Fishing report March 22-28: Millerton anglers taking big bass (5 to 7 pounds)

Compiled by Dave Hurley and edited by Roger George, who guides in the greater Fresno area and holds the striper record at Millerton Lake.

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Best bets

Don Pedro trout bite good, Monte Smith reported. Millerton bass action heated up, Michael Crayne said. New Melones kicking out rainbows and bass, Kyle Wise reported. Delta sturgeon on the chomp, Dave Hurley said.

Roger’s remarks

Roger George’s column will return.

Valley

Westside waterways

Striper 2 Catfish 2

Pumping continues through the aqueduct systems from the south Delta, and San Luis Reservoir has risen to near capacity at 90% with more water to come. As a result, the aqueduct remains extremely slow. Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “There is a topwater bite here and there along with lipless crankbaits, but the best action has been coming in the Delta Mendota or small peripheral canals for largemouth bass.”

The next Striperz Gone Wild tournament is the second annual Haley Lauchland Memorial Aqueduct Tournament on April 22 at the Hilldale Bridge. The entry fee is 10 cans of unexpired food to be donated to the local food bank in Los Banos. “We have chosen the food donation as a tournament entry since Merced County has one of the highest levels of food insecurity in our nation. It’s our way of combining a community fishing event for adults and children with the bigger picture of community need.”

In the south aqueduct in Kern County, due to the stained water with debris, bait remains the best bet for striped bass with sardines, anchovies, or live minnows with catfish dining on Triple S Dip Bait or chicken livers. Largemouth bass action is slow with the exception of a few fish near the moving water in the headgates with plastics or jigs.

With the cold water and rapid flows, anglers have to use extreme caution to avoid slipping into the deadly torrents. The following safety tips are provided by the Department of Water Resources:

• When you fish, stand back from the Aqueduct’s sloping concrete sides. They are steep, slippery, and difficult to climb. You could easily slide right into the water.

• Wear rubber-soled shoes for safe footing at the Aqueduct.

• If you go to the Aqueduct to fish, look around for the safety ladders and lines. Safety ladders along both sides of the Aqueduct are spaced 500 feet apart and marked by bright yellow paint. The safety lines are strung on plastic floats, close to bridges and other structures that cross the Aqueduct. These ladders and lines can save your life.

• Do not go into the water to land a fish, recover fishing gear, or any other reason. It’s too dangerous—the current is swift below the surface.

• Take your own drinking water. The Aqueduct water has not been treated and is not safe to drink.

• Don’t play close to the Aqueduct.

• Do not climb structures or fish from bridges crossing the Aqueduct. They are not safe fishing spots.

Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; Bob’s Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657

Eastman Lake/Hensley Lake

Bass 2 Trout 2 Bluegill 2 Catfish 2 Crappie 1

Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “Most boaters are coming through the back way to Eastman from Hensley right now, and the water is clearing up a bit, but there is quite a bit of debris in the lake. This Tuesday’s storm should bring more inflow into the lake. It’s still very muddy. A few small bass have been taken on crankbaits or jigs.” Boaters should get updates on Avenue 26b between Roads 27 and 29 – the main road to Eastman – as it was previously closed due to a washout across the roadway. Road 29 is open on the backside of the lake. Hensley is similar to Eastman with small bass in the very muddy water. A double plant of rainbow trout is scheduled for Eastman this week with a single plant scheduled for Hensley. Once the weather clears, the banks will be lined with trout anglers. Both lakes are rising again due to last week’s atmospheric river, and more heavy rain is anticipated on Tuesday. Eastman rose from 69% to 84% and 573.00 feet in elevation while Hensley rose from 33% to 59% and 513.07 feet in elevation.

Call: Eastman Lake 689-3255; Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hensley Lake Hidden Dam 673-5151

Lake Don Pedro

Bass 2 Trout 3 Kokanee 1 King salmon 2 Crappie 2

Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing went on an exploratory trip with Tim Sellars, and they put in limits of rainbow trout along with releasing a few more. He said, “Everything came from the surface to 10 feet on 3 to 5 colors of leadcore with a long setback. I was running ExCel spoons as we were going slower in the cold water along with Rapalas on a sideplaner. The trout are in great shape and full of fight in the cold water at 49.6 degrees. There are some huge logs with some barely submerged, and you have to be very careful out there. There is debris around the shorelines and in the coves with the clearest water in the middle of the main lake. The lake is only 20 feet from being full, and this should be a great year for trout, salmon, and kokanee.” For bass, the Fresno Bass Club held a two-day tournament over the weekend in challenging conditions with rain and cold, but the winning team came in with over a 13-pound daily average. Mike Gomez of the Bait Barn said, “There has been very little talk about Don Pedro with minimal boat traffic, but bass fishing is fair with an average of 10 to 12 fish per rod.” The lake rose 20 feet to 809.96 feet in elevation and from 77% to 88%.

Call: Monte Smith, Gold Country Sport Fishing (209) 581-4734; Kyle Wise, Head Hunter Guide Service (209) 531- 3966; Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Fishing (559) 691-7008

Lake Isabella/Bakersfield area

Bass 2 Trout 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Bluegill 2

Isabella rose an incredible 26 feet to 2,581.97 feet in elevation this week and from 25% to 58%, and more rain is expected on Tuesday. The upper Kern River continues to rage from the early snowmelt. Releases through the dam have the flows at 1st Point bumped up from 1,696 to 3,531 cfs with inflow at Kernville rising to 3,825 cfs.

The 32nd annual Lake Isabella Fishing Derby is April 1 through June 4 with adult tickets at $40/angler with youth at $15/angler. The derby will have 500 tagged trout worth between $20 and $10,000 and over $55,000 in cash and prizes. Registration and information at kernrivervalley.com/isabellalakefishingderby.

The upper Kern river is scheduled for trout plants in sections 4, 5, and 6 this week, but these may be put on hold due to weather. Section 5 will receive double plants. Section 3 is Sandy Flat to Isabella Dam. Section 4 is Powerhouse 3 to Riverside Park in Kernville, Section 5 is Fairview Dam to Lazy River Lodge, and Section 6 is Fairview dam to the Johnsondale Bridge. The Riverwalk Park lake in Bakersfield received a trout plant last week with Brite Valley Lake in the Tehachapi Mountains this week.

Call: Bob’s Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657; North Fork Marina (760) 376-1812; Golden Trout Pack Station (559) 542-2816

Lake Kaweah

Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2

The lake rose an amazing 78 feet in elevation from 637.50 to 715.39 feet and from 29% to 100%. The water is very muddy and loaded with debris. A trout plant is scheduled for this week. The Kaweah River actually dropped from 6,560 to 3,825 cfs, but it should rise again this week with Tuesday’s rainstorm.

Lake Success

Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2

Success rose an amazing 38 feet this week from 617.00 to 655.36 feet in elevation and from 31% to 111% and spilling, Fishing has been placed on hold in the high and muddy lake loaded with floating debris. A trout plant is scheduled for this week.

Call: Sequoia Fishing Co. 539-5626, sequoiafishingcompany.com

McClure Reservoir

Bass 2 Trout 2 King salmon 0 Kokanee 0 Crappie 2 Catfish 3

Mike Gomez of the Bait Barn in Waterford said, “It’s all about numbers of small bass here right now with plastics on the drop-shot or jigs working best.” The bass are suspended with the rising water levels. The lake rose 29 feet from 807.80 to 836.67 feet in elevation and from 65% to 82%, and there is debris on and below the surface. Eventually, the high water will pay dividends for the spotted and largemouth bass population as new areas are open along with new sources of food.

Call: Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Guide Service (559) 691-7008

McSwain Reservoir

The annual Merced Irrigation District Lake McSwain Spring Trout Derby is April 1-2. The derby uses the SmartPhone app Fish Donkey for registration and payment along with photos, videos, and judging. Participants will need to join in advance and should open the app before heading out. They will need to tap on the name of the tournament (Spring 2023 Lake McSwain Trout Derby), followed by “Leaderboard/Enter a Fish.” Derby entrant fees are $35/adult angler with an additional $10 vehicle fee and a $9 launch fee.

This year’s categories include: Longest trout, $2,000; Stringer with three longest fish combined, $2,000; Wild card – one adult winner is randomly selected for $500 prize; and Kids Wild Card – a winner under 16 will be randomly selected to receive a fishing pole and tackle box (sponsored by Splash N Dash and the Reel Deal Market and Café at Lake McSwain). All campsites at Lake McSwain have been reserved for the weekend, but they are available at nearby McClure. Trout plants will be released prior to the derby. The lake is at 103% and spilling.

Call: Angler’s Edge Market (209) 226-4416; McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534

Millerton Lake/San Joaquin River

Bass 3 Striped bass 1 Shad 1 Bluegill 3 Crappie 1

Even with heavy water releases down the San Joaquin River, the lake rose from 47% to 79% within the week, and it is at 554.79 feet in elevation. Water releases have been ramped up from 6,411 to 8,447 cfs to relieve some of the pressure before more precipitation and snowmelt arrives. Tas Moua of the new 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle at 1190 N. Chestnut Ave. in Fresno said, “When I was last on the lake with my son, he picked up some quality bass in the shallows on either a chatterbait or a 4.75-inch swimbait. The bass were pushing bait into the shallows.” 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle is anticipated to open in mid-April. Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “There is quite a bit of debris on and below the surface of the lake, and the Rocky Point Campground was loaded with logs. Fishing has been solid with a near 16-pound limit by the team of Gary Wasson and Wayne Arnold winning Sunday’s tournament, and there were three fish weighed in over 5 pounds with another three over 4 pounds. A 7-pound spot was caught during the pre-fish period. Everything is coming from less than 20 feet with crankbaits, umbrella rigs, or jigs. The fish are ready to spawn, but the rising and dropping water has them holding off.” The Trout Pond at Sycamore Lake Park was planted last week, and Sycamore Island will remain open for weekends only; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with a $9 vehicle fee.

Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474

New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch

Bass 3 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Trout 3 Kokanee 2

The lake continues to rise, 17 feet this week from 961.42 to 978.91 feet in elevation and from 48% to 54% with heavy inflow from the Stanislaus River from the early snowmelt. The launch ramp was loaded with debris and logs during the past week, but it was cleared up by Saturday’s bass tournament. Kyle Wise of Head Hunter Guide Service continues to find limits of rainbow trout to 19 inches pulling Rapalas, grubs, or Speedy Shiners in the top 15 feet of the surface, but with the debris at the ramp, he opted for sturgeon fishing at the end of the week. Mike Gomez of the Bait Barn in Waterford participated in Saturday’s Best Bass Tournament, and he said, “We caught at least 50 bass as the action was phenomenal, but they were all in the 1- to 1.5-pound range. I searched several places for a larger grade of bass, and I think they are holding in the middle of the lake as the water is rising so fast. We caught everything from 25 to 40 feet in depth. I landed two Swaver fish first thing in the morning, and I thought that the reaction bite was taking off, but the Swaver bite died quickly. I probably caught 35 fish on an underspin while my brother was working a plastic on a drop-shot. The bass are very healthy, nice and chunky. It was a good day at Melones.”

Call: John Liechty, Xperience Fishing Guide Service (209) 743-9932; Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Guide Service (559) 691-7008; Kyle Wise, Headhunter Guide Service (209) 531-3966; Monte Smith (209) 581-4734

Pine Flat Reservoir/Kings River

Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 0 King salmon 0 Catfish 2 Crappie 2

Pine Flat came up from 55% to 77% and 909.10 feet in elevation despite high water releases at Trimmer. The flows on the lower Kings dropped from 8,620 to 6,018 cfs, but the high flows remain dangerous for bank anglers. In the main lake, Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “There has been a consistent swimbait bite with something like the MegaBass Magdraft, but there is also a medium crankbait bite along with umbrella rigs. The water clarity is 2 feet at best, and there are plenty of logs and stumps floating on the surface.” In the lower Kings, a trout plant is scheduled for this week, but the river is high and dangerous. A trout plant is scheduled at Avocado Lake this week.

Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; Sequoia Fishing Co. 539-5626

San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay

Striper 2 Catfish 2 Bass 2 Crappie 1

Heavy pumping continues from the south Delta, and the lake has risen from 84% to 90% this week, and the water is very stained and muddy. Mickey Clements of Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill said, “There have only been a few anglers out this week, and most are drifting jumbo minnows in the stained water. A few are also dropping 1.74-ounce Duh! Spoons, but the troll and reaction bite has slowed. The water in the coves such as Portuguese Cove is chocolate milk, and the clearest water is in the middle of the lake. In the O’Neill Forebay, the story is the same with muddy water limiting striped bass action with a few largemouth bass taken in the shallows. Bait is the best bet for stripers right now.” The forebay rose to 76%.

Wind warning and lake closure lights are used on San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay to alert boaters of current wind conditions. On San Luis Reservoir, watch for the three wind warning and lake closure lights near the Basalt Entrance Station, Quien Sabe Point, and the Romero Visitor Center. On the O’Neill Forebay, wind warning lights are located near the old Medeiros boat ramp and above the South Beach Area. Amber lights signify caution conditions for winds or other concerns while red lights indicate the lake is closed to boating and all vessels are required to immediately vacate the lake when the red lake closure lights are on.

Call: Coyote Bait and Tackle (408) 463-0711, Roger George, rogergeorgeguideservice.com (559) 905-2954; windfinder.com/forecast/san_luis_reservoir

High Sierra

Bass Lake

Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 0

Mike Beighey of Bass Lake Fishing said, “It’s going to be a while before the boats get back on the water. Snow, rain, and slush surround the lake, making not an enjoyable outing. With the lake up and a couple of trout plants this year in the water, I anticipate a very good year for trout fishing. However, the kokanee bite is still a question mark. Last year during the drought, we had a minimal kokanee bite. With the nearly full lake this year, I am more confident we will see the landlocked salmon more in our creel counts. We start next month for my 2023 charter season. I think you can expect a very good trout bite with many ’bows in the 18-inch category.” The annual Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce Trout Derby is April 29-30. There will be over $55,000 in total cash prizes with two $10,000 tagged fish, one $5,000 tagged fish, 150 tags for $100, and 847 tags for $20. Derby registration is $25/adult and $15/youth under 16. Registration and information is at basslakechamber.com/fishing-derby. The lake held at 74%. A webcam of the launch ramp is at basslakeca.com.

Call: Mike Beighey, Bass Lake Fishing 676-8133

Edison/Florence/Mammoth Pool

The Kaiser Pass Lakes are out of play until the spring as heavy snow fell in the region.

Call: Road conditions 297-0706; Vermilion Valley Resort at Edison Lake 259-4000

Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake

Kokanee 1 Trout 2

Dick Nichols of Mountain Tackle said, “Shaver Lake fishermen have had a difficult time lately in their attempts to fish Shaver. Snowstorms, followed by rainstorms and the past two days heavy snow and wind have kept them away. Throw in an iced surface on much of the lake. Things don’t look good for launching a boat for at least another week. These conditions have added problems for a near-future trout plant, the marinas to get ready for their mid-April opener, and Southern California Edison to regulate the water level. Tyler Powell, manager of the Shaver Marina, is expecting his normal opening day on April 15, but recently his dad, Greg, who is the owner, was seen walking on ice where the marina will eventually be housed. For guides, it’s difficult to schedule charter trips for restless fishermen looking to get into some trout and kokanee. Stay tuned as the weather may continue more surprises.”

It will take some time for higher-elevation Huntington to dig out. A webcam of the Shaver launch ramp is at sierramarina.com/webcam-weather-page.html.

Call: Todd Wittwer, Kokanee.net Guide Service 288-8100; Jerad Romero, Jrods Guide Service 392-6994; Tom Oliveira, Tom Oliveira Fishing 802-8072

Wishon/Courtright

Trout 0

Heavy snow continues to fall in the region, perhaps pushing back the traditional road opener on McKinley Grove Road further into April.

Call: Wishon RV Park 865-5361

Ocean

Half Moon Bay

Striper 1 White seabass 1 Crab 2 Sand dabs 2

The salmon closure will have a major impact on this small port with numerous independent salmon trollers along with charter boats and six-packs. The first action will take place south of Pigeon Point for rockfish as it opens below in the Central Management Area from May 1 through Sept. 30 at all depths. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod is open seaward of the 50 fathom RCA line. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line. The Pacifica Pier remains the best location to score up to 10-crab limits of legal-size using snares from the shorelines, but with the inclement weather, the pier is subject to temporary closure. Surf perch and land-based rockfishing are the only game in town until May 1 below Pigeon Point. Crab-only or crab/sand dab/Petrale sole trips are offered by the New Captain Pete.

Boat-based rockfish season will not open until May 15 with the take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod seaward of the 50 fathom RCA line until July 15. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line. From July 16 through Dec. 31, open at all depths. Spear divers and shore-based anglers will continue to have year-round fishing opportunities for groundfish.

Call: Captain Michael Cabanas, New Captain Pete (510) 677-7054; Captain Chris Chang, Ankeny Street (650) 279-8819; Captain Bill Smith, Riptide (650) 728-8433; Half Moon Bay Sport Fishing, Queen of Hearts (510) 581-2628

Monterey/Santa Cruz

Striper 1 White seabass 0 Crab 3 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 2

Alan Bushnell of Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing and Surf Casting Guide Service said, “More than 300 surfcasting anglers gathered last Saturday at Portuguese Hall in Santa Cruz to celebrate the 17th annual Sand Crab Classic Perch Derby. What started as a lark in 2005 by the Let’s Go Fishing Radio Show hosts Mike Baxter and yours truly has grown into a veritable institution over the years. Conceived as ‘something to do when there’s nothing to do,’ during the offseason, Derby directors were astounded when over 150 participants showed up for Derby No. 1. The numbers slowly grew over the next few years until we actually had to limit the number of participants at 300 to adhere with local fire laws at the celebration hall. A yearly opportunity to get together with friends and families for fishing and fun, competition is nevertheless intense every year. The BBQ tri-tip and chicken platters may have something to do with the Derby’s popularity, as well. This year, we saw a lot of familiar faces on the trophy stage, along with some newbies. The categories are divided into Men’s, Women’s and Juniors. Each category has trophies for barred surf perch as well as “other perch,” which can include surf perch such as walleye, redtail or calico or sea perch such as rubberlip, black and striped perch. Taking home the giant Grandmaster Trophy for 2023 was Than Ly. This was Than’s first time at the Sand Crab Classic and he took top honors for his 15.5-inch barred surf perch (BSP). The fish weighed in at 2 pounds 8 ounces. Men’s BSP winners were Dave Ressa placing first, Greg Vanwagoner taking second and Tony Jiminez third. Women’s BSP saw perennial winner Grace Volz in the top spot, with Cherry Jauregui and Kristina Zepeda taking second and third, respectively. Junior BSP winners were Andrew Rodriguez placing first, Kalia Dediego with second and Hudson Phillips at third. In the ‘other perch’ side of things, the Men’s division saw Matt Michie win with a rubber lip perch caught near Monterey. Nick Benson took second with a riped perch and Nico Albrektsen captured third with another striped perch also caught in Monterey. The Women’s winner with her 12.5-inch striped perch was Samara Cortazzo from Santa Cruz. She caught the 1.5-pound fish somewhere near Pleasure Point using live bait. Samara is a consistent winner at the Classic. The Junior weigh-in celebrated Reiden Juaregui with a 13.5-inch rubber lip that weighed 2 pounds 12 ounces, caught in Monterey, and Camilla Cortazzo who submitted a 9.5-inch striped perch. Besides providing a yearly meet and greet plus fantastic food and prizes, the Sand Crab Classic is dedicated to promotion and support for The Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project. All proceeds from the event go directly to MBSTP to assist with their herculean task of preserving and enhancing the native populations of anadromous steelhead and salmon in our area, a critical venture involving research, habitat restoration, hatchery operations and educational efforts.”

Chris Arcoleo of Chris’s Fishing in Monterey said, “We haven’t been out much, but Dungeness crab and sand dab action has been outstanding. We have been returning with 10-crab limits for our limited loads along with bucketloads of sand dabs. The big swell has affected the Petrale sole bite, and we are struggling for a handful of the sole. Below Pigeon Point will be the only game in town for nearshore rockfish until the other ports north of Pigeon open at unlimited depths on July 16.”

Surf perch and shore-based rockfishing are the only game in town until rockfishing opens below in the Central Management Area from May 1 through Sept. 30 at all depths. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod is open seaward of the 50 fathom RCA line. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line. Similar to the other ports, the salmon closure is devastating news to this location.

Call: Chris’ Landing (831) 375-5951; Allen Bushnell, Santa Cruz Kayak and Surf Casting (831) 251-9732

Golden Gate/San Francisco Bay

Halibut 3 Striper 3 Leopard shark 2 Sturgeon 2

Early season halibut action has been a very pleasant surprise with six-packs and even larger party boats returning with 3-fish limits of halibut, trolling frozen herring or anchovies in the south bay from Oyster Point to the Alameda Rockwall. There is growing support from the Golden Gate Fishermen’s Association – the recreational party boat association- to temporarily reduce the bag limit for halibut from 3 to 2 during the salmon closure. Heavy pressure on the bay’s halibut has already started, and it will only get greater and greater as the six-packs return from the Delta and the party boats out of all of the ports start working on a consistent basis.

Boats won’t be venturing outside the Golden Gate until at least May 15 when the rockfish season opens seaward of the 50-fathom curve through July 15. Even then, most of the interest will remain inside the bay, especially when live bait begins to be available at the San Francisco bait receiver. The date for the first availability of live bait is fluid, ranging from April to early June, depending upon when the anchovies make their presence felt.

In San Pablo Bay, Captain Trent Slate of Bite Me Charters out of Loch Lomond found limits of striped bass in the 7- to 10-pound range while on the anchor with live mud shrimp. He was targeting sturgeon, but the striped bass saved the day as the sturgeon were less willing to bite. Keith Fraser of Loch Lomond Bait confirmed the solid striped bass bite with drifting bait at the Marin Islands. He said, “A fly fishermen was even finding action at the Marin Islands despite the chocolate brown water.”

There is hope the stripers continue to make a showing in June and July on the central bay rockpiles. The linesides have been missing in action in the bay the past few summers, but salmon out of the equation, striped bass will need to relieve some pressure on the bay’s halibut.

Call: Captain Trent Slate, Bite Me Charters (415) 307-8582; Captain Jerad Davis, Salty Lady (415) 760-9362; Captain Steve Mitchell, Hook’d Up Sport Fishing (707) 655-6736; Happy Hooker (510) 223-5388

San Luis Obispo

Surf perch 2

The boat-based rockfish season ended on Dec. 31, and the season will not reopen for boat-based anglers until May 1 where it will be open from Pigeon Point in San Mateo County to Point Conception south of Morro Bay at all depths through Sept. 30. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, the take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod is open seaward of the 50-fathom line. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line. The boats will focus on nature trips while surf perch action will take center stage. Webcams of many of the coastal locations are at 805webcams.com.

Call: Virg’s Landing (800) 762-5263; Patriot Sport Fishing (805) 595-4100; Morro Bay Landing

Others

Delta/Stockton

Bass 2 Striper 2 Sturgeon 3 Catfish 2 Bluegill 2

Flood conditions in the San Joaquin River near Manteca has resulted in a recreational boating closure from between the Stanislaus River 10 miles south of Manteca and the Deepwater Channel in Stockton. The closure was imposed Friday by the San Joaquín Sheriff’s Office was made to take a proactive step in preserving levees between south Manteca and Weston Ranch area that protect more than 55,000 people in the two communities as well as Lathrop on the east side of the river. According to the press release, “The move was prompted by a need to avoid wakes from boats pounding rain-saturated levees with the arrival of high tides, increased water releases upriver and more heavy rain that is on the way. The problem is as water rises and pushes against levees boils can develop that undermine the integrity of the earthen barriers shored up in places by rock.Those boils can keep getting larger until a failure occurs if they are not addressed quickly and effectively. The levees came under mandatory 24-hour flood watch south of Manteca when the water reached 24.5 feet.”

The boating restriction was expanded on Monday, and boaters will need to check current conditions as to what parts of the Delta are open to recreational boating. The closure will last as long as the river remains close to flood stage, and they are expected to remain through March 27 at the earliest.

Major League Bass Fishing held at three-day tournament last week, and the winning three-day limit came in at over 54 pounds, an 18-pound average. However, most anglers experienced a very tough bite in the cold and muddy water. Randy Pringle, the Fishing Instructor, said, “I was out one day last week, and it was a tough bite. We worked the north side of east/west oriented sloughs off of the main river with spinnerbaits with big Colorado blades or with the ima Shaker as you had to have that thump to even get bit. We found water that was in the mid-50s in these sloughs as the northern banks face south and receive the greatest amount of sunlight. Finding rock was important as they hold warmth, and it is also important to focus your efforts in the middle of the slough as the water will move the least and stay the most consistent temperature. The high tide was the only time to get bit as the fish moved up. You have to chase the tides to stay any sort of bite.”

The water in Suisun Bay has warmed up to over 50 degrees, and the sturgeon have been on the chomp. Six packs are finding outstanding action with as many as five slot limit sturgeon kept per trip. There has been a number of undersized and oversized sturgeon as well. Cured salmon roe remains the best bet, and a key is to find an area where the grass is less of a deterrent. With all of the inflow down the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, the grass and debris has been high. There are also floating and submerged logs throughout the river. This section of the Delta has not been affected by the recreational boating closure as of Monday night.

Regulation changes for white sturgeon are anticipated to begin on Jan. 1, 2024, and the changes could involve a combination of slot-limit size range reduction, bag limit reduction, area closures, or bait restrictions. Six-pack operators out of the Pittsburg Marina have been providing input toward the regulatory process, not only in using Nor Cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association FLAME app to record all catches of undersized, slot-limit, and oversized sturgeon prior to the May 17 Fish and Game Commission Wildlife Resource Committee meeting, but in developing the Captain’s Challenge Catch-and-Release event on Monday, March 27. Participating in this special event will be Flash, Hook’d Up, Golden State, Right Hook, Feeding Frenzy, Diamond, Bend Ur Rod, Dragon, Delta Sport Fishing, and Barbarian Sport Fishing, all out of Pittsburg. Members of a variety of print, radio, and social media will be on board covering the event including myself with Captain Steve Mitchell of Hook’d Up Sport Fishing, Sep Hendrickson of the California Sportsmen’s Radio Show with Captain Jay Lopes of Right Hook, and Nick Smith of the Informative Fishermen with Captain Joey Gamez of Golden State Sport Fishing. Additional media members will be added, and the boat with the most fish wins with prizes from Phenix Rods and Ultimate Composite Rods along with life jackets from the Department of Boating and Waterways, along with bragging rights for the next year. The Captain’s Challenge is a way for anglers to participate in an enjoyable day of fellowship, laughter, and bragging rights. There is still limited room on some of the boats, and interested participants should contact their favorite party boat captain for this friendly competition.

Call: Randy Pringle (209) 543-6260; Captain Steve Mitchell, Hook’d Up Sport Fishing (707) 655-6736; Vince Borges, Vince Borges Outdoors (209) 918-0828

Lake Nacimiento/San Antonio/Santa Margarita/Lopez

Bass 2 White bass 1 Striper 0 Catfish 2 Crappie 2 Bluegill 2 Trout 2

Lopez Lake was the big story over the weekend with Saturday’s Best Bass Tournament resulting in the largest winning limit in Northern California of the weekend at nearly 17 pounds. This tournament was moved from Santa Margarita due to high water, but Lopez has also risen from 80.6% to 96.1%. Anglers can view a live webcam of the lake at 805webcams.com/lopez-lake-webcam. At Nacimiento, the lake remains high at 87%, but there is plenty of debris on and below the surface. The lake hasn’t been this high for some time, and the bass spawn should be very productive. A webcam of the lake is at 805webcams.com/lake-nacimiento-live-webcam. At Santa Margarita, the lake continues to spill over, and it is currently at 102.8%. A webcam of the lake is at 805webcams.com/santa-margarita-lake-webcam-california.At San Antonio, the lake has risen from 44% to 54%, and the lake is muddy with debris on the surface. It will take some time to clear before fishing is back in action. Once the lake clears, fishing could be as good as it has been in recent memory for bass, catfish, and crappie.

Reminder: consuming white bass, black bass, crappie, catfish, or carp are subject to safe eating guidelines due to excessive mercury.

Events

Tournament Results

Delta/Russo’s Marina – Major League Fishing Pro Division (Three Limits) – March 16-18: 1st – Nick Salvucci– 54 pounds, 10 ounces; 2nd – Ken Mah – 51 lbs/12-oz.; 3rd – Nicholas Cloutier – 48 lbs./14-oz.

Delta/Russo’s Marina – Major League Fishing Co-Angler Division (Three Limits) – March 16-18: 1st – Casey Dunn – 35 pounds, 11 ounces; 2nd –Tom White – 25 lbs/7-oz.; 3rd – Turner Mason – 22 lbs./11-oz.

Lake Camanche – California Bass Federation Boater Division (Two 5-Fish Limits) – March 12-13: 1st - Mason Blansett – 30.21; 2nd – Ralph Encizo – 28.58; 3rd – Joseph Soung – 26.05.

New Melones – Best Bass Tournaments – March 18: 1st –Wyatt Hansen/Drew Zanotto – 13.58 pounds; 2nd – Austin Phillips/Kyle Santos – 12.82; 3rd – Mike Impeartrice/Bobby Darnall – 12.33. Chris Jones/Ron Orbaker - Big Fish – 4.32.

Don Pedro – Fresno Bass Club – March 18-19 (Two Limits): 1st –Brian Botu – 27.44 pounds; 2nd – Ron Red Sr.– 25.19; 3rd - Bill Kunz – 24.03.

Nacimiento – Best Bass Tournaments – March 18: 1st – Kenneth Cleveland/Wyatt Debush – 16.83 pounds; 2nd – Zack Eggleston/Kyle Goldstein – 13.11 (Big Fish – 7.16); 3rd – Jason and Geno Lazzerini – 12.56.

Millerton – March 19: 1st – Gary Wasson/Wayne Arnold– 15.92 pounds; 2nd – Adam Belmont/Steve M

Upcoming Tournaments (subject to change)

March 18

Don Pedro – Fresno Bass Club

Kaweah – Lahu Bass Club

Santa Margarita – Best Bass Tournaments

March 19

Don Pedro – Kings River Bass Club

March 25

New Melones – Nor Cal Bass

Tulloch – Christian Bass League

Don Pedro – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments

Millerton – Angler’s Press

Kaweah – Golden Empire Bass Club

Success – Lahu Bass Club

Isabella – American Bass Association

Nacimiento – Bakersfield Bass Club

Santa Margarita – San Luis Obispo Bass Ambushers

March 26

Delta/B and W Resort – California Bass Federation

Delta/Ladd’s Marina – American Bass Association

April 1-2

Delta/Brannan Island – Hammerdown/NCFW Annual Striped Bass Derby

Delta/Russo’s Marina – Best Bass Tournaments

New Melones – Sierra Bass Club

McClure – Merced Irrigation District Spring Trout Derby

April 1

Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Manteca Bassin’ Buddies

Salt Springs – 17/90 Bass Club

Tulloch – Kings River Bass Club

Eastman – Central Valley Kayak Fishing

Millerton – Kerman Bass Club

Pine Flat – Orange County Bass Club

Kaweah – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments

Nacimiento- American Bass Association

April 2

Delta/B and W Resort – Wild West Bass Club

Tulloch – American Bass Association

Don Pedro – Kings River Bass Club

McClure – California Bass Federation

Bass Lake – Kings VIII Bass Club

April 7

Don Pedro – E and J Gallo Winery

April 8

Don Pedro – Best Bass Tournaments

McClure – Stanislaus County Sheriff’s

Pine Flat – Bass 101

April 9

Delta/B and W Resort – CA BASS Nation Kayak

April 14-16

Sacramento/Discovery Park – Western Bass Shootout

April 15

New Melones – Big Water Adventures

Tulloch – Kerman Bass Club

Don Pedro – Angler’s Press/Tri Valley BassMasters

Success – Lahu Bass Club

Santa Margarita – Best Bass Tournaments

April 16

Tulloch – Fresno Bass Club

McClure – Riverbank Bass Anglers

Eastman – Slay Nation Tournaments

April 18

Don Pedro – Mid Valley Agriculture

April 19

Delta/Russo’s Marina – Major League Fishing

April 20-22

Delta/Russo’s Marina – Major League Fishing

April 22-23

Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Kern County BassMasters

Camanche – Bass Anglers of Northern California

April 22

Delta/Sandy Beach – Central Valley Anglers Striped Bass Derby

Tulloch – Yak-A-Bass

Don Pedro - Wild West Bass Trails

Eastman – Sheet Metal Workers #104

Bass Lake – Sierra Bass Club

Success – Golden Empire Bass Club

Isabella – American Bass Association

Santa Margarita – San Luis Obispo Bass Ambushers

Lopez – American Bass Association

April 23

Millerton – California Bass Federation

Bass Lake – Kings River Bass Club

April 29-30

Don Pedro – Bakersfield Bass Club

Bass Lake – Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce Trout Derby

April 29

New Melones – Christian Bass League

Eastman – Mid-Valley Bass Club

April 30

Delta/B and W Resort – California Bass Federation

Delta/Ladd’s Marina – American Bass Association