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Fishing Report
fishing1

I finally get a break in my work schedule and guess what, the rain is back! I’m also coming down with the flu that’s going around. I just can’t seem to catch a break. I did manage to get out fishing on the Delta and it didn’t disappoint. The fish were initially a little tough to come by, but once we slowed down, we started to catch fish. This time on the Delta is especially fun because you can catch a little fish in one cast and possibly a giant the very next cast. We didn’t end up catching a giant but we did catch some that were above average in size. While out there we ran into a young angler who was having problems with his trolling motor. Upon further inspection, it was evident that not only was the trolling motor broken but he only had two bolts loosely securing it to the bow of his boat. He just paid over a thousand dollars for the motor and I’d hate to see him lose his motor to a couple of bolts. One very important lesson that I’ve learned as a boat owner is that it’s not easy or fun doing repairs once out on the water. It’s well worth the time and effort to ensure everything is done right. It’s also good practice to check the bolts on your boat and trailer occasionally.

 

Delta Report:

Striper and sturgeon fishing has been good lately out of the West Delta. Sherman Island for stripers has been producing well for those fishing between lights 11 and 12. Sturgeon are being caught while fishing salmon roe in the Montezuma area. Largemouth bass continue to provide action for those fishing jigs, finding clearer water and banks protected from the wind seem to be what anglers are targeting.

 

New Melones Lake:

Fishing for trout has been good lately for those fishing the lake. The bigger trout are being caught by those fishing off the bank. A lot of trout have made their way into the coves keeping those fishing with Power Bait busy. Bass fishing has started to really pick up lately with the average fish exceeding the two pound mark. Bass are being found actively feeding on shad and are being caught on a variety of baits. Some anglers are even reporting catching between 20 and 40 fish per day.

 

Lake Don Pedro:

The trout bite continues to pick up, Mexican Gulch, Big Oak, and Graveyard Bay seem to be the hot spots right now for anglers. Trout are being caught by those trolling within the top 25 feet with Uncle Larry’s Spinners. Large swimbait fish are being caught for those working points. The swimbait of choice seems to be the Huddleston Deluxe in a trout pattern. For those targeting smaller bass crankbaits and jigs have been producing decent limits of fish.

 

Lake Pardee:

Trout are being caught for those fishing the top 10 feet while trolling flashers with lures tipped with a partial scented grub or night crawler behind dodgers or sidekicks. Water levels are very high and visibility great. Some anglers are reporting a good kokanee bite way up the main river arm from the surface down to 10 feet deep. Bass fishing remains great for anglers working jigs through off shore structure.

 

Lake Amador:

The lake continues to be stocked weekly and is putting out some really nice trout. The lake is also nearly full which makes it nice for launching and fishing. Anglers fishing off the bank are catching them on Power Baits Mice Tails while anglers trolling are catching them on spinners.

 

Tip of the Week:

Believe it or not, one of the biggest enemies to your tackle is moisture. A lot of times while fishing we change baits and put old ones back into our tackle boxes wet and don’t even think twice about it. Then weeks later we return to that same bait to find out its hooks are rusted or dull. Because of this, I advise leaving the bait to air dry before placing it back into your tackle box or tray.