This should be the time we see Stripers moving into the upper Delta but they have been holding back. We have seen a few now and then but the consistent groups have not shown. We keep trying with some success but not to many big fish yet, you just have to keep at it. S Wavers have been the best with some top water action using pencil poppers. A lot of smaller fish down around Sherman lake and Broad Slough make for a fun day, just watch the Tides and you will find the bite.
Delta Smallmouth
Sacramento River smallmouth are on the bite. These fish don’t run big but they are very eager to take a topwater or plastic worm. We average 20 to 30 fish on every trip and its a fun time for all levels of experience even novice fishermen and women. Book a trip and get in on the fun.
Stripers
Lots of Stripers in the river from Rio Vista up to Chico. I have been finding lots of fish in the Liberty Island area along with Miner and Steamboat Slough. Top water, swim baits and fish traps have all been working at different times. Start working the Tides first 2 hours before through 2 hours after for best results.
Stay safe
We can still stay safe and fish. If you are fishing from the bank just keep a safe distance from others. I have seen many large groups fishing from the bank over the weekend, looked like families getting together for a picnic. This is what they don’t want yo to do. I would like to fish with friends myself but for now we just have to get though this.
Fishing from a boat is much easier to keep your distance except when you launch or when you come in just keep that in mind and we can keep getting out.
Fishing in a Pandemic
As you already know fishing for us guides has come to an end for now until we have the all clear. This should not stop you from going out and trying your luck. This is the best time of the year for Bass fishing in our state. Lakes like Folsom can be fished from shore and this is the best time to do just that. You don’t have to take much in the way of tackle, just a few plastics like Senkos, tubes, and small swim baits will catch plenty of fish. keep a sharp eye out for cruzing fish looking to move up on beds and fish already on beds. Top water baits worked slow over some of these areas can produce some great strikes.
This soon will pass and we will remember this for a long time. Don’t be surprised if they leave the Trout opener closed for now as the locals in the foothills are afraid of the COV19 coming into there areas. We can all pull together to see this thru to the end and fishing will always be there when its over.
End of Summer
Kids are back in school and most lakes are still full of spring rains. Folsom lake has been fishing good with the lake level dropping very slow for the first time in many years. The lake is usually brought down to 50% by this time for flood control so we are very lucky to have this much water. The fish really like it and show by the catch rate I have on every trip.
Lake Berryessa has always been my favorite place to go. It offers both Great topwater action along with all the other techniques we use to catch Bass of all 3 species. The fall bite is always fun when fish start to put on the feed bag and lamost anything you drop in the water produces a bite. We will start to see the spoon bite take off soon as September is a good month to see this start up.
Berryessa and Folsom lake
Folsom lake has plenty of water with only 10 Feet from full the bite should stay constant through the summer. Keep an eye on the water levels, if they try to drop it quickly before September this will change the bite to more off shore structure.
Lake Berryessa is still going strong with a slow topwater bite but a great dropshot bite. Looking for the topwater bite to get better.
Folsom Lake
Folsom Lake is on FIRE. Bass are moving up to spawn and the fishing is great. Both North and South forks are producing big numbers and some good size fish on most plastic baits like Senkos, Tubes, Drop Shot and Carolina rigs. Good colors have been dark patterns along with Watermelon Green with Red Flake, Green Pumpkin Red Flake. Reaction Baits should start to produce as soon as these fish get off the beds and start to feed again.
2019 Springtime
Finally we have a chance to get out and do some great fishing. Folsom lake is just getting on a good bite for Bass right now and will continue to get better as we get closer to spawning. Lake Berryessa Bass are already moving up to spawn starting with smallmouth and spotted bass and the largemouth are close behind. the water temp is up to 60 and this is all they need to get going. Delta strippers are moving up the rivers to spawn and the bite is taking off. Get in touch with me soon to book your next adventure and find out just how much fun this time of year is.
More updates to follow so stay tuned.
March 24 2018
Folsom lake was doing great before these last storms brought in enough water to rise 20 feet in one week. Most of the fish I caught last week were on a drop shot rig, the week before I caught them all on tubes and small swim baits and grubs. with all this change in the lake jigs may be the best way to target the Bass now.
Lake Berryessa has been on the rise to but only get rain runoff so these storms made a come impact. This adds a little color to the water and gets those fish moving up. The Smallmouth and Spotted bass will be on a good bite as they spawn before the largemouth. Some very nice Largemouth can be caught as the start to move up and feed getting ready to spawn.
Delta largemouth have been on a great bite with some nice fish pushing 8 to 10 pounds starting to show as the feed getting ready to spawn. This can be a great time to get that once in a lifetime fish. Spinner Baits, Rip Baits, Chatter baits and Jigs have been good along with shallow crank baits.
