There’s and old saying that goes “someone’s always going to catch fish.” This is especially true on the Delta. This past weekend seemed like the perfect day to get out fishing, I couldn’t have asked for better fishing conditions. The fish on the other hand weren’t cooperating, causing me to struggle to put a limit in the boat. Once at the boat ramp I could overhear other boaters that had similar struggles. Then of course I got home and looked at some of that day’s tournament weights and realized that there were quite a few anglers that had excellent days. As much as I’d hate to admit it, some of my favorite areas just aren’t what they used to be. It’s time to venture out a bit and find something new. As anglers, we get comfortable fishing certain areas, often fishing for fish that are no longer there. This to me explains why someone from other parts of the country can visit here and out fish some of our best local anglers.
Delta Report:
The bite is very good right now, a lot of quality sized bass have been moving shallow to feed and spawn. The key to catching the bigger fish has been finding not only the right area but being there when the tide is just starting to go out. This time of year it’s also very important to make several passes over a bank where you just caught a fish. Senko’s are working well right now as well as spinnerbaits and jigs. Once the tide bottoms out try fishing the outside weed lines or targeting noticeable clearings within the weed beds.
New Melones Lake:
The crappie bite is improving on the lake as anglers are targeting submerged trees with live minnows and crappie jigs. The key to finding the good trees has been finding the ones that are around areas where there is running water or next to spawning flats. Trout fishing has slowed down as the water temperature is in the low 60s. Bass fishing steadily increases as more fish have made their move shallow for the spawn. Senko’s and baitfish imitating reaction baits are working well from the surface down to 35 feet deep.
Lake Don Pedro:
The bass bite has been great lately; a lot of reports of anglers catching over 20 fish a day while using rip baits, jigs, and spinnerbaits. For sheer numbers the drop shot or shaky head with a 4- to 6-inch Robo Worm worked from the bank down to 30 feet should bring in a lot of fish. Try searching the bank as well as there are sure to be some fish that have moved shallow for the spawn.
Lake Pardee:
Bass fishing is hit or miss for some anglers. With the lake quickly becoming a favorite of many swim bait fishermen there’s been plenty of boat traffic over the past few weekends. If all possible, try getting out on the lake during the week. The water is gin clear so make sure to make long casts and use more natural baits. Trout fishing is fair right now as anglers are catching trout and kokanee while trolling from the surface down to 20 feet deep. There are still a lot of trout being planted and caught in the boat launch cove on Power Bait.
New Hogan Lake:
Fishing for bass is good right now. Trick worms rigged on a shaky head is a hard bait to beat right now. No sign of stripers yet but there are large schools of bluegill that can be found around bedding areas which can be caught on worms.
Lake Amador:
The lake is still being stocked weekly and is almost full. Trout fishing is good right now for anglers fishing off the bank with Power Bait. Anglers trolling are also having luck while trolling from the surface down to 15 feet deep.
Tip of the Week:
One of the biggest mistakes anglers make this time of year is fishing a productive area only once. Especially during the spring months fish move up and down the water column in search of spawning areas.