California Delta and Reports

Saturday, May 12th, 2018

• By deepvbasser

  Water Temp: 69

  Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

  Report: With outgoing tide in progress early on, decided to sleep in and miss the early ramp rush; got there around 730am and great, only one other boat launching. Went straight to White Slough and into a cut to stay away from the wind. Tide was outgoing but not bottomed out so started throwing topwater; brother stayed with topwater and I went to a Bomber Long A... jerk jerk long pause. Picked up a few 12"-14"ers. Decided to try some plastics but no takers, bottom or dropshot. Went back to jerkbait but with the tide much lower, went to a Rapala Ripstop; it's 3.5" and shallow diver to keep me out of the weeds. Jerk jerk long long pause, up to 20secs. Another few 12"-13" and then a couple 2lbers when I paused almost 30 secs. Brother was still trying topwater after a few blowups but nothing on the hookset. He then went to jig, chatterbait, dropshot, wacky senko, zip, zero. We went up and down the cut, power poling to work an area every 25-50 yds or so. I would try a lipless suspending crankbait but zip on that. Went back to my jerkbait, this time Rapala Shadow Rap in Albino Shiner. Pow, 2.5lber. My brother finally switches to a Rattlin' Rogue and bam, 2lber. 2 casts later, bam, he gets another almost 2lber...heavy 1 lber if it wasn't 2. I decided to throw one more time and after a couple jerks, i turned and got into some chat with big bro. About a minute or so while still chattin', bam, got a hit that almost took my rod out of my hand, my brother saw the hit before i felt it, watched my rod tip just bend away. Turned out to be a 3lber. Decent day, though I wish the crank bite would take off!

  Tips: Never really ever feel qualified to give tips but what seemed to work for me was forcing myself to lighten my jerks and long long pauses between them... initially 9 secs then went to anywhere from 9 - 20 then 30 secs. That last one hit after at least a minute, possibly almost 2 mins. At least one of the 2lbers had fat belly and the rest appeared to be strong but slender.

Friday, May 11th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: Delta Report…. Great Month for #FishOakley as Anglers
  
  Dan’s Delta Outdoors Team event #4 is This weekend and Pro Am #4 (May 19th) at Big Break Marina. Pre Registration available NOW at Dan’s Delta Outdoors. Each team member that comes in early to register will be given a raffle ticket for a 50.00 Dan’s Delta gift certificate.
  
  Isleton Striper Trolling and plug casting has stayed fair the last few days. Dirty “D” is a bit Windy this week. Trolling the Angry Eyes and Savage Preys is the best bet. Sturgeon anglers moved West . Catfish start to show in better numbers with Mackerel.
  
  Rio Vista- WINDY, but forecast to improve later this weekend. Shore bound anglers are scoring both species. The best place to score a striped bass or sturgeon remains Sandy Beach and the area of the Power Lines, use Sardines or Shad. Trolling is scoring many limits stripers and occasionally, a 10-12 pounder caught. Savage Prey and P-line Angry Eye lures are key for the trolling anglers.
  
  Walnut Grove . Trolling Angry Eyes baits in bright colors 8 to 10 foot deep is key as the spring push continues. The Dirty “D” is clearing its name and conditions are improving for Black Bass in the area. Spinnerbaits and Fizzle jigs are working in the Hog Area. Bank anglers tossing shad and Sardines prevail for an occasional Striper those looking for bigger bites. Drifting live baits for stripers cracking the 10 pound plus keeps anglers smiling..
  
  Central Delta Most Blackie anglers are sticking with Strike King Blade minnows paired with Fatsack Swim Jigs. Wind and overcast this weekend slow rolling Fatsack Tackle blades and Strike King square bills searching ledges near sparse tulle flats. Stripers had another cameo appearance this week yet it was very brief. Crappie and Bluegill also had a improvement this week.
  
  Frank’s Tract After being beat up by crazy winds for a week, we got a third round of winds. Black bass bite is at a consistent tougher than normal bite. Hematoma Beavers on over cast days also working well. We are seeing a few big Black Bass with ¾ ounce Jigs. Others looking to score are starting to crank DDO Customs and Pranks are solid options.
  
  West Delta Bundle up and braving the wind is worth trying. The stripers are here Lug Worms, anchovies and sardines in many areas for bank anglers, Antioch Pier and along Sherman Island rd. Stripes to 28 pounds have grabbed baits . Trollers it’s getting started on both sides with Red Barn being the top choice, if they aren’t there move to the Eddo’s Side. Chartreuse patterns are the best bet.
  
  Provided by Dan’s Delta Outdoors, 1625 Main St Oakley CA 925/234-4694 Follow us on Facebook

• By WB Staff

  Report: by Wsc » Fri May 11, 2018 9:20 am
  
  I hit the delta in the morning out of Russo’s at 6:30 am. Wind was picking up around Franks so I headed SE to connection slough and found calm conditions. My go to bait in the past has been a rage craw but this season it has been ignored. Brush hogs have been getting hit for me. Picked up 5 fish. The first went over 7lbs. She pulled the boat toward some rip rap (18 ft. Lund) before I pulled her out. The fish seem a little spooked this season and require more patience on the retrieve. Maybe due to pressure and the presence of sea lions moving deeper into the delta. Wondering if others are experiencing the same thing?

Tuesday, May 8th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: Water Temp 68 – 71 Degrees

  Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Tue May 08, 2018 7:09 pm
  
  California Delta 5/8/18
  Water Temp 68 – 71 Degrees
  Visibility 1 – 4 Feet
  Wind 10 - 20 mph
  
  Put in at around 8:30 in the morning. Conditions were calm, but the wind was forecast to blow (and that it did).
  
  With the tide still fairly low, we tried our luck at punching. The first few spots only yielded a few bumps, but no takers. As the wind started to pick up, so did the bite. I was initially using a ¾ oz tungsten to get through the mats, but the mats were much thicker. My father who was using a 1.5 oz tungsten had a much easier time getting through and getting more bites. I switched over, and managed to finally stick a few fatties.
  
  With the wind getting stronger, we moved over to some rocks and had some good luck on craw pattern cranks. All 1 to 2 pound fish, but surprisingly fat and healthy looking fish.
  
  By noon, with sun high in the sky, the wind blowing hard, and the fish in a negative mood, it was hard to get bit. Then our luck changed.
  
  Attempting to hide from the wind, we tucked up in a shallow cove. I punched for a bit, but had no takers. Then I noticed a large female sunning herself. I switched to my glide bait (one that I recently painted) and cast past her position. I retrieved the bait to her position and killed it. Her fins flared and she inhaled the bait. I set hook and had her on for about ten seconds, before she came off. Disappointed, we continued down the bank, but I had a nagging feeling that I should return. So I did, and cast in the same exact spot. BOOM! Fish on again! It was her, but this time she was hooked good. We got her in the boat, took a few pics, got a weight (7.2 lb), and let her go.
  
  With the wind howling now, we called it quits.

  Tips: Notes
  Punching, and cranks got the majority of our fish today.
  
  As for the glide bait, straight retrieves will get you tons of followers (although some will eat it like that). If you want to cut down on followers, vary the retrieve. The one that works the best for me, is a steady retrieve, pause, and then two small rod twitches. Repeat until you are finished with your cast.

Friday, May 4th, 2018

• By Hookset5

  Water Temp: ??

  Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

  Report: I launched at Tracy Oasis and fished grant line canal all day. Looking for that honey hole no one knows about, because no one usually fishes the long stretch of this canal from the bridge to old river. Why I never see anglers pitching the banks here? I'm beginning to realize. I've fished this canal for a few years and have only pulled a few fish out of it. Today though, the water was like chocolate milk. I left my ff at home so I don't know the temp. I mixed up my techniques trying to find what worked with the only clue being a buzz-bait swell-up @ the edges of hydrilla. I stuck with the buzzer for a good long while and no more takers. The hydrilla was green, which is a good sign of filtration and oxygen. Threw a black and tan frog over some snot and hydrilla patches, nothing. Bluegill pattern chatter bait on the inside weed-line/rip rap at high tide, nothing. Deep chartreuse crank-bait down the middle of the canal for awhile, nothing. This is a long stretch canal with (4) banks, I primarily fished from the launch ramp and went west until I hit the second switchback. My experiences on the delta this Spring has been a heavier stained clarity level than usual. I'm wondering if bass move further than I once thought they did (+-30 yards a day) to completely relocate when spawning or the clarity chokes them out. I don't know. I tried!

Monday, April 30th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: 2nd Basshole » Mon Apr 30, 2018 7:28 am
  
  Launched out of rivers end, around 6:15, headed towards Victoria slough to get to the backside of Coney Island to a big flat. Started on the outside edge around the opening into the flat with a Plopper Flopper. With no takers picked up my Snag proof root beer brown frog, and on the 3rd cast, had a taker 2.5 lbs. That was it as the tide slacked! Did have an otter come out to play with my frog, and I had to jerk it away multiple times. Someone must have been feeding it, for it seemed friendly or over curious. I played around the area and found fish on the graph but nothing could entice. I headed over to where Italian slough hits old river, a big flat area (Widdows Isalnd). Started on the outside, near the opening, threw all my typical plastics with no takers. I decided to switch to a crank bait (Storm wiggle wart V37 craw color) and threw into the opening, bam 4 fish in 4 cast, biggest two around 2lbs. I knew I was on to something, then a boat wanted to pass through the opening, so I waived him by. I stepped back on the trolling motor pedal and nothing. After checking fuses and breakers, I realized my day was done at 10:00 and headed back to the marina. I felt good that I was able to find something they would bite on and to get a frog fish in April was my highlight of the morning.
  Thanks Western Bass for I found a killer deal on a replacement trolling motor in the classifieds, and am ready to go on my next adventure.
  Dennis

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: Water Temp 65 – 68 Degrees

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Mon Apr 30, 2018 8:11 pm
  
  California Delta 4/30/2018
  
  Visibility 1 – 4 Feet
  Wind 6 – 15 mph
  
  Got a late start this morning. Managed to get out around 9:30 this morning. The tide was falling fast so we decided to follow it.
  
  We had no game plan for the day, so more or less just a relaxed day on the river. Overcast skies with a good breeze coming from the south; the reaction bite should be good. Sure enough, the chatterbait got most of the bites, along with some buzzbait fish. The two’s and three’s bit pretty good for a couple of hours, but with the tide falling, the bite shut down.
  
  With most of our cover in only inches of water, we switched to weedlines. The bite was not as consistent as it was earlier, but we managed to catch a few on drop-shots, swimbaits, chatterbaits, and light punching.
  
  By the afternoon, we ground out another handful of bass, but it was a challenge. Crankbaits and Senkos got the majority of our fish. I even caught a three inch bass on a 6 inch Senko; just goes to show you how aggressive the little ones are, and how effective the Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky Hook is at catching fish of all sizes.
  
  With the occasional cloud moving in front of the sun, throwing a buzzbait in shallow water yielded some good bass for my father.
  
  In the end, I started with two rods, but by the afternoon, I had six rods on the deck. All six rods got fish, but that tells you how inconsistent the fish were today. The only good bite we found was in the morning fishing reaction with the tide up. Once the tide fell, the bites got few and far between.

  Tips: Caught quite a few pre-spawners today. I’m thinking a batch moved up with the full moon, but with the cooler temps, the majority are still waiting for the weather to stabilize.
  
  I threw six rods today, all six got fish. There was no “go to bait” for today. That said, chatterbaits and drop-shots got the better fish for the day.

Saturday, April 28th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: Delta Report…. Wild West Anglers here this week at Big Break Marina Friday Through Sunday. Striper Fishing Goes Again Off This week! A great Time to remember to Join California Striped Bass Association! Need More Members that Love to Fish and Support this Great fishery! Join Here!
  
  Isleton Striper Trolling and plug casting has toughened the last few days. Water temps raised a bit this week and a few more stripers in the Cache Slough area responded. Trolling the Angry Eyes and Savage Preys is the best bet. Sturgeon anglers moved west .
  
  Rio Vista- Trolling is scoring many limits stripers and occasionally, a 12-15 pounder caught. Savage Prey and P-line Angry Eye lures are key for the trolling anglers. Red White Classic Shimmer jigs around pumps getting stripers. Shore bound anglers are scoring both species. The best place to score a striped bass or sturgeon remains Sherman Island in the area of the Power Lines, use Sardines or Red’s Bloody Eel.
  
  Walnut Grove . Bank anglers tossing shad and eel prevail for an occasional sturgeon or Striper those looking for bigger bites. Drifting live baits for stripers cracking the 10 pound plus keeps anglers smiling. Trolling Savage Prey baits colors 8 to 10 foot deep is key as the spring push starts up. The Dirty “D” is earning its name and conditions are lets say turbulent. Stay in the Wimpys area for best conditions. Best bet, Savage Prey and P-line Angry Eye lures.
  
  Discovery Bay The Bite is On! The black bass bite has continued rolling. River2Sea in Shad and Crankbait patterns rocking the Bed fish are around. Most Blackie anglers are sticking with Senkos and Strike King Rage Swimmers swim baits paired with Fatsack Swim Jigs, clouds forecast this weekend slow Fatsack Tackle blades and Rat-LTrap Stutter Steps searching ledges near sparse tulle flats.
  
  Frank’s Tract Black bass bite is at a consistent pace warm days only helps the Big Girls bite. Hematoma Beavers on over cast days also working well. We found a few Stripers and Black Bass with top water and Chili Craw Red Eye Shad. Others looking to score are starting to crank Chartreuse Shad 6th Sense baits and Big Poppa’s are solid options. Keeper sized stripes are grabbing Bubba Shad a bit more this week and trolled Angry Eye baits.
  
  West Delta The stripers are here anchovies and sardines in many areas for bank anglers, Antioch Pier and along Sherman Island rd. Stripes to 18 pounds have grabbed Red/White Classic shimmer jigs. Trollers it’s getting started on both sides with Red Barn being the top choice, if they aren’t there move to the Eddo’s Side. Chartreuse patterns are the best bet.
  
  Provided by Dan’s Delta Outdoors, 1625 Main St Oakley CA 925/234-4694 Follow us on Facebook

Monday, April 23rd, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: 63-67

  Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Mon Apr 23, 2018 7:58 pm
  
  California Delta 4/23/2018
  
  Water Temp 63 – 67
  Visibility 2 – 4 ft
  Wind 6 – 11 mph
  
  Launched around 6:30 in the morning. A steady western breeze put a nice ripple on the water. A frog/buzzbait combination yielded no results, even though conditions were ideal. We switched to chatterbaits and spinnerbaits and got some small males to go on them.
  
  With the tide quickly coming in, we moved to a large spawning flat hoping to find some females moving up to spawn. To our surprise, we ran into a nice school of stripers. My father hooked into a 10 pound striper on a white swimbait, which put a good bend in his rod. I proceeded to cast my chatterbait and had the biggest striper I’ve seen on the delta, follow my bait. This beast could have easily gone 40+ pounds. A true monster. But, as soon the school appeared, they vanished.
  
  After switching back, we started to throw Senkos in the areas we knew had beds. You could tell the weekend crew had done some damage, hundreds of empty beds; kinda sad to see that happen. We proceeded down the bank and managed some small males, but nothing more.
  
  Finding the bite increasingly more difficult, we started cranking some rip-rap and found a fun crankbait bite. Again, nothing big, but still fun.
  
  By the afternoon, the tide had dropped way out and the wind had subsided. After a short run, we stopped at another spawning flat (this one seemed to not be fished so bad as the other). Tossing the Senko combined with the Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky Hook and punch shot produced a good number of solid fish. After an hour or so, we had a decent limit of fish, but nothing to brag about haha.
  
  With the gnats and humidity getting to an uncomfortable point, we called it a day and headed back.

  Tips: Notes
  
  With fishing pressure at an all time high and the water starting to clear, these fish are becoming increasingly spooky. Get away from sight fishing, back off a bit, and fan-cast your water.Slow presentations caught us the better fish, Senkos and Punch shots got the better bites.
  
  If you are new to the fishing game and want to get bit, getting a craw pattern crankbait and burning down the rocks will get ya bit (generally smaller fish, but still fun).
  
  Lastly, the Delta is a very special place and we want to preserve this fishery, that means clean up after yourself (don’t toss garbage or line in the water) and always try to practice catch and release.

Monday, April 16th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: 60-62

  Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Mon Apr 16, 2018 10:50 am
  
  California Delta 4/14/2018 – 4/15/2018
  Water Temp 60 - 62
  Visibility 1 – 3 feet
  Wind 5 – 10 mph (4/14) – 8 – 18 mph (4/15)
  
  My Father and I fished the Yamamoto Big Bass Challenge this weekend. Overall, a fun and exciting event that drew a decent crowd.
  
  (4/14)
  With adrenaline and coffee powering our bodies, we made our way to the launch ramp. We put in the water at around 5:30 in the morning and were set to fish at 5:50. With light just starting to peek over the horizon, we made the run to our first spot.
  
  In previous weeks, this spot had proven very fruitful; a nice spawning flat. With the tide dropping out, we prepared to wreak havoc, but the fish had other ideas. After burning precious hours, a three pounder on a Senko is all we could muster.
  
  With the tide quickly falling and our spot being hammered by multiple boats, my father called an audible. He decided to hit our next spot earlier than we planned to be there. With haste, we flew to our next spot.
  
  (You know we had gone fast when you look at the motor and have about a hundred dead bugs on it haha)
  
  We arrived at the spot with renewed hope. Not even five minutes at the spot, I got a light tick. I reeled down and slowly swept the rod across my chest; the fish didn’t move when I hooked her. Suddenly, she pulled back.
  
  “Get the net!”, I grunted.
  
  With the fish fast approaching the boat, my father swiftly grabbed the net and put it over the side. As I brought her next to the boat, she proceeded to jump about a foot in the air. With speed and precision, my father caught her mid-air. In the boat, we could see she inhaled the Senko and the Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky Hook pinned her securely with minimal effort.
  
  With a good fish in the boat and the last hour remaining, we ran back to weigh her.
  
  At the scale, she weighed 6.08; good enough for the first seat. We had arrived with 15 minutes left in the hour, but the last five minutes had been the longest I had ever experienced. In the end, she held up.
  
  Happy with the day, we prepared for the following day.
  
  (4/15)
  The clouds and slight breeze blew over the delta. An epic day was in the brewing, but as the hours passed, those thoughts quickly evaporated. Reaction baits got short strikes and the slow presentations got bit, but not the correct quality we needed.
  
  With the low tide and the the wind making an appearance, our bite had come and gone. Before we knew it, time was up.
  
  Thankful we had got it done the previous day, we headed in. To be able to participate in the final 12 was a cool experience.
  
  Met some cool people and had a blast at the event. Thank you to everyone who made it possible and also to my father who made the last minute call that saved the day.

  Tips: Notes:
  
  The bass are in all three stages of the spawn. You still have some pre-spawners, spawners, and post-spawners. Pick your poison when chasing them.
  
  Fishing slow was the main key to getting bit. The reaction baits got lots of short strikes, might be switching over to a crankbait soon.
  
  These fish are also getting hammered right now, so thinking outside the box may be the key to getting that extra bite.

Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Wed Apr 11, 2018 8:31 am
  
  California Delta 4/10/2018
  Water Temp 60-64
  Visibility 1 – 4 feet
  Wind 5 – 15 mph
  
  Another little front is moving through the area… better go fishing…
  
  Got out on the water around 7:00 in the morning. Conditions looked great, overcast skies with a light breeze. We had high hopes for the day, but were cautiously optimistic.
  
  Made a short run to our first spot. The tide was just bottoming out, and we could see clean weeds with clear patches all around. This area was sure to be a spawning flat.
  
  After some pitches with the Senko and no bites, my father switched to a drop-shot and almost instantly got bit. He set the hook and his rod doubled over. A good five-pounder thumped on the deck (definitely set high expectations for the day with that fish).
  
  Knowing the fish are most likely shallow, I switched to a frog. Working along weed edges seemed to be the most effective compared to working over the weeds. This yielded me my first frog fish of the year. Solid three-pounders seemed to like chomping the frog.
  
  Around 11 is when the wind started to pick up, we switched tactics in favor of reaction baits. A craw colored crank worked well, but the spinnerbait seemed to consistently get the nicer fish.
  
  For the remainder of the day, we worked our way to the Central Delta. The bite was very consistent on the weed flats near spawning grounds. We picked up lots of males when casting closer to shore, but backing a few yards off the same area and casting to the outside weeds got us the bigger females.
  
  Overall, we ended the day with around 19 pounds for the best five. Fishing was consistent throughout the day, but when the wind picked up, the fishing was even better.
  
  Senkos, Drop-shots, and frogs worked best when the wind was calm, but when it picked up, crankbaits and spinnerbaits did the rest of the damage.

Saturday, April 7th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: Delta Report…. Dan’s Delta Black Bass Series #3 Launches out of Big Break Marina Sunday April 8th. Along with the Delta’s Best Pro Teams Oakley’s Teen Team Open will run in conjunction with Dan’s Delta Pro Teams bringing Nearly 100 Boats to Big Break Marina in Oakley Sunday.
  
  Striper, Sturgeon, Bass and More….
  
  Isleton Fishing Report
  Striper Trolling and plug casting has started to recover a bit from the dirty water.. Water temps raised a bit this week and a few more stripers in the Cache Slough area responded. Sturgeon remains the focus here. Diamondback anglers are heading to 41, Liberty and Cache Slough areas with roe and eel reporting success.
  
  Rio Vista Fishing Report
  Trolling is scoring many more Small stripes and occasionally, a 12-15 pounder caught. Savage Prey and P-line Angry Eye lures are key for the trolling anglers. Red White Classic Shimmer jigs around pumps getting stripers. Sturgeon anglers in front of Collinsville or Red Barn still get bit. Shore bound anglers are scoring both species. The best place to score a striped bass or sturgeon remains Sherman Island in the area of the Power Lines, use Lug Worms or Red’s Bloody Eel.
  
  Walnut Grove Fishing Report
  Trolling for stripers cracking the 10 pound plus keeps anglers smiling Brite colors 8 to 10 foot deep is key as the spring push starts up. The Dirty “D” is clearing its name and conditions were improving yet forecasted heavy rain will slow the progression. Stay in the Steamboat area for best conditions. Best bet, Savage Prey and P-line Angry Eye lures. Bank anglers tossing shad and eel prevail for an occasional sturgeon or Striper those looking for bigger bites.
  
  Discovery Bay Fishing Report
  As water temps stabilize in the 60’s the black bass bite is rolling. Bed fish are around. Most Blackie anglers are sticking with Senkos and Tail Slapper swim baits, Wind, Rain and overcast this weekend slow rolling blades and crankbaits searching ledges near sparse tulle flats.
  
  Frank’s Tract Fishing Report
  Had Novice anglers John and Cody out this week, there first ever fishing experience netted them 8 striped bass to 10 pounds. Black bass bite was picking up at a consistent pace til this storm series arrived. Hematoma Beavers on over cast days also working well. We found a few Stripers and Black Bass with 200 S-Wavers and Red Eye Shad. Others looking to score are starting to crank Red-Eye Shad and Big Poppa’s are solid options. Keeper sized stripes are grabbing Savage Glides a bit more this week and trolled Angry Eye baits.
  
  West Delta Fishing Report
  Sturgeon anglers have scored solid numbers of keepers daily in the Martinez and Pittsburg area. The stripers starting to show anchovies and Lug Worms in many areas for bank anglers, Antioch Pier and along Sherman Island rd. Stripes to 14 pounds have grabbed DDO Meizers. Trolling anglers it’s getting started. Chartreuse patterns are the best bet.
  
  Provided by Dan’s Delta Outdoors, 1625 Main St Oakley CA 925/234-4694 Follow us on Facebook

Friday, April 6th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: by Whoopbass » Fri Apr 06, 2018 8:14 am
  
  Nice report and accurate of the conditions.
  I was out Wednesday and done okay with my best fish going a bit over 6# and also losing a beast puching when she peeled line and then broke me off.
  I go back out Thursday and I couldn't manage anything over 3# and there were boats all over my area. Wind was awful at times. There was also a lot of debris in the water so be careful out there.

Thursday, April 5th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Thu Apr 05, 2018 7:44 pm
  
  California Delta 4/5/2018
  Water Temp 58-62
  Visibility 1 – 3 feet
  Wind 5 – 10 mph
  
  Technical Difficulties continue to plague me haha.
  
  Saw a front was coming into the area and had the opportunity to make it on the river. Launched at around 7:30 in
  the morning from Sugar Barge.
  
  On Tony’s second cast, he hooked into a meaty three-pounder with a Senko. All indications pointed to an epic day, but the fish had other ideas. The low light and slight breeze on the water seemed like the reaction bite was going to be phenomenal, but after two promising stops and two short strikes, it was clear that the fish DID NOT want a moving bait.
  
  After some more forced reaction bait fishing and getting schooled by Tony and my Father, I finally switched over to a Senko. Almost immediately, bites started to come in left and right. We had a small flurry on a small stretch of tullies, but the bite shut off almost as soon as it began.
  
  The search continued, which eventually led us into the western portion of the delta. I was shocked to see so many anglers on the water for a Thursday. After talking to a couple, they also agreed that the bite was tough.
  
  With the tide now almost bottomed and only a few nice fish to account for, we headed back to Franks to see if we could change our luck. Just as I suspected, Franks was crawling with anglers as well. Attempting to get away from the crowds and do something a little different, we started to throw Senkos at the grasslines. To our surprise, we started to get bit. Small males at first, but then some better females. Best fish went about five-pounds on a Senko with a Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky Hook.
  
  With the day salvaged and the wind starting to pick up, we called it a day and headed home.

  Tips: My only suggestion is that “I” can’t seem to buy a reaction bite right now, and that the only thing that will get bit are Senkos. Fishing slow(er) will get you bit.

Friday, March 30th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: Delta Report…. Spring Stripers show and Black Bass bite goes Off!
  
  Dan’s Delta Black Bass Team Series Launches out of Big Break Marina Sunday April 8 th.
  
  Isleton Fishing Report
  Striper Trolling and plug casting has started to recover a bit from the dirty water.. Water temps raised a bit this week and a few more stripers in the Cache Slough area responded. Sturgeon remains the focus here. Diamondback anglers are heading to 41, Liberty and Cache Slough areas with roe and eel reporting success.
  
  Rio Vista Fishing Report
  Many more small stripes and occasionally, a 12-15 pounder caught. Savage Prey and P-line Angry Eye lures are key for the trolling anglers. Red White Classic Shimmer jigs around pumps getting stripers. Shore bound anglers are scoring both species. The best place to score a striped bass or sturgeon remains Sherman Island in the area of the Power Lines, use Sardines or Red’s Bloody Eel.
  
  Walnut Grove Fishing Report
  Bite is recovering well as trolling for stripers cracking the 10 pound plus keeps anglers smiling Brite colors 8 to 10 foot deep is key as the spring push starts up. The Dirty “D” is keeping its name and muddier conditions make it tougher. Stay in the Mokelumne area for best conditions. Best bet, Savage Prey and P-line Angry Eye lures. Bank anglers tossing shad and eel prevail for an occasional sturgeon or Striper those looking for bigger bites.
  
  Discovery Bay Fishing Report
  As water temps stabilize in the 60’s the black bass bite is rolling. Most Blackie anglers are sticking with Senkos and slow rolling blades searching ledges near sparse tulle flats. Others looking to beat the clear conditions are starting to crank Red-Eye Shad and Big Poppa’s are solid options. Keeper sized stripes are grabbing Biwaa Strout a bit more this week and trolled Angry Eye baits. Packman A-Rigs also solid options
  
  Frank’s Tract Fishing Report
  Black bass bite is picking up at a consistent pace warm days only helps the Big Girls bite. Sandra Mathisen broke her PB with a 9-8 Black Bass and followed up with a 4-7 next cast Senkos are great options while spinnerbaits get the mentioned as well. Hematoma Beavers on over cast days also working well. We found a few Stripers and Black Bass with 200 S-Wavers and Red Eye Shad.
  
  West Delta Fishing Report
  Sturgeon bite is tougher yet anglers has scored solid numbers of keepers daily in the Martinez and Pittsburg area. The stripers are showing with shad and sardines in many areas for bank anglers, Antioch Pier and along Sherman Island rd. Stripes to 18 pounds have grabbed hair jigs. Trollers it’s getting started. Chartreuse patterns are the best bet.
  
  Del Valle Fishing Report
  Black Bass are on fire with anglers reporting having caught and released up to 12 bass. Most are smaller and in shallow water creating their beds. Best bet is still Senkos, either wacky or traditionally rigged. Also try a plastic crawdad, on either a half-ounce, or a one-ounce football jig head. If you do catch a bass, please release it, as she maybe pregnant. Remember that by taking one bass, anglers could be taking thousands away from the lake, so please, during the crucial spawning period, release any bass caught. Trout have been active this last week. They have been in the shallow water; anglers are having good luck on Power Bait, nightcrawlers, Rapalas, mice tails and Kastmasters. Many anglers have reported catching their limits.
  
  Provided by Dan’s Delta Outdoors, 1625 Main St Oakley CA 925/234-4694 Follow us on Facebook

Thursday, March 29th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: by Kyle46N » Thu Mar 29, 2018 5:27 pm
  
  Wow....today was a day of mixed emotions. On one hand I'm ecstatic, caught a 25 lb bag. On the other hand, I feel like a failure, as I only caught 6 fish after seeing................hundreds. Just so happened 5 of them were 5 pounders. Hundreds of fish........you guessed it, beds everywhere. Fish are getting their groove on in full force. It seems like they are just getting on the beds, as I saw many fish still "courting". Male's chasing females in the shallows, then 30 minutes later they settle down on a a bed. Saw numerous fish just floating withing 10 yards of spawning shoreline, getting ready to move in. And ultimately, they were very skittish. Didn't seem to be locked on at all. I was spooking fish left and right. The 6 I caught just didn't see me coming. I "thought" I saw a bed from a distance, pitched the bubba rig and got lucky 6 times over the course of 8 hours. I guess that's why I feel like a failure...lol....I failed ALOT! I caught them all on the bubba rig with an oxblood 6 inch roboworm. Not sure the color mattered. I saw water temps up to 63 degrees. Mostly around 60. This was my first opportunity to see a Delta spawn. I've never seen anything like it. I've been on lakes in the southeast where there are fish on beds everywhere.......BUT I could not have counted the number of 4-6 lb fish I saw even if I tried. Absolutely incredible fishery. And to think in my short time here in Cali, I've heard numerous Delta pro's state that the Delta is not what it used to be. I can't imagine what it used to be. Anyhow, I'm psyched to see the bags that come from the tournaments this weekend. Those fish are only going to get more aggressive every day.

Monday, March 26th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: by Kyle46N » Mon Mar 26, 2018 9:12 pm
  
  Decided to check out the first day of the run of what looks to be beautiful weather over the next week or so. We were greeted with 20 plus mph winds, with gusts to may as well been 80 mph. Blue bird skies, and a north wind? Where did this post front come from? Anyhow, I went down Potato into White Slough and Disappointment. Everything was muddy to stained. So I kept going and ended up even further down White's. Finally found clear water and what I thought would be a perfect area for fish to get shallow with the climbing water temps, (ended at 59 today). Not much happened. My son caught a three to go along with a couple dinks I caught on a squarebill and punching. We moved to an island in the San Joaquin, only place we could find that didn't have white capped rollers, and started flippin. Not five minutes into it, I put a jig at the base of a Pampas grass bush, and had a 7 lber choke it down. My first Delta giant. Okay, okay....I know that's not a Delta giant, but it's my first Delta fish over six since I moved here this past summer. Felt good to say the least. Well, we couldn't get any more bites in that area, so we went to the back of another slough in the White's slough family, and caught about 10 1-2 lbrs on swimbaits. Water was clear, but with the tide almost out, all we could get was the little guys to chase swimbaits. When we could get fish to eat, they were in a foot or two of water, so I would say a run on shallow water real estate is getting ready to happen on the Delta.

Friday, March 23rd, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: by cdrake » Fri Mar 23, 2018 3:34 pm
  
  Was out today and fished the east delta. Water temps start around 52 and come up to mid 50’s as the sun gets up. Chocolate milk pretty much everywhere. Best water clarity was in whites slough with 3-4 ft of visibility.
  
  Side note, Find the grass to get bites, a lot of water is a wasteland due to the spraying.

• By WB Staff

  Report: by Kyle46N » Fri Mar 23, 2018 2:22 pm
  
  As of Tuesday afternoon, the Mokelumne was blown out (brown), and that included many of the sloughs branching off of it, to include a large part of Potato slough south of Terminous and then into White Slough for a while. The San Joaquin was good though and that seemed to be pushing into White Slough and Disappointment to keep some clarity. That's the extent of the area I fished most recently. Last Friday I was down around Mildred, and Old River to south of Franks, and that was all very clear. Everything around Mildred was crystal clear.

Monday, March 19th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: by TravisH » Mon Mar 19, 2018 6:30 am
  
  Hey there everyone, I got to hit the delta for a couple hours this past weekend and had a good time.. I hit the water on a High outgoing tide throwing reaction baits an the bite was slow just picking up one here and there so i changed gears to flippin an it definitely seemed the slower the better.. I fished from 7:30 to Noon an had 17lbs, I did have any kicker just all solid chunks.