I’m in an unfamiliar place right now, for the first time in nearly 20 years, I’m boat less. It was a tough decision letting my boat go but I’ve had my eye on another boat for several years now. Last year I mentioned being interested in a Multi Species boat. Well, after much thought, I’ve decided to do it. I’m looking forward to learning how to fish out of and operate a new style of boat and especially looking forward to many days out on the water with my family. The boat I’m looking for can comfortably carry them all and can even pull a tube or skier. Unlike my last boat, this boat is going to be as much for my family as it is for me.

Delta Report:

There are not many places I’d rather be than fishing the Delta right now. Fishing has been great as baitfish can be seen throughout the system right now. Big fish are still being caught by anglers fishing beds but a lot of post spawn fish are also being caught. This past full moon has brought another wave of spawning bass up shallow. For those not sight fishing try tossing senko’s, craw patterned crank baits and spinnerbaits when the wind picks up. The topwater frog bite has also started to pick up so make sure to have one of those tied on as well. Crappie and bluegill have made their way shallow; now’s the time to get out there and catch a big one right before they spawn. There have also been some reports of anglers doing well trolling broken back rebels in Whites Slough for striped bass up to ten pounds.

New Melones Lake:

All the reports of trout being caught have been from those trolling between 25 and 50 feet deep. Not many bank fishermen are catching trout right now as the trout have vacated the shallows. Bass fishing has really started to pick up for a lot of anglers. Many fish have made their way shallow and have become very aggressive. Anglers have reported catching anywhere from 20 to 30 fish per outing. An increased number of fish have also been seen lately preparing to spawn or spawning in the backs of coves.

Lake Don Pedro:

The King Salmon bite is as good as ever right now for anglers trolling the dam area 50 to 70 feet deep with a variety of different baits. Frozen shad and anchovies seem to be working real well right now. The trout fishing has also been good for anglers trolling in the top thirty feet of water early in the day. Some anglers are even reporting catching a few kokanee mixed in while trolling for trout. Bass fishing remains good right now as the fish are in all three levels of the spawn right now. All baits seem to be working well right now for numbers.

Lake Pardee:

Anglers fishing in the launch ramp cove are still doing good while using Power Bait early in the day. Those anglers trolling for trout are catching them while trolling 10 to 30 feet deep. Bass fishing is really picking up as there are a lot of fish found up shallow either spawning or just feeding. Bass anglers are catching them on pretty much anything that they are throwing at them.

New Hogan Lake:

With the increase in fuel prices how can anyone pass up this lake? The fishing is great right now as there are a lot of bass shallow up on beds. Small worms and creature baits are working well for those fishing for bedding fish. There are also schools of Bluegill making their way into the backs of coves as they are soon to spawn themselves.

Tip of the Week:

For those of you who don’t believe in paying a lot of money for boat wipe down chemicals, regular Lemon Pledge works great for keeping your boat looking nice and clean. I’ve been using it for years without any negative side effects. I even use it to wipe down my seats and engine cowling. What’s nice about Pledge is that it also has a pleasant smell to it. Just be careful when stepping in and out of the boat as the surface will be slick. I also was told to stick to Lemon Pledge as some of the other scents supposedly are bad for the finish.