I work with an older gentleman who made a comment about my latest picture in the 209 Magazine. He questioned why I was wearing a scarf. I explained to him that it was a neck buff designed to keep out bugs and harmful UV rays. Even after my explanation, he still insists on calling it a scarf. Out of respect for my elders, he can call it whatever he wants, I guess. I’m reminded of the first time I saw an angler wearing a neck buff or “scarf,” as Al calls it. I thought that they were unnecessary until I noticed the skin of some of my fishing idols. Bass Pro Charlie Hartley said it best when he said, “fishermen age like rock stars.” Being out in the weather for extended periods of time, day after day, isn’t good for your skin. There are now light weight products like neck buffs that provide protection unlike when I was growing up. Admittedly, my neck buff is worn more for keeping the bugs out of my face, especially while driving my boat. I’ve been wearing my neck buff more and more and have noticed a difference. My face is a lot less sun burnt, especially at the end of a long day. It’s still taking some getting used to though, and apparently some getting used to by those who still think it’s a scarf.
Delta Report:
Right now, on the Delta the bite remains good for a variety of species. Bass have been hitting top water lures as well as a variety of different reaction baits. You can’t go wrong with buzz baits early and late in the day. Once the sun gets nice and high snag proof frogs are catching some of the bigger bass while those cranking are catching nice limits. Franks Tract continues to produce nice numbers as well as Whites and Disappointment Slough. Striper fishing has been good for those trolling rebels near Cache Slough and Miner Slough. Anglers are also doing well while fishing for stripers off the bank along the San Joaquin River near Mossdale and around Whiskey Slough.
New Melones Lake:
Fishing for kokanee is still great for anglers who are trolling from 40 to 50 feet deep with hootchies. The kokanee are schooling up around the dam area and Rose Island. Anglers trolling for kokanee are also catching an occasional trout as they have been found around the same depths. Catfishing is good for anglers fishing cut bait through the night for them. Bass fishing continues to be the hot bite right now, there are plenty of post spawn bass willing to bite. The top water bite has really opened as anglers are doing well while using Zara Spooks and Poppers.
Lake Don Pedro:
The bite is great right now on the lake for kokanee and trout. Most anglers are fishing for kokanee between 30 and 50 feet deep. Mexican Gulch, Fleming Bay, and in Middle Bay are all good areas right now for all three species. Anglers fishing for trout are finding them mixed in with the kokanee as they are taking kokanee gear as well as Excel spinners. Bass fishing is good right now for anglers fishing top water baits in the morning as well as in the evening. During the day anglers are drop shotting small worms or tossing reaction baits around main lake points.
Lake Pardee:
Anglers trolling are concentrating in the South end of the Lake adjacent to the intake tower and the River Arm up to Columbia Gulch. Boaters continue to land some nice trout in this area. Kokanee have been showing up for anglers trolling between 30 and 60 feet deep. The winning combos have been Uncle Larry’s and Apex lures with night crawlers or scented corn behind medium flashers or medium size dodgers in red, blue, and chrome. Bass fishing is good this time of year as anglers are targeting any downed timber or rock walls with jigs and Senko’s.
Product Review:
For those smart phone users, there are so many great fishing apps available today for free. Some of my favorites include fishing logs, navigation apps, and moon phase apps. There are many more, including fishing games and hunting apps as well. I encourage you all to search fishing in your phone’s applications store.
