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Fishing Report
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Fishing on the Delta is often a fishing experience unlike any other. I used to joke around with friends, telling them that anything that they needed could be found while fishing the Delta. Unfortunately I’ve seen some pretty bad cases of pollution and dumping in one of our best local fisheries. I’ve reeled up my fair share of plastic bags, shoes, clothing, and even caught a fish that was spawning on the hood of a sunken car. As much trash that makes its way into the Delta, I’m surprised that it continues to be the bass fishery that it is. Newton’s third law states “that for every action there’s an equal or opposite reaction.” Somewhere within the Delta’s ecosystem there’s definitely a species that’s impacted by all the littering. The littering combined with the increased populations of invasive species, I’m wondering how much longer before the Delta is no longer fishable.

 

Delta Report:

Bass fishing has been surprisingly tough for a lot of anglers. The bite is definitely not as wide open as expected for this time of year. Try tossing senko’s when the wind is down and, craw patterned crank baits or spinnerbaits when the wind picks up. The topwater frog bite has also started to pick up so make sure to have one of those tied on as well. Crappie and bluegill have made their way shallow; now’s the time to get out there and catch a big one right before they spawn. There have also been some reports of anglers doing well trolling broken back rebels in the West Delta.

 

New Melones Lake:

All the reports of trout being caught have been from those trolling between 25 and 50 feet deep. Not many bank fishermen are catching trout right now as the trout have vacated the shallows. Bass fishing has really started to pick up for a lot of anglers. Many fish have made their way shallow and have become very aggressive. Anglers have reported catching anywhere from 20 to 30 fish per outing. An increased number of fish have also been seen lately preparing to spawn or spawning in the backs of coves.

 

Lake Don Pedro:

Trout fishing has also been fair for anglers trolling in the top 30 feet of water early in the day. Some anglers are even reporting catching a few kokanee mixed in while trolling for trout. Bass fishing remains good right now as the fish are in all three levels of the spawn right now. All baits seem to be working well right now for numbers. Recently there were trout released from the hatchery that are said to be making their way to the main lake.

 

Lake Pardee:

Anglers fishing in the launch ramp cove are still doing good while using Power Bait early in the day. Those anglers trolling for trout are catching them while trolling 10 to 30 feet deep. Bass fishing is really picking up as there are a lot of fish found up shallow either spawning or just feeding. Bass anglers are catching them on pretty much anything that they are throwing at them. There’s still a lot of debris in the water making it difficult for anglers trolling.

 

New Hogan Lake:

Anglers trolling for stripers are doing well while trolling between 20 to 30 feet deep with rolled shad and anchovies. Anglers are also doing well while trolling with umbrella rigs 100 feet behind their boats. Bass fishing is good as many bass have made their way shallow and can be caught on a variety of baits.

 

Upcoming Catfish Derby:

San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation and the Delta Fly Fishers will present a Catfish Derby on Saturday, June 2 at Oak Grove Regional Park in Stockton. Oak Grove’s 10-acre lake will open at 6:15 a.m. for the event. There is no registration fee for the event, however, a $5 fishing permit fee and valid CA fishing license are required for those sixteen (16) years of age or over. The $6 vehicle-parking fee will also apply, as do all State Fish and Game laws. Participants must supply their own fishing equipment. Prizes will be awarded in all categories (youth and adult competitions) and participation is limited to one type of competition. Registration closes at 10 a.m. and the last weigh-in is at 12:30 p.m. For more information, call (209) 331-2050.