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Fishing Report
fishing1

Having a week off from work couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. Aside from a few gusts of wind, an occasional sea lion, and a little rain, my time out on the water has been great. I’ve been fishing mostly by myself, which has been just what the Dr. ordered. As the work year for me is beginning to wind down, there’s been a lot of time to reflect on a lot of things. Mostly, I’m thankful for having such an understanding spouse. I’m definitely not a marriage expert but at the beginning of our 20 years and counting relationship, we both made a promise to each other that we wouldn’t keep one another from pursuing our passions. Mine of course being fishing and coaching. My wife has never told me once that I couldn’t go fishing or coach a team, and likewise, I’ve never said no when she wanted to pursue her passion. It’s been difficult at times and sacrifices have had to be made by the both of us in support of one another but it’s a formula that’s worked for us.

 

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. With this past weekend’s full moon combined with rising water temperatures another large group of bass likely made their way into the spawning flats. 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 begun 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 bushes in 10 to 15 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.

 

Lake Don Pedro:

Bass fishing is fair right now. Anglers are catching smaller 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.

 

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 having to work hard while trolling from the surface down to 15 feet deep. Most anglers are opting for spinners as the trout have been biting more than the kokanee.

 

Lake Amador:

Weekly trout plants continue to fill the lake with hungry trout. 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.

 

Lake Camanche:

There was a recent plant of 1200 pounds of trout at the North Shore boat ramp. Anglers are fishing off the bank with power bait or tossing kastmasters for limits of trout. Those trolling for trout are doing well while trolling from the surface down to 20 feet deep. Bass fishing is starting to pick up as many bass are making their way shallow for the spawn. Anglers are having luck while fishing with Senko’s and bottom baits down to 25 feet deep.

 

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.