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Fishing Report 2-12-20
cal fishing
You must have a fishing license to enjoy fishing, regardless of whether you intend to keep any fish you catch.

What a difference a week can make. The last couple of days have been beautiful. There has been a little wind, but not enough to keep me from wanting to get out. The trees are starting to blossom which is an indicator to me that spring is here. Spring can be a tricky time to catch fish, as a lot of them are focused on only one thing, spawning. There are three phases to a spawn. The first phase is pre spawn, where they seek the perfect spawning site and prepare it for the laying of eggs. The second is the actual spawn, where the eggs are laid and fertilized. The third is post spawn. Post spawn is spent recovering from the spawn, and at the same time protecting the young fry. The spawn itself is incredibly tough on both the male and female fish. It’s amazing either of them survive to spawn again. If you’re lucky enough to catch a spawning fish, please put it back. Releasing spawning fish will ensure that we have something to fish for in years to come.

 

Delta Report:

Right now, the bass fishing is really starting to show signs of picking up. The outgoing tide is the best right now. Once the tide bottoms so has the fishing. In recent tournaments the overall average has increased and several fish over five pounds are being weighed in. The water clarity is almost gin clear in a lot of places, temperatures have risen, and our next full moon should create an awesome bite. Fishing for striped bass remains tough, very few reports of fish being caught are coming in right now.

 

New Melones Lake:

Trout fishing continues to be tough. I’ve been fishing the lake regularly and there have been very few boats on the lake fishing for trout. Those that I’ve seen fishing for trout are having a tough time putting together a pattern. Most anglers trolling for trout are catching spotted bass and crappie. Bass fishing is good for those fishing from 10 to 30 feet deep. Some of my best bites have been while fishing underspins, swing head jigs, and darter heads. This is the time of the year that swimbait fisherman have been waiting for. Any day now someone is surely going to catch a big one.

 

Lake Don Pedro:

The swimbait bite has started to turn on turned on several trophy sized fish have been caught this past week while tossing an 8-inch Huddleston Swimbait. Jigs fished between 10 and 20 feet deep has been the most consistent of baits right now along with drop shotting and darter heading a small plastic worm. Trout fishing continues to be tough for anglers. The bite should turn on any day now as the days have become longer and the water has begun to warm up a bit.

 

Lake Pardee:

One of my favorite lakes is opening back up soon. Lake Pardee is scheduled to open for fishing on February 14 and open for camping on February 13. While the lake was closed, there have been several trout plants that should provide for a good bite once the lake opens.

 

Lake Amador:

Trout fishing is excellent right now for anglers fishing off the bank and by boat. Most trout are being caught while fishing the top ten feet of water. Anglers trolling are trolling shad imitating lures to the backs of the creeks.

 

Lake Camanche:

Trout fishing remains good for anglers fishing the pond and for those fishing the lake. Anglers are doing well while fishing from the surface down to 25 feet deep. Bass fishing is improving. Anglers are starting to catch a few fish shallow on jigs and small plastics worked slowly along the bottom.

 

Tip of the Week:

This time of year, the weather is so unpredictable, I recommend that you not only dress in layers but bring an extra pair of clothing. Rain gear is also a must, especially if you’re planning on fishing any of the mountain lakes. Spring may be one of the most beautiful seasons to be outdoors, it also can be one of the most dangerous if you’re not prepared.