Fishing in the heat of the summer is something I rarely do anymore. There was a time when I would be out there from sunrise to sunset with nothing to protect my skin other than a baseball cap. Call it what you want, I’d much rather be sitting under the shade somewhere during the hottest part of the day. If I did have to be out there all day in the heat, there are more clothing options today than I had while growing up. Over the past few years there’s been an increase in products designed to protect us from ultraviolet rays. I personally have a sun gaiter which covers my face and neck. I also wear a lightweight long sleeve shirt. Depending on which brand you buy, you can spend as little as $10 to protect your skin without having to lather on a bunch of sunblock. The material is also so lightweight that it can be stored just about anywhere. I keep mine in one of my tackle bags.

Delta:

There’s a good reaction bite right now for those tossing crank baits, buzz baits, and top water frogs. Once the sun is up, look for any grass that is located near or around deeper tulle points and try flipping jigs or any other creature baits in or around the grass. Current is also important this time of year as moving water is a little cooler, moves the bait around, and contains more oxygen.

New Melones Lake:

Kokanee fishing continues to be tough for a lot of anglers. There are very few fish being caught right now and most of those are while fishing for other species. Bass fishing remains fair for numbers of smaller fish with the bigger ones being few and far between. Anglers are doing well while tossing Zoom Flukes and jigs to the edge of visible mud lines. Anglers drop shotting are also doing well while fishing between 25 and 40 feet deep. Catfishing has been good for those fishing at night with traditional catfish baits. Bluegill and crappie continue to bite for those fishing with either a minnow or worm under a bobber in the backs of coves.

Lake Amador:

Later in the day and early in the morning schooling fish can be spotted throughout the lake feeding on shad. This type of feeding activity can lead to some of the most exciting top water action an angler can find. Just make sure to wait for the school to become active before tossing your lure into the frenzy. If you don’t wait for the fish to begin feeding you may scare the school off. Night fishing remains good for those fishing large power worms and spinnerbaits.

Lake Don Pedro:

Surprisingly there is a very good bite for anglers fishing for trout. Anglers trolling for trout are doing well while trolling shad-patterned spoons between 30 and 40 feet deep. Kokanee fishing has been tough lately forcing anglers to switch over to trout.

Bass fishing for numbers is good right now on small worms during the day and top water lures during the morning and evening hours.

Lake Camanche:

The bite is good right now for those fishing for bluegill and bass. Bass are being caught right now just about anywhere on the lake, with rocky points being the best spots. Lures that are being used are spinner baits and crank baits, while the bigger fish are being caught by those dragging plastics along the bottom. Bluegills are being caught shallow by those fishing with red worms in the backs of bays.

Lake Amador:

Most of the fishing is taking place during the night. Very few anglers are fishing the lake during the daytime. Anglers are currently catching bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and a few trout all while fishing through the night.

Tip of the Week:

There are a lot of great deals on Amazon.com when searching for sun protective clothing. If you can’t wait that long, you can also purchase clothing at most of your local tackle shops. As the old saying goes “you get what you pay for,” by spending a little more, I’ve been completely satisfied with what I currently have.