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Fishing Report 04-08-15
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Why is it that every time the weather is absolutely perfect for fishing, that I have something else planned or I’m working? Then of course, when I finally get some time to get out fishing, a wind storm or some other type of change in the weather occurs. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my fair share of perfect weather days out on the water but they’re hard to come by, especially in the spring. I used to have a friend who told me that he was a fair weather fisherman. Needless to say, he didn’t get out fishing much. If you’re going to fish, you’re going to have to put up with changes in the weather. If I’ve learned anything about dealing with the weather, it’s that when the fish are biting, the weather all of a sudden doesn’t seem to be a problem anymore.

 

Delta Report:

Largemouth Bass continue to provide action for those fishing jigs, finding clearer water and banks protected from the wind and current seem to be what anglers are focusing on. Now is a good time to get out and toss a Senko around visible clearings in the tulles or submerged vegetation.

 

New Melones Lake:

The Trout bite has been reported as being off and on lately. Bass fishing has started to pick up with the average fish exceeding the two pound mark. There are plenty of bass up shallow; the bigger females can be found cruising but few have began to spawn. As the water warms more look for a lot more fish to move shallow. The Crappie bite is starting to improve as anglers fishing submerged trees or bushed in ten to fifteen feet of water are catching them on beetle spins or small minnows. The catfish bite is also starting to turn on as anglers soaking cut bait are starting to catch them. Glory Hole point still has the only paved launch ramp on the lake that is open for launching.

 

Lake Don Pedro:

Bass fishing is really good right now; anglers are catching large numbers of fish all over the lake on small plastics as well as crank baits. A lot of fish can be found right now up shallow in the backs of coves. Swim bait fish are still being caught but with all the fish getting ready to make their way onto the beds many anglers are choosing to work the banks with smaller baits. Fleming Meadows launch ramp is the only paved launch ramp available for launching currently on the lake.

 

Lake Pardee:

Bass fishing has been hit or miss for some as many anglers are abandoning traditional patterns and focusing on catching a big swim bait fish. Lipless rattle baits as well as other shad imitating baits casted far ahead are producing well. Anglers fishing reaction baits such as flukes are also having some luck. For kokanee and trout anglers are doing well while trolling from the surface down to 15 feet deep. Most anglers are opting for spinners right now as the trout have been more prevalent than the kokanee.

 

Lake Amador:

Trout plants continue weekly until Memorial Day. Right now there are plenty of trout to be caught up shallow for anglers using power bait. Bass fishing is starting to pick up as anglers are beginning to catch them shallow as well.

 

Tip of the Week:

Fluorocarbon line sinks a lot faster than regular monofilament line. When tying on certain baits, the advantage of using fluorocarbon is obvious. Crankbaits dive a little further, weightless baits such as Senko’s sink faster, and sensitivity is almost doubled. There are several good fluorocarbon lines out there, my personal favorite being Seaguar. The invisibility factor of fluorocarbon lines is still being tested. The stretch of fluorocarbon line is far less than monofilament, making fluorocarbon a good choice for several different applications.