Delta trip questions

[pflat]

My wife and I are planning our anniversary trip to the delta the early part of May to fish for 3-4 days, will most likely be staying near Bethal Island.. Got a few questions and would appreciate some help..

Will most fish be on a spawn pattern? (We’re not great at bed fishing)

How’s,the water clarity in that area that time of year?

Any chance of a top water bite ?

Punching?

[JVGondal]

Post spawn
Topwater for sure
Punching might be good if you can find the cover
Water should be clear unless the wind is really blowing
Senko
Plastic
Cranking

[WB Staff]

Fish could be post spawn but some still spawning. It seems, Bethel / Frank's go a little earlier than the rest.

If the weather continues as it is right now, should be pretty clear.

There may be a topwater bite- popper around tules, frogs.

Yes to punching.

[ash]

Post spawn
Topwater for sure
Punching might be good if you can find the cover
Water should be clear unless the wind is really blowing
Senko
Plastic
Cranking

This pretty much summarizes it. By May you may find a few small bucks on beds but the bite is post-spaw. Time to tie on a topwater frog and bloop-bloop. Bluegill patterned baits for most plastics (junebug to greenpumpkin) Crawfish green with Orange. Senko could be king during this time as well as cranks and chatter baits. Chatterbaits are great for working all depth zones. I would focus on tulle pockets,and look for brim beds to fish and fish on the outside of them. Water clarity can vary based on rain, and weed growth expect it to be stained and clear up on the outgoing tide.
Flipping / Punching is always a bite on the river. The only thing that changes is where and when it is more affective.


BBT hosts tournaments and has a Youtube channel interviewing the winners check it out before you head up.