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Fishing Report 1/2/19
fishing report

This year for my annual trip to Arizona, I’ve decided to finally take my boat with me. For the past 20 years, I’ve wanted to bring my boat but my plans always seemed to fall through. There were a couple of things that took place during my last visit that made the decision easier. Most importantly, I was able to find a place to store my boat. Thanks to the internet, I was also able to connect with a local fisherman in Arizona. I already have a fishing trip scheduled the day after I arrive. I’m guessing my drive to Arizona while towing my boat is going to take around 12 hours. I’ve personally never towed anything that far. I’ve driven once 26 hours to West Texas but that was without a boat in tow. I’ve done just about everything I could to ensure that I don’t have any mechanical breakdowns and loaded my truck with all the necessary tools just in case something comes up. Now the only thing left to do is drive.

 

Delta:

Fishing for bass has been tough for a lot of anglers as very few limits are being caught. Those targeting bass are fishing mainly with jigs and crawdad imitating baits. Fishing for stripers is tough right now as very little schooling activity is being reported. Schools of stripers are being found by anglers fishing Sycamore and Hog Slough. Bluegill fishing continues to be good for anglers fishing around docks and marinas with wax worms.

 

Lake New Melones:

Trout fishing is great, anglers are still bringing in limits while fishing off the bank. Currently the hot bait has been Power Bait. Trollers are catching fish up shallow but they have been a lot smaller than the ones caught off the bank. Because of this, a lot of boaters have chosen to drift live minnows under a bobber in the backs of coves in order to target the bigger trout. Angels Cove and Glory Hole Cove have been the hot areas recently for trout. Bass fishing remains consistent as the bass have moved deeper. The bigger bass are being caught by swimbaits as they are definitely following the trout up shallow. For numbers try targeting points and backs of creeks with soft plastics and jigs.

 

Lake Don Pedro:

The trout bite is good right now for anglers fishing from the surface down to 25 feet deep. Anglers are targeting the bigger fish that are combing the bank while using side planers and trolling a variety of shad imitating lures. Bass fishing has slowed right now as anglers are struggling to find a consistent bite anywhere on the lake. There have been a few anglers that have been able to catch fish on spoons while searching for schooling fish.

 

Lake Camanche:

Fishing for trout is very good right now both in the lake and in the pond. Anglers fishing for trout are doing well will fishing with Power Bait or casting various trout imitating lures along the bank. Bass fishing has been steady for anglers fishing offshore structure. Locating schools of bass following schools of shad seems to be the key to catching them right now. Once the schools are found anglers are fishing with either spoons or a drop shotted Robo Worm in a shad color.

 

Lake Amador:

Heavy loads of trout are being planted into the lake right now on what seems like a daily basis. Anglers fishing off the bank are doing well while using Power Bait either fished off the bottom or beneath a bobber. Anglers trolling for trout are doing well while trolling broken back Rapalas.

 

Tip of the Week:

Unfortunately, there has been an increase in thefts to anglers and their equipment. Personally, I’ve yet to have anything stolen from my boat but have had various items stolen from my truck and trailer while I was out enjoying a day of fishing. All spare tires should be locked and if you have any valuables stored inside the cab of your truck make sure that it is out of sight. Lastly, don’t assume your vehicle is safe while parked inside a gated launching facility. When it comes to preventing theft, it is better to be over protected than under protected.