Several friends of mine have recently damaged their boats while out boating in our local lakes. The water levels are falling so fast that there’s no way that lake management can keep up with marking all the hazardous areas. Personally, I’ve chosen to stay away from certain lakes. Launching conditions are the worst they’ve been in a long time and with the water being so low, there’s just not enough water to get away from the crowds of boats. My advice to any of you planning on going out before the summer is over is to research the current water conditions first and then make your decision. I hate to say it but if you’re not willing to drive a little further or stay in the Delta, you may be better of waiting out the current drought.

Delta Report:

With water temperatures dropping and as the days become shorter the fishing should be getting better. Currently bass are being caught on just about anything. Reaction baits such as rattle traps and spinnerbaits are producing lots of numbers right now. Stripers are starting to make their way into some of the flooded islands such as Franks Tract, Big Break, and Mildred Island. Anglers are using cut bait and trolling for Stripers; the bite isn’t wide open yet but is improving steadily.

New Melones Lake:

Trout fishing continues to be good right now, as the water temperatures drop even more look for the trout to start following the bait closer to the surface. The best fishing continues to be at night for anglers fishing underneath a submersible light. Most of the trout being caught are being found between 20 and 30 feet deep. Bass fishing has slowed down recently; smaller fish are being caught on small plastics during the day. Catfishing is still really good for anglers fishing off the bank at night while soaking anchovies or chicken livers.

Lake Don Pedro:

Trout fishing remains good right now with most trout being caught by trollers. Anglers are trolling between 40 and 50 feet deep with Apex spoons. Bass fishing is slow right now; there are a lot of smaller fish being caught but very few of any size. Anglers are currently catching bass while drop shotting and spooning anywhere between 25 and 35 feet deep.

Lake Pardee:

Currently there is very little fishing pressure during the week for anglers fishing for trout. The fishing is slow right now especially during the midday hours. Your best bet is getting there first thing in the morning. Anglers are having luck catching small limits of kokanee while trolling between 30 and 50 feet deep. Bass fishing is slow right now; those catching fish are targeting schools of fish found as deep as 30 feet while using small plastic worms. Catfishing is good right now on the lake for those who are using either chicken livers or sardines. Most of the catfish are being found in the backs of coves.

Lake Camanche:

Trout fishing is very slow right now. Bass fishing continues to be good for those fishing traditional summer patterns. Topwater baits are working well early in the morning and late in the day. During the day anglers are catching limits of fish while tossing crankbaits or small plastic worms. Catfishing is also good right now on the lake for those fishing off the bank with night crawlers or anchovies.

Tip of the Week:

Late summer is an interesting time of the year; you’d be surprised at what works this time of year. As far as bait selection, don’t be afraid to try something new or something a little out of the ordinary. I’ve had some great times fishing this time of year while using untraditional baits. While everyone seems to be tossing the same thing try something different, you may be surprised at what you catch.