For as long as I’ve been fishing, I’ve often heard the phrase “the early bird gets the worm” repeated by fellow anglers. I’m a morning person by nature, so I spent a lifetime wondering if being early really made a difference. Recently I came across some information that made me wish I would have been even earlier when pertaining to fishing. I found out that there are fish that prefer to feed at night while others prefer to feed during the day. Being on the water early while both day and night feeders are feeding can explain why it’s so important to be out fishing right as the sun is coming up or while it’s going down. Both night feeder and daytime feeders are seeking a meal resulting in twice the amount of actively feeding fish.
Delta Report:
This past weekend anglers complained that they couldn’t catch a fish on a top water frog. Frog fishing is like that, sometimes they just hammer the bait without reserve and other times they just bump it. After about two or three bumps and changing color and cadence I usually abandon the frog if I haven’t caught anything. Senko’s, Spinnerbaits, and Sweet Beavers are all catching fish right now. With the weather we have had lately look for shady spots along the bank, or spots closest to deeper water. Fish will either be looking for shade or areas that are close to deep moving water. If you can find shade next to a deep drop your chance of catching a big fish will be increased.
Don Pedro:
Anglers trolling are doing well while trolling shad-patterned spoons between 30 and 50 feet near Jenkins Hill and around the Dam. The kokanee have yet to show up, many of the local guides agree that the kokanee should start showing any day now. Bass fishing is typical for this time of year. There is a good top water bite in the morning and evening. Once the day warms up anglers are finding them while looking for schools of fish feeding around the various main lake points.
New Melones Lake:
Anglers trolling for trout are catching a variety of different fish. Recently while trolling at 30 feet I caught crappie, trout, kokanee, and a few bass. We trolled from Glory Hole Point to Mormon Creek Arm. Bass fishing is still good for anglers fishing Carolina rigged baby brush hogs. Most bass are of the smaller version with a bigger fish mixed in occasionally. Morning and evening top water fish are being caught right now on poppers and spook type lures. For crappie, anglers are fishing from the bank with crappie jigs or live minnows. Key areas are brush piles and submerged trees.
Lake Pardee:
Anglers are bringing in some nice sized kokanee while trolling anywhere from 15 to 40 feet deep. Most of the anglers that I talked to were trolling between 20 and 30 feet. As far as lures there were a lot of variations amongst the anglers. Many preferred the hootchies, though, in pink or purple tipped with corn behind a dodger. Bass fishing continues to be good during the morning while using top water baits. During the day anglers are tossing small jigs or creature baits for easy limits.
Lake Camanche:
Trout continue to be caught for anglers trolling from 30 to 45 feet deep with Speedy Shiners. Anglers trolling are focusing on trolling around Big Hat Island and the North Shore river arm. Bass fishing continues to be good for anglers fishing with plastic creature baits and worms from the bank down to 25 feet deep.
Tip of the Week:
Often anglers overlook the weights of their baits while focusing more on the color or size of their baits. Having the proper weight is just as important. Recently a friend of mine was complaining that he couldn’t keep his bait from snagging up. After changing his weight to a smaller lighter weight he had less snags and ended up getting more bites.
