It seems like every year, as far back as I can remember, we’ve been in a drought. This one though is a little different. I’ve seen the water levels in some of our local lakes lower than I’ve ever seen them before. When I was a kid, this would be the prime time to scour the banks in search of fishing treasure. There are sure to be lures and other miscellaneous items that have been lost by anglers while fishing when the water levels were higher. If I only had a metal detector, who knows what can be found around the now dried out boat launch areas. Before I get ahead of myself, I’m not sure whether it’s legal or not to be out there with metal detectors? I do believe it’s ok though to pick up lures and other inorganic items along the shoreline. Another benefit to the unusually low water levels and having a cell phone is that I can video and take pictures of what I’m seeing in terms of lake structure that’s been underwater for most of my life. Not only does this information help me better understand my depth finder but helps me understand what type of bottom I’m fishing. As much as I wish the water levels were higher, we may never see the water levels this low for a very long time. If you’re not one for hunting for fishing treasure, I suggest taking advantage of this bad situation we’re in and record what you see for future reference.
Delta:
Summer patterns prevail as anglers are catching Bass while fishing with reaction baits such as Zoom Horney Toads and spinner baits. Both inside and outside weed lines are producing fish but the bigger fish are being caught by those fishing top water baits or flipping plastics. Catfishing remains good for anglers fishing the Whiskey Slough area while using clams and anchovies. The Bluegill are spawning right now so the fishing has been really good for those finding them up in the shallows.
New Melones Lake:
Kokanee fishing continues to be red hot early in the day while trolling apex lures 40 to 65 feet deep in green, red, or pink. Bass fishing remains good for numbers of smaller fish with the bigger ones being few and far between. Anglers are doing well while dragging Carolina Rigs along the bottom. There is a good top water bite right now early and late in the day. Catfishing has been really good for those fishing at night with traditional Catfish baits. Bluegill and Crappie continue to bite for those fishing with either a minnow or worm under a bobber in the backs of coves.
Don Pedro:
Bass fishing remains good for anglers fishing with live jumbo minnows. For those that prefer to catch them with artificial baits they are having their best luck during the morning and evening hours as the fish seem to vacate the shallows during daylight hours. Kokanee fishing is fair with anglers catching them as deep as 100 feet. Anglers trolling for Trout are finding them while trolling between 50-70 feet deep. The lake is currently 50 percent full.
Lake Amador:
Fishing during the day has been really for those going for Bluegill in the shallows. The Bass fishing has really slowed during the day. Fishing during the night is great right now with lots of quality fish being caught. Berkeley Power Worms in any of the darker colors are working well. As the sun comes up look for the schools of Bass to also come up for the first couple hours of the day.
Lake Camanche:
The bite is really good right now for those fishing for Bluegill and Bass. Bass are being caught right now just about anywhere on the lake, with rocky points being the best spots. Lures that are being used are spinnerbaits and crankbaits, while the bigger fish are being caught by those dragging plastics along the bottom. Bluegills are being caught shallow by those fishing with red worms in the backs of bays.
Boaters Needed:
On July 20th the 17th annual Conroy Oakley Pro Teen tournament will be held out of Russo’s Marina on Bethel Island. The purpose of the event is to introduce teens 13 to 19 years old to fishing through a professional style tournament where they will be paired up with a boater for six hours. Currently they are in need of more boaters for the event; boaters fish for free, for more information call (925) 684-9775.
