Night Fishing The Delta

[Duckman]

Has anyone bass fished the Delta at night? I have been thinking about it for a lone time but you never hear of anyone doing it.

[Guest]

Yes I did that quite a bit last year.

The only area safe enough to do this though is discovery bay. Fish in the evening are hitting the top water pretty good on spooks and frogs, after that stick with 10" worms, brush hogs or lizards worked on the bottom from the bank out towards the end of the docks.

[Duckman]

What about the Track, I think that would be safe what do you think?

[Guest]

I guess it would depend on the weather conditions and how well you know the area for unmarked obsticles, etc. Personally I don't think I would press my luck at night out there, but if you launched from Russo's, planned on staying on the trolling motor all night and had lights you shouldn't have any problem.

My preference was Disco Bay because the entire area is a 5pmh zone, I love fishing docks and there's usually enough light from the homes nearby where you don't need any additional lights when fishing. Plus in the summertime you also get the same type of "entertainment" that I've run into at Clear Lake when night fishing.

[Mark Langner]

I've fished the Delta at night too...and like Vince out of Disco. In addition to his baits, the long 7 inch or so (I think, not at home to measure them but you get the idea) single tail yami grub that's black with a chartreuse tail works good at night too.

Keep in mind that once you've launched at Disco, your locked in until sometime the next morning. No biggie, just info you may not know.

[Guest]

I would recommend launching from Orwood vs Disco marina. The launch ramp stays open and you can easily slow from Disco Bay to Orwood. Just hug the right side of the slough on your way back, drive slow and use a spot light.

[Mark Langner]

I don't know Orwood (to fish), so can't help with specifics, but....our club Disco night tournament last summer was won fishing in the Orwood area someplace. I fished in Disco and took 2nd.

[Guest]

How did you guys run your club tournament? Was the entire delta open and you had to be back at a certain time or did you have an off limits area and say you must fish within this area, etc?

I was thinking about trying to get either a turkey shoot night tournament out of Disco with that sort of idea this summer. The only issue I could forsee would be liability issues if the entire delta was open to the tournament.

[nipples]

I have fished all over the delta at night. I prefer night fishing the delta in the dog days of summer, as the bass are more active at night.

I bring a spot light for running... if there is not allot of debris floating around, and I am on big water, I'll run at about 15mph. If the winds are blowing strong, I stick to the smaller sloughs like White’s or Disappointment. (The winds usually calm down at night, but calm is relative). A must have is a good map that shows you the navigational markers and buoys, and know how to navigate by them. (the spot light is a must for this as well)

Franks track is safe as long as the wind is not too strong and you are very familiar with the water. If you are not familiar with the water in the delta, get to know it during the daylight and only fish what you know at night. If the winds are moving you too fast, then dragging a light anchor can pay off big as it will slow you down enough to fish and save your batteries.

I recommend starting off by fishing any lighted areas at first and then venturing out into unlit waters, as you become more accustomed to the water at night. Another benefit to fishing at night is being able to be at the perfect spot just as it's barely getting light. I have had tournament boats that just blasted off show up at areas I just finished fishing, and the only thing going through boat number one's mind is how did I beat him to the spot.

Fishing the delta at night is not like fishing a lake at night. If you are not prepared you could end up floating in Sausalito in the morning, or swimming to shore and waiting for daylight. Navigating the delta during the day is tough for most and far worse at night. Know your water well and understand that you are boating in extremely strong currents. The payoff can be worth it though.

If the wind is light, and I have bait with me, and I am looking for a nap, I'll try my luck for striper, sturgeon, and cats around Rio Vista. Anchor upstream from a barge and slip a ghost shrimp under the outer edge of the barge. Keep the rod zipped inside your jacket and the fish will wake you when it wants you to set the hook.

Happy Fishing.

[Fishin' Dave]

When I was in the club, I came up with the diso night tournament idea. Rules are:

No fishing east of the pipes at Disco Bay 5 zone on Indian Slough.

No fishing north of the RR bridge at Orowood.

That's it!

[Duckman]

I am very familiar with the Delta , I have fished it for over 25 years but never at night Go figure!! I have anchored my Ranger at the Mothball fleet many times over night and caught alot of Sturgeon but have not fished for Bass at night. I will try it on the next full moon and see how it is. The best thing will be no skiers. Big baits for big Bass.