“And then there were two!” As of now, the only places locally that I know of that are still open to fishing are the Delta and Lake Amador. With an estimated 1 to 2 million annual state fishing license holders, and forecasted warmer weather, the pressure to step in and stop fishing in our state increases daily. A lot of places that have closed, are funneling anglers to the few facilities that remain open. Even on the bad weather days, those facilities are full. Once the weather warms, anglers are going to be joined by other pleasure boaters. This most likely will create crowds of people at the launch ramps, making it impossible to distance yourself. There are also laws that require a boater who is wakeboarding or waterskiing to have a spotter on board. Most likely, those boats are going to have more than three people on the boat. Rarely do I see a boat out on the water that’s not fishing, with less than one person on board. Some anglers have complained that as long as they paid for an annual fishing license, they’re going to fish. Others have stated that fishing is a source of food for their family, so they’re going to fish. Personally, I’m having a difficult time making a decision.

The Delta:

If you’re a bass fisherman looking to catch a personal best sized bass, this is the time you want to be on the Delta. As far as I know, many of the popular launch sites remain open. I would call first just to make sure. As far as baits and techniques, this time of year bass can be caught on just about anything. Senko’s, both weightless and wacky rigged always work this time of year, along with reaction baits such as 2.5 square bills, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and even topwater baits. During my last trip out I saw several fish on beds that I was able to catch with a jig. Fishing during high tide is when I had my best luck. Once the tide drops out the bass move off the bank into deeper water making them tougher to catch. Limits of striped bass are being caught by anglers trolling throughout the Delta with their favorite Delta lures. This is the time of year when the bite turns on around the Rio Vista area for anglers trolling Rebels and Yozuri minnows.

Lake Amador:

Lake Amador has ramped up their stocking program as the lake is as busy as ever. Another 1,000 lbs. of trout were dumped into the lake recently. Anglers fishing for trout are catching them while trolling and while using Power Bait off the bank. The bass have also made their way into the shallows making them easy targets for anglers bed fishing. What concerns me is the size of Lake Amador. It’s one of our smallest lakes and most likely any bass that dares to move shallow is going to immediately be plucked off the bed. I’m also unsure of how much pressure can be put on all species of fish before they stop biting.

Tip of The Week:

For those of you who are going to take your chances fishing try your best to limit all contact. If you must fuel up, wear gloves, and fill up so that you won’t have to do it the next time you go out. Also, pack your own food, instead of stopping somewhere to eat. Finally, call before you go, new closures are occurring daily.