Several months ago I was searching through YouTube for videos about anglers cheating in tournaments. My search ended up leading me to a video about a bait called “The Cheater.” The videos were so convincing that I immediately ordered a few. To my surprise, the place where the bait was invented and tested was in Yuma, Arizona. I’ve been visiting Yuma every year for the past 20 years and never knew such good fishing existed there. Intrigued, I watched every video about the bait which led me to a youtuber and videographer named TheBeaver_T. His videos on The Cheater bait were done so well that I ended up watching all of his videos. His videos range from DIY projects to catching his personal best. Recently I was able to get in contact with Tristian Casaus/TheBeaver_T and asked him which one was his favorite video. He said that his video titled “Catching the Biggest Fish of My Life (PB)” video was the one that he’s most proud of. For those of you who are into watching YouTube, “I barely watch my TV anymore” you may want to check out Tristian’s videos. I find them both highly informative and entertaining. I know one thing for sure, I’m no longer leaving my tackle at home for my next visit to Yuma.
Delta Report:
Fishing for largemouth bass on the Delta is great right now as the Senko bite is excellent. Many fish have spawned already but there are still more to come. Large schools of shad are found roaming the shallows turning on the early morning crankbait and buzz bait bite. Topwater frogs are also working well first thing in the morning. Dock fishing for crappie and bluegill has started to pick up as the fish have moved shallow, Crappie jigs and Wax Worms are working well right now for anglers.
New Melones Lake:
Kokanee fishing has been improving lately. Trollers are trolling between 10 and 40 feet deep in the main lake and around the highway 49 bridge. Anglers are starting off shallower in the early morning, and moving deeper as the sun rises. Pink Hootchies and Glitter bugs are all hot baits right now. Bass fishing continues to be good as a lot of fish are still being found shallow. Anglers fishing Senko’s and topwater baits are catching numbers. Crappie can be found hanging out in submerged trees, about 10 to 20 feet deep. Bear Creek, Mormon Creek, and Carson Creek are all good areas. Live minnows and Crappie jigs are the most productive baits right now.
Lake Don Pedro:
Fishing for trout continues to be good for anglers that are able to find them schooled up. Right now trout are being caught from 15 feet down to 50 feet deep while trolling everything from a cop car to Kokanee gear tipped with corn. Bass fishing continues to be good as anglers are still finding a lot of fish on beds. Don’t rule out looking for spawning fish on long tapering points or submerged Island tops as sometimes those fish don’t get pressured as often as the fish in the backs of the coves. Crappie fishing is good for anglers using minnows and Crappie jigs in and around submerged trees.
Lake New Hogan:
Bass fishing continues to be good as there are still plenty of fish found up shallow or in the guts of creeks leading to spawning areas. Bluegill and crappie can also be caught while using mealy worms or crappie jigs in the back of coves. There are also reports of a good striped bass bite for anglers trolling umbrella rigs or rolled shad from 10 to 20 feet deep.
Lake Camanche:
Bass fishing remains good right now as many fish can be found shallow. Senko’s are tough for shallow fish to resist this time of year. During the morning or low light hours, anglers are getting an occasional fish while fishing a popper or Zara Spook. Trout fishing remains good in the pond and in the main lake. On my recent trip, I saw several nice sized trout cruising the shallows. There was a lot of surface action by the trout as well. Anglers fishing the pond are doing well while fishing with Power Bait.
Lake Amador:
The trout bite continues to be good for anglers that are getting there early in the morning. Most anglers fishing off the bank are catching their limits on Power Bait and traditional trout lures. Those trolling from their boats are catching them while fishing between 10 and 15 feet deep. Bass fishermen are finding fish still on beds making them easy targets once found.
Lake Pardee:
Currently, the lake is being planted every Friday with 1000 pounds of trout. Anglers fishing in the launch ramp cove are doing well while fishing with Power Bait or casting small white grubs for those trout that have yet to leave the cove. Bass fishing is picking up as the water temperatures have risen. There is also less debris in the lake compared to a few weeks ago. Currently, the lake is 100 percent full.
Tip of the Week:
If you’ve got any plastic pieces on your boat there’s a good chance that it’s gotten a chalky faded appearance over the years. One of the best products that I’ve found to bring those plastic pieces back to life is plastic trim restorer. It can be found in most auto parts stores and works fantastic.
