picnic area at Shaver Lake. Register at shaverlaketrophytrout.org.
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
The heavy snowpack is melting rapidly, but the traditional road opener on McKinley Grove Road will be pushed farther toward Memorial Day at the earliest as the gates remain locked. At least one trout plant was scheduled for Wishon within the past weeks.
Call: Wishon RV Park 865-5361
Ocean
Half Moon Bay
Rockfish 2 Striper 1 White seabass 1 Crab 2 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3
The Department of Fish and Wildlife distributed information regarding the recreational groundfish “offshore-only” season opener on May 15 in the San Francisco (Point Arena to Pigeon Point) and Mendocino (Cape Mendocino to Point Arena) fisheries (content.govdelivery.com/accounts/CNRA/bulletins/35a43d4):
“Groundfish Management Areas (GMA) where, for the first time in over two decades, anglers can enjoy fishing for groundfish in deeper offshore waters. The new “offshore-only” season will be in effect seaward (away from land) of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA) boundary line, defined by a series of straight lines connecting specific coordinates. This change will provide access to healthy deeper water shelf and slope rockfish species and lingcod while prohibiting the take and/or possession of nearshore rockfish species, cabezon and greenlings. Anglers should use the following link to access the specific location of the 50-fathom curve – cdfw.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c00c82e1f32a49e99c747e2411e3439e. Anglers can view closed areas utilizing CDFW’s Ocean Sport Fishing Interactive Web Map.
“Anglers can view closed areas utilizing CDFW’s Ocean Sport Fishing Interactive Web Map.Anglers are encouraged to learn nearshore rockfish species and groundfish identification skills as retention or possession of nearshore rockfish species during the ‘offshore-only’ season is prohibited. Take of bronzespotted rockfish, cowcod and yelloweye rockfish continues to be prohibited year-round in all areas and depths.
“In the Northern GMA (California-Oregon state line to Cape Mendocino), the recreational groundfish ‘all-depth’ season will be open from May 15 through Oct. 15 and will allow access to nearshore rockfish, cabezon, and greenling along with deeper shelf and slope rockfish species and lingcod. From July 16 through Dec. 31 the San Francisco and Mendocino GMAs will change to an ‘all-depth’ season as well. The authorization to fish for groundfish in the offshore or “all-depth” seasons do not supersede state and federal marine protected areas or other special area closures.
Note that if you are leaving from a port in a closed or partially closed GMA you may not be able to transit back with fish taken in an adjacent GMA. Per CCR T14 §27.20(b)(1)(A) and §27.20(c), when a species or species group is closed to take and/or possession in part of a GMA, that species or species group may be possessed aboard a vessel in transit through the part of the GMA that is closed if there is no fishing gear deployed in the water. However, that vessel cannot transit into another GMA if that entire GMA is closed to the take of the species or species groups that are in possession onboard the vessel, regardless of where the fish were taken or if fishing gear was deployed or not. For example, the Central GMA is open in all depths and all groundfish species may be taken and possessed in the area from May 1 through Sept. 30. From May 15 through July 15, the San Francisco GMA is open only seaward of 50 fathoms and per CCR T14 §27.35(b)(2)(B) the take and/or possession of nearshore rockfish, cabezon or greenlings is prohibited in the entire GMA. An angler may not legally take and retain nearshore rockfish, cabezon or greenlings onboard a vessel in the open Central GMA and then transit into the San Francisco GMA during this time. However, they can legally take and retain shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod in the Central GMA and then transit into the San Francisco GMA during this time. Between July 16 and Sept. 30, when both the San Francisco and Central GMAs have the same all-depth and groundfish regulations, anglers may fish and transit between GMAs.
“Similarly, anglers should exercise caution if transiting between the Northern and Mendocino GMA. The Northern GMA is open in all depths and all groundfish species may be taken and possessed in the area from May 15 through Oct. 15. From May 15 through July 15, the Mendocino GMA is open only seaward of 50 fathoms and per CCR T14 §27.30(b)(2)(B) the take and/or possession of nearshore rockfish, cabezon or greenlings is prohibited in the entire GMA. An angler may not legally take and retain nearshore rockfish, cabezon or greenlings onboard a vessel in the open Northern GMA and then transit into the Mendocino GMA during this time. Between July 16 and Oct. 15, when both the Northern and Mendocino GMAs have the same ‘all-depth’ and groundfish regulations, anglers may fish and transit between GMAs.
“Regulations provide an exemption for divers and shore-based anglers from the boat-based season restrictions affecting rockfish and other federally managed groundfish and allows for year-round diving and shore-based angling.
“All recreational GMAs in California are scheduled for up to five and a half months of ‘all-depth’ fishing time in 2023. The 2023 fishing seasons for the GMAs are:
Southern Groundfish Management Area: Closed Jan. 1-March 31; ’All-Depth’ Season April 1 - Sept. 15; ’Offshore-only’ Season Sept. 16 - Dec. 31
Central Groundfish Management Area: Closed Jan. 1-April 30; ‘All-Depth’ Season May 1-Sept. 30; ’Offshore-only’ Season: Oct. 1-Dec. 31
San Francisco Groundfish Management Area: Closed Jan. 1-May 14; ’Offshore-only’ Season May 15-July 15; ’All-Depth’ Season July 16-Dec. 31
Mendocino Groundfish Management Area: Closed Jan. 1 - May 14; “Offshore-only” Season May 15 - July 15; “All-Depth” Season July 16 - Dec. 31
Northern Groundfish Management Area: Closed Jan. 1 - May 14; “All-Depth” Season May 15 - Oct. 15; Closed Oct. 16 - Dec. 31
For more detailed information on the new 2023 recreational groundfish regulations visit CDFW’s 2023 Summary of Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations web page. For information on groundfish fishery science, management and other frequently asked questions, please visit CDFW’s Marine Region Groundfish web page.”
Perch fishing from the shorelines or crabbing from the Pacifica Pier or surrounding beaches remain the highlight as the salmon closure has hit this port particularly hard. The local rockfish season starts on May 15 through July 15 seaward of the 50-fathom curve before opening up July 16 at any depth until Dec. 31. The New Captain Pete has left the harbor to target halibut inside of San Francisco Bay out of Oyster Point, and he has been scoring limits of the flatfish with some bonus striped bass. Crab limits are possible off of the Pacifica Pier with snares loaded with anchovies, squid, or sardines.
Call: Captain Michael Cabanas, New Captain Pete (510) 677-7054; Captain Chris Chang, Ankeny Street (650) 279-8819; Captain Bill Smith, Riptide (650) 728-8433; Half Moon Bay Sport Fishing, Queen of Hearts (510) 581-2628
Monterey/Santa Cruz
Rockfish 3 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, “Weather and waves are finally settling down allowing boaters to access deep reef rockfishing spots in Monterey Bay. All areas beyond 300 feet of water were closed to anglers who pursue RCG Complex species (rockfish, cabezon and greenling) since 2012 statewide, and for even longer in some specific areas, including Monterey Bay. The obvious benefit of these new open areas is, they have experienced no fishing pressure for all this time. Specific types of rockfish make their homes within specific depth ranges. Those fish that only inhabit the deep water have been unmolested for decades in some spots. This makes for abundant populations for us to target beyond the shallow areas we’ve been allowed to fish over the past decade or longer.”
With reports rolling in from the charter fishing boats, it appears that the chili pepper rockfish is the most abundant of these deepwater rockfish. JT Thomas from Go Fish Santa Cruz Charters recorded quick and easy limits on his trips this week, fishing in 300-400 feet of water outside of Santa Cruz. On Sunday, Thomas reported,”Today we fished the deep waters where the clients caught big vermillion, green spot, chili peppers and capachio. The petrale sole were on the bite.” Chili peppers average around 3 pounds each, and Thomas informed us the yield is much higher with the chilis than, for instance, vermilion rockfish. “We get twice as much meat from a chili than we do from a verm,” Thomas says. “The deckhands also love them because they filet like wrapping paper,” he added.
Rodney Armstrong from Santa Cruz Coastal Fishing Charters has been counting quick limits of chili peppers and other assorted rockfish from the deep reefs as well. Armstrong agrees with the increased yield aspect of these schooling bottomfish and is even more excited about the quality of chili peppers for eating. “They just have a better texture and taste than any other rockfish in my opinion,” Armstrong stated. As the weather and winds settle down over these next few weeks, we all expect this deep water bite continue strong. And, as the weeks roll by, anglers will be remembering or discovering all those hot spots out there that haven’t been fished for years.”
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 3 Rockfish 3 Leopard shark 2 Sturgeon 2
Halibut fishing remains ‘as good as it gets’ with nearly every party boat returning with three-fish limits of halibut over the weekend. In addition to the halibut limits, two-fish limits of striped bass have also been commonplace. Third-generation Captain Joey Smith, second captain of the Happy Hooker out of Berkeley Marina, took his very first trip as a captain on Saturday, and he beat his father, Chris, and uncle, James, back to the harbor by 1:30 p.m. with 18 limits of halibut and a bonus 18 striped bass. Captain Jerad Davis of the Salty Lady out of Sausalito has also been loading up with limits of halibut along with bonus striped bass, and he said, “I haven’t seen halibut fishing like this before, and I have been doing this for a while. The interesting thing about this year is that nearly every halibut is over the 22-inch mark. In the past, we would catch 8 to 10 flatties before we picked up a legal one, but it’s been all legal fish this year.” Captain Ron Koyasako of Nautilus Excursions out of San Francisco said, “Every party boat came through with limits of halibut on Saturday, and I was out with four anglers including Johnny Wang, manager of Turner’s Outdoorsmen in Stockton, and we loaded up with limits of halibut to 12 pounds along with limits of striped bass. After scoring the halibut limits, we saw some birds and went over and chummed up some live bait to get the stripers on the surface. It was light’s out.” Captain Steve Mitchell of Hook’d Up Sport Fishing out of Berkeley has also been getting in on the incredible halibut action with limits on his trips this week to the south bay.
The only limiting factor over the weekend was that the San Francisco
bait dock ran out of bait on Saturday morning by 7 a.m. as the line was stretched far outside of the harbor. After being out of bait on Sunday, they were back in business on Monday morning with their receivers filled once again. However, if you plan on heading over for live bait on weekend mornings, you better get to the bait dock very early. J and P Bait in at Pier 47 in San Francisco is open seven days per week from 6 to 9 a.m. Monday through Thursday and from 5 to 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday.
Due to the salmon closure leading to intense pressure on the California halibut from commercial rod and reel, recreational party boats, and private boaters, the Department of Fish and Wildlife will propose a temporary change to a halibut bag limit of two-fish over 22 inches per day during the upcoming Fish and Game Commission on Thursday, May 17.
The rockfish season opened on May 15 seaward of 50 fathoms before opening at all depths starting July 16. Captain Chris Smith of the Pacific Dream out of Berkeley was out there in rough conditions on the opener, and he said, “We came close to limits, if not limits, of huge vermilion, chili pepper, canary, yellowtail, and Boccaccio rockfish. These are some of the largest vermilion that I have ever seen as the grade of fish was amazing. There was a southerly wind that made for a difficult drift, but we were still able to get the rockfish along with three ling cod. We also landed three black cod (sablefish) and they are delicious. The conditions look much better on Wednesday, and we will be out there every day there is enough interest as these grounds haven’t been touched in 20 years.” Jerad Davis of the Salty Lady out of Sausalito will also be targeting deep water rockfish.
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 in this section of the coast at all depths through Sept. 30. The Black Pearl and Fiesta out of Virg’s Landing in Morro Bay were out on ½-day trips on Sunday with a combined 39 passengers for limits of rockfish consisting of 156 vermilion, 202 assorted rockfish, and 32 Boccaccio. Also out of Morro Bay, the Endeavor was out on a ½-day trip on Sunday with 18 anglers for limits consisting of 72 vermilion, 90 assorted rockfish, and 18 Boccaccio along with an 8-pound ling cod landed by Amanda Jones of Bakersfield at Point Estero. Out of Patriot Sport Fishing in Port San Luis, the Patriot, Flying Fish, and Phenix were out on Sunday on trips ranging from ½- to ¾-day with a combined 28 passengers for 21 vermilion, one copper, 6 Boccaccio, 2 Bolina, 205 assorted rockfish, a halibut, and 4 ling cod to 5 pounds for a total of 241 fish.
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 at 805webcams.com.
Call: Virg’s Landing (800) 762-5263; Patriot Sport Fishing (805) 595-4100; Morro Bay Landing
Others
Delta/Stockton
Bass 2 Striper 3 Sturgeon 2 Catfish 2 Bluegill 3
Striped bass continue to be the main focus on both the Sacramento and San Joaquin side of the California Delta as the stripers are heading both up into the spawning grounds along with running back downstream towards the bays. With the high water, the striped bass should continue to migrate through the Delta throughout the summer months.
Jeff Soo Hoo of Soo Hoo’s Sport Fishing out of Lauritzen’s Yacht Harbor in Oakley said, “A number of stripers have been spawning in the San Joaquin River as they have been less interested in eating on Sunday. The males are following up a female when it is hooked, and we saw better fish hugging tight to the bottom. Sunday’s action was completely different than on Saturday as there was a much smaller grade of lineside, but Saturday was outstanding with the fish both eating spoons or live bait. There are plenty of fish out there, but the conditions were difficult on Sunday with the wind and the lack of an incoming tide. With all of the fresh water coming down the river, the incoming tide has been limited when it is small. The action should continue for the next few months.”
Randy Pringle, the Fishing Instructor, found great action for striped bass during the week, also on the San Joaquin side, with 35 linesides landed using Optimum’s Bad Bubba Shad swimbait or P-Line’s Laser Minnow spoons.
Alan Fong of Alan Fong’s Outdoors continues to find great action for striped bass in the north Delta with River2Sea’s Swavers in shallow water. After landing enough stripers, they have also been picking up limits of largemouth bass to over 20 pounds. The water in the main Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers is starting to clear up, and the largemouth bass are in all stages of the spawn. The bass bite continues to improve on a weekly basis, and the reaction bite is ready to break out.
Sturgeon fishing remains a viable option although few anglers are targeting the diamondbacks right now. Captain Steve Mitchell of Hook’d Up Sport Fishing was out on Sunday for ‘plenty of action’ including a slot-limit sturgeon, three shakers, and many, many missed opportunities. He has put his clients onto as many as four limits on recent trips. Hook’d Up is offering sturgeon specials on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday for $1000 for six anglers.
Wednesday, May 16 is an important day for Delta sturgeon anglers as the Department of Fish and Wildlife is holding a virtual public meeting on California’s white sturgeon fishery from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. White sturgeon biology, fishery history, current status and management, and challenges they face will be addressed by department staff. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask scientists questions about sturgeon and provide input on their present and future hopes for the fishery. The link to the online meeting is at wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Fishes/Sturgeon.
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 1 Striper 0 Catfish 3 Crappie 2 Bluegill 2 Trout 2
At Nacimiento, the lake remains high at 94%. The bass are primarily in post-spawn after the recent full moon. Plastics on a shakey-head, Texas-rig, drop-shot, or on a jig head remain the best techniques. Crappie are found on structures with small 2-inch swimbaits, grubs, or minijigs. A webcam of the lake is at 805webcams.com/lake-nacimiento-live-webcam. Lopez Lake remains high and spilling at 100.2%. The flooded brush is scattering the bass as there are numerous new food sources. Plastics on a variety of presentations or Senkos are working from the bank to 10 feet in the grass. Trout plants will continue through the summer months, and this will help both trout fishermen along with bass anglers willing to throw big swimbaits. Anglers can view a live webcam of the lake at 805webcams.com/lopez-lake-webcam. Santa Margarita is also spilling at 100.2%, and bass fishing has been fair at best on reaction lures with the best technique being plastics on a variety of presentations or Senkos near the shorelines. A webcam of the lake is at 805webcams.com/santa-margarita-lake-webcam-california. At San Antonio, the lake has started to recede, and it is currently at 70%. The lake is muddy with debris on the surface, and it will take some time to clear before fishing is back in action. Once the lake clears, fishing could be as good as it has been in recent memory for bass, catfish, and crappie.
Reminder: consuming white bass, black bass, crappie, catfish, or carp are subject to safe eating guidelines due to excessive mercury.
Events
May 27 – Fishermen’s Expo at Modesto Toyota from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fishing pond for youth, seminars and product giveaways.
Tournament Results
Delta/Russo’s Marina – State TBF High School Championship - May 13: 1st – Mateo Garcia/Ian Bassin of San Joaquin Bassmasters – 19.26 (Big Fish – 7.42).
Lake Amador – 17/90 Bass Club - May 13: 1st – Mike/Danny – 15.76(Big Fish – 4.10); 2nd – Jason/Brett – 11.51; 3rd – Dave/Roy – 10.86.
Lake Tulloch – Yak A’ Bass - May 13: 1st – Yenhoua Yang – 86.50 inches; 2nd – Jacob Dasher – 86.00 inches; 3rd – Paul Mata – 84.25 inches.
Don Pedro – Best Bass Tournaments - May 13: 1st – Dayne Mendes/Derek Smith – 22.65 pounds (Big Fish – 12.87); 2nd – Dan Byker/Joe Overley– 16.48; 3rd – Lee and Jim Miller – 14.97.
Santa Margarita – Golden Empire Bass Club- May 13: 1st – Jerry Estep– 14.25 pounds; 2nd – Richard Carrier/David Heine – 13.10; 3rd – Nathan Towes/David Childress – 12.65. Big Fish - Phil Yoshikawa/Jim Myers – 5.10 largemouth bass.
Upcoming Tournaments (Dates and locations subject to change)
May 19-21
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Wild West Bass Trails Pro/Am
May 20
Delta/Contra Costa County – Sierra Bass Club
Camanche – Riverbank Bass Anglers
Lake Pardee – Kokanee Power Youth Derby
Tulloch - Nor Cal Bass
McClure – Yak-A-Bass
Pine Flat – Central Valley Kayak Fishing
Isabella – American Bass Association
Brite Valley Reservoir – Tehachapi Valley Recreation
Nacimiento – Bakersfield Bass Club/SLO Bass Ambushers
Santa Margarita – Kern County Bass Masters
May 21
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Modesto Ambassadors/Kings River Bass Club
Camanche – Fresno Bass Club
New Melones – Kings VIII Bass Club
Don Pedro – Slay Nation Tournaments
May 27
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Nor Cal Bass Club
June 2
Delta/Big Break Marina – Bass N’ Fly
June 3-4
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Best Bass Tournaments
Delta/B and W Resort – California Bass Nation
Don Pedro – Modesto Ambassadors
June 3
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Nor Cal Bass
New Melones – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments
New Melones – Kokanee Power Team Tournament
Don Pedro – 17/90 Bass Club
Eastman – Kerman Bass Club
Kaweah – Bakersfield Bass Club
Santa Margarita – Best Bass Tournaments
June 7
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Bertolli Disposal
June 10-11
Delta/B and W Resort – Fresno Bass Club
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Angler’s Press
New Melones – California Bass Federation
Don Pedro – Best Bass Tournaments
Pine Flat – Kings River Bass Club
June 10
Delta/B and W Resort – Manteca Bassin’ Buddies
New Hogan – Nor Cal Bass
McClure – Sierra Bass Club
Shaver Lake – Shaver Lake Trophy Trout Project Youth Derby
Isabella – Kern County Bass Masters
Santa Margarita – San Luis Obispo County Bass Ambushers
June 11
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Kings VIII Bass Club
New Melones – Modesto Ambassadors/Slay Nation Kayak Tournament
June 14
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Bertolli Disposal
June 15
Salt Springs – Slay Nation Kayak Tournament
June 17
New Melones – American Bass Association
Don Pedro – Wild West Bass Trails
Kaweah – Central Valley Kayak Fishing
Isabella – Golden Empire Bass Club
Santa Margarita – 805 Bass Addicts
June 21
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Bertolli Disposal
June 23-24
Delta/Big Break Marina – Yak A’ Bass
June 23
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Stanislaus County Sheriff’s
June 24
Pardee- Central Valley Angler’s Kokanee Tournament
Don Pedro – Valley Backlashers
Isabella – American Bass Association
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
