Several weeks ago I mentioned that I was in the market for a newer truck. My current truck had some paint issues but aside from that had low mileage and was in perfect operating condition. After much debate, I decided that it would be best just to get it painted. I ended up taking my truck in to get painted on a Monday and I received a call that Friday to let me know that it was ready to be picked up. I was amazed at the difference, I couldn’t have been happier with my decision to just get it painted. I have other vehicles that I own, but there’s something about a guy’s truck. I can’t help to not think about all the fishing and camping trips that I’ve made in my truck, the people that have been in my truck, and how excited I was the day I drove that truck off the car lot. Eventually, it will be time for another truck but for now I’m happy with the truck that I have.
Delta Report:
If you’re a bass fisherman, now is the time to get out on the Delta. The water temperature is just about right for the fish to start roaming the shallows. A large majority of the bass are being found while fishing near deep cuts that are close to spawning areas with jigs and creature baits. Striped bass fishing is okay for anglers trolling but anglers fishing with live or cut bait are having the most luck.
New Melones Lake:
Shore fishermen are still doing good while fishing with Power Bait for trout. Last week there were several trout over five pounds caught off the bank. Anglers fishing the bank are also starting to have luck while tossing lures such as Kastmasters and Rooster Tails. Trollers are also doing well while trolling down to 30 feet deep with shad patterned lures. Bass fishing has started to pick up as many fish are starting to make their migration towards the shallows. Swimbaits are still the lures of choice for those seeking a trophy bass. Anglers are also catching bass while fishing with jigs, worms, and brush hogs. Glory Hole Point still has the only paved launch ramp available on the lake.
Lake Don Pedro:
The bite on rainbow trout and king salmon remains good; king salmon and rainbows are being caught in the Tuolumne river arm, Woods Creek and Upper Bay near the flume. Rolling shad, Vance’s Sockeye Slammer, or small green-back Ex-Cel lures are very effective trolled at 30 to 45 feet deep. For rainbows try fishing from the surface down to 20 feet deep. Bass fishing is starting to pick up as plenty of fish are being caught on small plastics right now down to 40 feet deep. Fleming Meadows is the only launch ramp on the lake that is paved and still in the water right now.
Lake Pardee:
Fishing on the lake has been slow lately as the lake has been flooded with anglers in search of one of the many big fish that inhibit the lake. Lake Pardee is no longer a secret making for tougher than normal conditions. Recently, while on the lake there was an abundance of surface action out over deep water but no visible action up in the shallows. Trout fishing is good right now around the ramp area as many anglers are hooking up while using power bait. Bass fishing is slow as the fish are believed to be awaiting the next full moon.
Lake Camanche:
Trout are being stocked at the North and South shore launch ramps as well as the South Shore Fishing Pond. Anglers trolling have been finding rainbows while trolling white grubs or Rapalas in the main body of the lake, around Big Hat Island, and up in the Narrows. Bank fishermen are scoring with night crawlers or Power Bait with most rainbows averaging around a half-pound. Bass fishing is picking up as anglers are doing well while dragging small jigs and worms from the surface down to 30 feet deep.
Weekly Tip:
Keep an eye on the moon phase as bass have become anxious to move up shallow and spawn. With each full moon there’s a rise in tide enabling fish to seek out premier spawning areas. Males are the first to seek out spawning areas, to clear out a space for the bigger female to lay her eggs.
