Delta boat launches near Sacramento?

[jtf408]

i recently purchased my first bass boat, and i am eager to take a trip on the Delta. the only launches I am familar with are all the way in stockton. Does anyone know of any launches closer to Sacramento?

[Burke]

Take Interstate 5 South. Take the Walnut Grove/Thornton Exit. Turn right at the stop sign. Go about 2.5 miles. Just before the bridge, you'll see signs for Wimpy's Marina and New Hope Landing.

I would use New Hope Landing because Wimpy's has a steep drop off at the ramp that can make a low tide launching or loading very interesting. Wimpy's also has a cross current at the ramp that make it very challenging for the beginning boater.

Good luck.

[DeltaDan]

Wimpy's Marina is right off of Thorton Rd. about 5 miles west of I-5. Further south off of 12 and west is Tower Park.

If you wish to fish the Sac River side there is a marina that launches your boat off of trailer sunken from a ramp in Isleton. And further down the Sac is Vierras towards Rio Vista about 8 miles prior.

Congrats on your new boat !

[twister]

jtf408,

Is this your first boat? Have you taken this boat out before? I ask these questions because most guys just don't know what they're gettin into when they go boating in the Delta and it sounds like you don't have too much experience there. There are strong tidal influences that causes fast current, debri littered waters, and choppy water caused by 5-30 mph winds. First I would suggest that you have your boat checked out by a reputable boat mechanic if the boat is used. Go to a lake on a calm day if the performance of your boat is questionable. Second, I would suggest you to go out with someone who know the water you're are planning to boat. Take my suggestions seriously because last thing I need is another washed up boat on the Delta.

Technically, the Delta is anywhere south of the I-80 bridge connecting Sacramento to West Sacramento (according to DFG). But I think the delta ends @ Snodgrass (Locke). Wimpies is the closet ramp. Go I-5 South. Exit Thorten West and you will see it on you right hand side next to a group of mobile homes. Good luck and boat safe.

[jtf408]

Thanks. This is my first bass boat, but I have fished and launched on the delta with friends boats for years. I just haven't fished the areas towards Sacramento. I would prefer a "beginner" launch area for my first delta trip though. I have heard Wimpys is fast current, and very steep. Someone else reccomended Tower Park or New Hope?

[bustout]

i-5 so. to 12 west ...after the 2nd bridge take your 1st rt

b&w marina....easy to launch no current to worry about

[bustout]

i-5 so. to 12 west ...after the 2nd bridge take your 1st rt

b&w marina....easy to launch no current to worry about

[MT]

Out of all the ramps mentioned, the only one I would use is B&W. Definitely avoid Tower Park, it's very steep and somewhat tricky to back into.

[MT]

Out of all the ramps mentioned, the only one I would use is B&W. Definitely avoid Tower Park, it's very steep and somewhat tricky to back into.

[Blue_R70]

Technically, the Delta is anywhere south of the I-80 bridge connecting Sacramento to West Sacramento (according to DFG). But I think the delta ends @ Snodgrass (Locke).

Actually, according to the DFG the Delta ends all the way up at Shasta Dam. They've expanded the Delta to collect more revenues for the Delta Enhancement Stamp requirement...

[twister]

Thats something new. That DFG is just raping my wallet. I would agree, B&W is very easy to launch. Heck, if you fish as much as I do, you can lauch anywhere. Yesterday we launched out of that free ramp behind Locke. Put the boat back on @ low tide 1 foot of water. Trolled the nose of the boat onto the bunks, started the motor and drove onto the trailer while my friend cranked the winch. Of coarse we had a F150 4wd. This ramp is partially unpaved so you need the 4wd. I think 4wd is the only way to go when pulling a boat. Wet ramps with lockers--no good. Some day you'll have to face that wet ramp and a heavy boat. I love those pictures the car becomes the boat.

[nipples]

Closest to sac with decent bass and striper fishing is going to be Wimpy's, I like Wimpy's and have no problems with the current. I launch solo there all the time. Once I have the boat in the water, I walk it out to the current and lead it just around the elbow of the dock and tie it up. Then I get back in the truck and pull the trailer out of the water and park. (20 feet away). Then walk over to the boat (already facing up current) fire up the motor, let it warm up while I situate everything, pull away into the current (real easy to do), turn around and run down and fish Hog, Beaver, and sycamore.

If I launch at B&W (20 more minutes of driving), I will run down to the san joaqin and possibly to franks. B&W is really easy to launch at. I really like B&W when I launch in the dark for night fishing the delta, I always catch a few nice fish under the lighted B&W sign before I make a run to Franks. also hit the rock break wall on the right just below the bridge. Great spot to drag a c-rig.

Tower Park is tricky if you are not good with a blind hill and a trailer with a narrow area to negotiate (which is why they do a lot of business launching people with their tractor). I choose my ramp based on the area I want to fish. It is alot easier and safer to drive to a lauch ramp that is closer to the area you will be fishing.

8 mile road for white's and dissapointment, but I also launch there when I run to areas below franks.

Launching close to your water is the best advice I can give you, it is alot easier to deal with boat problems if you don't have far to go. Good luck.

[jtf408]

I just wanted to thank you for the information and advice. I have made 4 trips to the Delta now and launch out of B&W. You were right it is a nice and easy launch especially when you are launching yourself. My first time I made the run to potato slough, caught several fish around the back, with the largest being 6lbs. Since then I have been making runs down to Franks Tract and have done well there too. Everytime I launch at B&W I always go out to the left to fish those wood poles right at the corner there. For some reason, I keep thinking i am going to pull a big one out of there, but there is a lot of current.

Thanks Again,

Josh