California Delta and Reports

Tuesday, July 31st, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: Water Temp 74 - 76

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Tue Jul 31, 2018 6:32 am
  
  California Delta 7/30/2018
  Water Temp 74 - 76
  Visibility 2 – 3 feet
  Wind 5 - 14 mph
  
  Had the opportunity to take a short trip this morning. Launched around 6:30 this morning. Conditions were ideal. Low light with a steady wind blowing from the west.
  
  I made a run to an expansive weed flat. Working my crankbait along the weeds, I hooked into a good fish. After a little battle, I had a solid four-pounder in the boat. Surprisingly, this fish had about three others in the same class following it, trying to eat the bait out of the other fish’s mouth. Without hesitation, I stuck her in the live well and went back to work. For a good ten minutes, I consistently stuck twos’ and the occasional three here and there. Within 15 minutes of being on the water, I had my limit. With high hopes, I continued.
  
  With the tide now moving out, I switched to fishing berms. I started by working the edges with crankbaits, but switched to Senkos paired with Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky Hooks in areas were the current slowed. This one – two combination yielded good results, but nothing cull worthy. This soon changed though. I pitched my senko up to an isolated tullie patch, away from the others. After a short while, I noticed my line swimming off. I reeled down on the fish and set hook, but to my amazement and horror, the fish was already under the boat. I frantically reeled with my 7:1 gear ratio reel, but to no avail. She was gone. From my experience, the fish that swim to deep water that fast, are monsters. Undeterred, I continued.
  
  Around eleven, I changed game plans and went back to searching the flats. By this time, the tide had dropped significantly, so I opted for the plopper. The fish were more than willing to cooperate, with many aggressively eating my bait. Again, the two and three-pound fish were eating. I noticed the areas that went into coves seemed to produce the most.
  
  By one in the afternoon, I attempted to mix in the chatterbait and some punching, but wasn’t able to get rid of any of my fish. The combination of small fish and smoke from a near-by fire made fishing the afternoon tough. I called it quits by 2. Overall, I had around fourteen-pounds for best five. Nothing special, but a productive day. I seem to be in a slump for the big fish, just got to concentrate and hope my luck changes.

  Tips: Notes
  
  The clouds and smoke make for outstanding reaction bait action.
  
  Again, finding the clean weeds offshore seem to produce the healthier fish.
  
  Cranks, Senkos, and Ploppes continue to do all of the damage.

Friday, July 27th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: Delta Report…Summer Pattern takes Hold! Smallmouth bite Solid Ultimate Frog Challenge will be the months biggest event July 28th and 29th Outta Russo’s Marina. Dan’s Delta Outdoors will host Snag Proof Frog Technique Seminar at 6pm August 1st As we get ready for the Snag Proof Open Next Weekend!
  
  Isleton Catfish start to show in better numbers. Sardines and livers are the best bets for whisker fish. Striper Trolling and plug casting has been Improving the last few days. Trolling the Angry Eyes and Savage Preys is the best bet. Get Crankin’ Smallies are grabbing baits throughout the North Delta area. Craw patterns are key. Summer night pattern prevails for bait tossing anglers.
  
  Rio Vista- A couple of Salmon have been reported but will be a bit before they get rolling. Warm seasonable weather ahead finally for anglers, and forecast to stay stable. Shore bound anglers are scoring cats and a few stripers . The best place to score a striped bass or Whisker fish remains Three Mile and the area of the Power Lines, use Sardines or Shad. Trolling is still scoring a stripers and occasionally, a 10-12 pounder caught. Yo-Zuri’s and P-line Angry Eye lures are key for the trolling anglers.
  
  Walnut Grove North Delta sloughs Black and Smallmouth Bass in the area are a biting. Jigs and Swim jigs are working in the Hogback and Steamboat Areas. Bank anglers tossing Anchovies and Sardines prevail for an occasional Striper and nice catfish. Those looking for bigger bites try drifting live baits for stripers cracking the 10 pound plus keeps anglers smiling.
  
  Central Delta Crankbaits are scoring bass on the main runway rock walls. Bass pushing the 4 to 6 mark are showing on occasion. While the winds have hampered there search a bit those targeting shaded current areas. Fatsack Tackle punch shirts and Strike King Plastics are great under utilized choices. With the wind Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits also are getting bit. Jig bite on points is also decent! A few anglers are starting to see small schoolie sized stripers chasing bait.
  
  Frank’s Tract Black bass bite is at a consistent yet, tougher than normal bite. While last week the talk was of Better summer staging fish starting to grab punch baits. Many are starting to stick with drop-shotting Robo Worms We are seeing a few big Black Bass with ¾ ounce Jigs. Others looking to score are starting to Toss ProZ Frogs.
  
  West Delta Anglers in search of stripers are finding the bite to be improving but still those who stick with it are getting small keepers on occasion from both boat and bank. From as far west as Honker Bay to the Broad Slough and Antioch pier persistent bait dunkers with Anchovies and Sardines ae finding fun action. Sturgeon success has come on the outgoing tide with Sardines, eel and roe. Broad Slough, Bouy 1 and Pittsburg PG&E are good bets. Not great by any means but a fun way to spend the Hot summer evenings.
  
  Contra Loma –Catfishing is reining supreme at Channel Point, Loma Island or from a boat with nightcrawlers or chicken liver. Trout are biting on nightcrawlers at Channel Point, near the swim area, or from a boat. Try fishing for crappie or bluegill with jigs or worms at the boat ramp area, Loma Island or Channel Point area.
  
  Provided by Dan’s Delta Outdoors, 1625 Main St Oakley CA 925/234-4694 Follow us on Facebook

Tuesday, July 24th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: Water Temp 74 - 77

  Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Mon Jul 23, 2018 11:27 pm
  
  California Delta 7/23/2018
  Water Temp 74 - 77
  Visibility 2 – 4 feet
  Wind 15 - 18 mph
  
  Got a late start today. Met up with my good friend and launched around 10 this morning. The wind was steadily blowing and the tide had just switched.
  
  With the water moving back in, I attempted to fish offshore, but again the wind proved to be too much. Finding more protected water, we found the crankbait bite to be consistent, but the fish lacked any size.
  
  After fishing multiple spots, it became apparent that it was going to be a grind. Again, we found fish, but there was no size. The fish were definitely relating to current, but the key was finding the breaks. Once a break was located, we pulled multiple fish out of a single area with repeated casts. Crankbaits, chatterbaits, and senkos paired with Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky Hooks all produced.
  
  By late afternoon, we still had no fish larger than two-pounds in the boat. The tide was now full, so we decided to target tulles. Sure enough, we found a large number of fish feeding. Switching between the chatterbait and crankbait again produced great results in the one to two and a half- pound range. I also mixed in a buzzbait which seemed to get the big girls attention, but they would only slap at the buzzbait rather than eat it. I had about three big girls come up and boil on my bait.
  
  Towards the evening, the crankbait bite really turned on. I think the combination of low light and wind made the fish super aggressive. Targeting the tullie clumps, you could almost call your shot. Again, the small ones were very prevalent, but you would occasionally run into the nicer three-pounder.
  
  Overall, the day was not a bust, but was also not fantastic. I had a decent stretch of good fishing, but now I’m back to the good ol’ delta grind.

  Tips: Notes
  
  Fishing current breaks created by eddies or weed clumps produced a larger number of fish.
  
  I still firmly believe the bigger fish are offshore, if only the wind would calm down.
  
  Like I mentioned in the last post, I have a picture of the NETMAN. A great system for securing your net and has an easy release system.

Saturday, July 21st, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: Water Temp 74 - 76

  Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Fri Jul 20, 2018 2:50 pm
  
  California Delta 7/19/2018
  Water Temp 74 - 76
  Visibility 2 – 4 feet
  Wind 10 - 18 mph
  
  A quick report for you guys. Launched at 6 in the morning. A strong Western wind blew. My initial thoughts told me that this would help our bite.
  
  Made a short run to our first spot, a large flat with sparse weeds. Initially, I threw a plopper and got a single fish to go. Knowing the fish were in the area, I went back through it with a chatterbait. That was the ticket and the fish liked it. We boated a respectable number of fish, with the biggest pushing around three-pounds. We attempted to follow this pattern, but the wind was getting worse. That said, our Skeeter powered through the rough water like a champ haha. Two thumbs up from me.
  
  Seeing conditions deteriorating, I made a decision to hit my secondary areas. I think everyone had the same idea since we all were congregated in protected pockets. The fishing in these areas was far from optimal. The big incoming tide hid all fishable cover, which made finding sweet spots extremely tough. We fished this way until noon with OK results. Nothing over three-pounds and even those fish were hard to come by.
  
  Then the wind calmed down. Seeing my opportunity, I attempted to fish some off-shore weedlines. Sure enough, the fish were feeding. Fishing my crankbait over the weeds produced excellent results. Many fish were caught, with the biggest again going just over three pounds. Even had the opportunity to use net on some of the fish. Speaking of net, got the opportunity to prototype a net management system. Its called the NETMAN. Easy to add to your deck, securely holds your net while you run, and easy to remove for landing fish. It’s a nice piece of equipment to have. I'll post pictures of it in my next report.
  
  By late afternoon, I was still looking for a better fish. I took out my handy Senko paired with a Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky Hook and went to work. Good numbers, but nothing spectacular. Then I had my chance.
  
  I misjudged my cast and the wind took it directly into the tullies. So I ripped it out and told myself to re-tie. With my fast drift, I saw an ideal piece of cover. "One more pitch and then re-tie", I told myself. I made the pitch, and then saw my line steadily moving out of the cover. I reeled down to the fish and set hook. I saw the fish open her mouth and proceed to shake violently. About three seconds of her shaking, my line snapped. I’d say she was a good six or seven-pounder. Lesson learned… always re-tie.
  
  Defeated, hot, and tired I made my way back to the launch.

  Tips: Notes
  
  The chatterbait in windy conditions produced best. Cranks and Senkos also get the mention.
  
  The fish are relating to current big time.
  
  If you can handle the wind, fish off-shore. The better fish are there.

Wednesday, July 11th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: Water Temp 74 – 80

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Wed Jul 11, 2018 8:29 pm
  
  California Delta 7/11/2018
  Water Temp 74 – 80
  Visibility 2 – 4 feet
  Wind 3 – 9 mph
  
  Got the chance to fish with one of my best friends growing up. Some things never change.
  
  Put in at 6:30 this morning. The tide was steadily moving out, but the wind was oddly not present.
  
  Made a quick run to our first spot. A weed flat with heavy current moving adjacent to it. Initially, we opted for ploppers, but after a few casts in promising spots and no takers, I switched to the chatterbait. Almost immediately, I boated our first keeper, a healthy post-spawn three-pounder. After making an adjustment, my buddy started throwing crankbaits. We covered the bank with great results. The fish that I missed, he would pick up.
  
  By 9 in the morning, the sun was high and the tide was rapidly receding; the reaction bite slowed. We made another quick move to find some healthy weeds with slight current. Since the tide was dropping so fast, we backed off the bank and started targeting isolated weed clumps. Pitching Senkos paired with Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky Hooks proved very fruitful. Our average fish was going around 2.5 pounds. All very healthy post-spawn chunks.
  
  Around noon, the tide continued to drop and was going negative. Instead of causing issues, this actually helped our bite. With the tide so low, we could easily see the weeds. Again, we caught healthy fish in the weeds, but it was when you found a weed clump that was furthest out or isolated, the big ones were hiding in it. On my first pitch to a very isolated weed clump, I pulled a healthy four-pounder. Continuing down the bank, I spotted another weed clump that was very isolated, so I pitched to it. BAM! Another four-pounder. My buddy had caught on and made a pitch to a outlying weed clump. He swung for the fences and his rod doubled over. He fought her for about 20 seconds, but she dove directly into the weeds and came off. He was mad, but never lost his cool. This patience paid off when he set hook into another good fish. This time, the fish just pealed drag. After three blistering bursts, she tired out. She went just under six-pounds.
  
  We fished for a couple more hours with continued success following the same pattern. The tide was coming in now, and started to cover some of the weeds. This made it harder to find the weeds, so we called it a day at 4 in the afternoon. Overall, another great day on the river. Best 5 hovered around the 19 – 20 pound range.

  Tips: Notes
  The fish are full blown post-spawn right now.
  
  A good pair of polarized glasses greatly improved our ability to see the weeds as the tide was dropping. When the tide was almost bottomed, we could see the weed clumps, which made targeting them much easier.
  
  The fish were very aggressive when eating the Senko. Usually on the initial fall, the fish would hit it.
  
  Healthy Isolated Grass + Current = BASS!!

Saturday, July 7th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: Water Temp 72 - 74

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Sat Jul 07, 2018 9:52 am
  California Delta 7/6/2018
  Water Temp 72 - 74
  Visibility 2 – 3 feet
  Wind 9 - 15 mph
  
  Saw clouds in the forecast for the area, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity.
  
  Launched the boat around 6:30 in the morning. The tide was just bottoming out with a steady western wind blowing. Conditions called for topwater.
  
  I started on a large flat with sparse weeds. I pulled out the plopper and went to work. Covering water, I found a decent number of small fish feeding. That said, the bite was not as great as I thought. This soon changed when the tide stared to come in.
  
  Working the same bank, the water had come up about a foot. With the rising water, the fish started feeding. Burning the plopper produces the best results. I followed this pattern for another hour with great success. I had a solid limit of three-pounders, but then the wind calmed down. With no chop on the water, the plopper bite died. I switched to a Senko paired with a Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky Hook. The fish were more than willing to cooperate. The two’s and three’s were plentiful. Again, I followed this pattern when conditions allowed.
  
  Just as the delta always does, the wind picked back up. By this time, the cloud cover was sparse. The plopper bite was not as productive, so I switched to a crankbait. The first cast yielded as small bass, so I knew the fish were in the area. Making repeated casts down the weedline, I picked up a good number of fish up to three-pounds. Then it happened. I made a long cast and started my retrieve. About six cranks in, my rod jolted. Thinking it was a small fish, I didn’t think much of it. Then my line started to come up, and a goliath came lumbering out. I immediately ran to the back of the boat and stuck the rod in water. She attempted to come up three more times and then bolted under the boat (thankfully I have experience fighting fish around the boat from years of striper fishing haha). She had me running around the boat like a mad man. Finally, I got her next to the boat and netted her. She was a bug-eyed beast! She went 8.8 pounds.
  
  By noon,the sun came out and the reaction bite slowed. Switching back to the Senko again produced were the reaction baits left off. By 2 in the afternoon, I called it a day. Overall, I had about 20 pounds for the best five. An epic day to say the least!

  Tips: Notes
  
  The cloud cover and warm wind made the bite epic!
  Plopper in the chop and low light got chewed. Cranking outside weedlines and throwing Senkos also produced great results.
  Find clean weeds with current is a must.

Friday, July 6th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: Delta Report…Summer Pattern takes Hold! Smallmouth bite Solid.. Big Month ahead for Delta Anglers. This Weekend Free Fishing Day Saturday! Dan’s Delta Outdoors Last Pro Am July 21st and Ultimate Frog Challenge will be the months biggest event July 28th and 29th. Dan’s Delta Outdoors will host Frog Technique Seminar the 25th at 6pm.
  
  Isleton Catfish start to show in better numbers with Mackeral. Sardines and livers are the best bets for whisker fish. Striper Trolling and plug casting has been Improving the last few days. Trolling the Angry Eyes and Savage Preys is the best bet. Get Crankin’ Smallies are grabbing baits throughout the North Delta area. Craw patterns are key. Summer night pattern prevails for bait tossing anglers.
  
  Rio Vista- Warm seasonable weather ahead finally for anglers, and forecast to stay stable. Shore bound anglers are scoring cats and stripers . The best place to score a striped bass or Whisker fish remains Three Mile and the area of the Power Lines, use Sardines or Shad. Trolling is still scoring many limits stripers and occasionally, a 10-12 pounder caught. Yo-Zuri’s and P-line Angry Eye lures are key for the trolling anglers.
  
  
  
  Walnut Grove North Delta sloughs Black and Smallmouth Bass in the area are a biting. Jigs and Swim jigs are working in the Hogback and Steamboat Areas. Bank anglers tossing Anchovies and Sardines prevail for an occasional Striper and nice catfish. Those looking for bigger bites try drifting live baits for stripers cracking the 10 pound plus keeps anglers smiling.
  
  
  
  Central Delta Crankbaits are scoring bass on the main runway rock walls. Bass pushing the 4 to 6 mark are showing on occasion. While the winds have hampered there search a bit those targeting shaded current areas. Fatsack Tackle punch shirts and Strike King Plastics are great under utilized choices. With the wind Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits also are getting bit. Jig bite on points is also decent! A few anglers are starting to see small schoolie sized stripers chasing bait.
  
  
  
  Frank’s Tract Black bass bite is at a consistent yet, tougher than normal bite. While last week the talk was of Better summer staging fish starting to grab punch baits. Many are starting to stick with drop-shotting Robo Worms We are seeing a few big Black Bass with ¾ ounce Jigs. Others looking to score are starting to Toss ProZ Frogs.
  
  West Delta Anglers in search of stripers are finding the bite to be improving but still those who stick with it are getting small keepers on occasion from both boat and bank. From as far west as Honker Bay to the Broad Slough and Antioch pier persistent bait dunkers with Anchovies and Sardines ae finding fun action. Sturgeon success has come on the outgoing tide with Sardines, eel and roe. Broad Slough, Bouy 1 and Pittsburg PG&E are good bets. Not great by any means but a fun way to spend the Hot summer evenings.
  
  Contra Loma –Catfishing is reining supreme at Channel Point, Loma Island or from a boat with nightcrawlers or chicken liver. Trout are biting on nightcrawlers at Channel Point, near the swim area, or from a boat. Try fishing for crappie or bluegill with jigs or worms at the boat ramp area, Loma Island or Channel Point area.
  
  Los Vaqueros Recent Catfish plants have spurred the action along, although wind has been brutal at times hampering boat rentals. The Best bet is fishing with cut baits with all the hungry small stripers and catfish around. Trout are a bit slower but still caught in South Cove and Oak Point as well as Peninsula Cove. The baits of choice for shore anglers is garlic scented PowerBaits, nightcrawlers or Kastmasters. Trout average a pound and a half but range to over 5 lbs. Light tackle is important for catching trout with 4-6 pound test being plenty. With the continuing plants, trout fishing has been ok with some limits being caught from all around the reservoir.
  
  Del Valle The weather this week has been beautiful with average temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s. . The two best species of fish to try and target would be catfish or striped bass.The Catfish bite is picking up with many anglers catching them from 2-8 lbs. As the water warms up they are getting active. The best baits have been chicken livers, anchovies, mackerel and sardines. If you target the catfish, look for areas with cover, downed trees, and grassy areas with some place for them to hide. Most of the catfish that that are being caught have been in shallow water.The hot bite this week is Striped Bass. Most anglers have been catching them out towards the dam off of points, but also in the lower narrows along the beaches. Best baits to use would be Anchovies, Chicken Liver, or Sardines. If you like to throw lures, I would recommend jerk baits (Yo-Zuri, Lucky Craft, Etc.) or jigs (chatterbaits, hair raizers, etc.).
  
  Provided by Dan’s Delta Outdoors, 1625 Main St Oakley CA 925/234-4694 Follow us on Facebook

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: Water Temp 71 - 74

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Tue Jul 03, 2018 8:36 pm
  
  California Delta 7/3/2018
  Water Temp 71 - 74
  Visibility 1 – 3 feet
  Wind 9 - 15 mph
  
  Got to the launch ramp at around 6:30 this morning. When we left the house, it was flat calm, but as soon as we hit the water, the wind showed up.
  
  On our first stop, a strong western wind blew. With conditions being less than ideal for the Senko, I opted for my trusty chatterbait. On the second cast, I hooked a healthy post spawn fatty. You could tell she was feeding by her extended belly and worn fins. Continuing down the bank, my father and I boated a few more good fish on the chatterbait and spinnerbait. With the wind getting stronger, we looked for more sheltered water.
  
  Switching between rip-rap, tullies, and flats, we fished the remainder of the morning with some success. Nothing spectacular, and lots of one and two-pound fish. Crankbaits on the rocks, Senko’s in the tullies, and punching in the mats. They all produced, but not the quality we were looking for.
  
  With a decent limit,we stopped at an area that had produced some good fish in the past. On my third cast, my crankbait totally stopped. I set hook, but instead of heading directly at me as most of the fish earlier, this one pulled back. I knew she was a better fish. After a short fight, my father netted her; a good five-pound fish. We continued to fish the area, but had nothing to add to our limit.
  
  By late morning, we were still looking to cull. We made a stop on a wind-blown flat. My father suggested I use the plopper. Almost instantly, I had a taker. Not big, but it was a good sign. About 20 yards down, another taker, and another. Then a three pounder thumped on the deck. The fish were chewing. My father on the other hand, stuck to his trusty Senko with the Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky Hook. Pitching to the outside of the weeds, he also started to get some good fish. It was perfect, I fished the inside, while he fished the outside. We followed this pattern into the afternoon with great success.
  
  By 3 in the afternoon, the jet skiers and mega yachts were out in droves. We called it a day. Overall, a pretty good day with about 15lbs for our best 5.

  Tips: Notes
  Current is key! Most fish have finally moved into there post-spawn patterns. They are tired from spawning, and want an easy meal. Current acts as there food delivery service.
  Covered a lot of water today.

Wednesday, June 27th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: Water Temp 73 - 76

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Thu Jun 28, 2018 9:17 am
  
  California Delta 6/27/2018
  Water Temp 73 - 76
  Visibility 2 – 3 feet
  Wind 5 – 18 mph
  
  Wasn’t summer just here? Man it was chilly.
  
  Put in at 6 in the morning. Met up with a buddy and his god son. They wanted numbers, so that’s what we did.
  
  On our first stop, the tide was ripping through the area. After a little while and no fish, it was clear the fish didn’t want to be in the direct current. Seeing this, we made a small adjustment and cranked down some side channels. We boated a good number of 10 – 15 inch bass.
  
  By mid-morning, they seemed like they were tuckered out from catching “monsters” haha. So we made another move to fish some shallow weed flats. The tide was still moving out, which left only about a foot of water above the weeds. Even though the sun was pretty high, I decided there was enough wind to create a good chop on the water. I tied on a whopper plopper for the god son, and he went to work. After a couple of casts, a mule came rocketing out of the water. It looked like something from shark week. He fought the beast for a little, but about halfway to the boat, she came unbuttoned after she jumped. That was the biggest bass he had hooked, but was a little bummed that she came off. That’s fishing for ya though, can’t catch all the big ones. We followed this pattern for a short while, but the wind laided down for a bit. With the chop gone, the plopper bite died off. We switched to Senkos paired with Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky Hooks and proceeded to put on a clinic. Fish were flying left and right! Overall, a good time.
  
  By noon, we looked for some more water, but stumbled upon a fellow boater in distress. His motor had no power after hitting an obstruction. We towed him for a while, and he told us to cut him loose after getting him most of the way there. A great guy, but unfortunate that had to happen to him.
  
  Owen, if you're reading this, hope you made it back safe and your motor is ok.
  
  After our little adventure, we cranked more walls and the bass were more than willing to eat. In the more protected areas, we found the Senko bite very fruitful and the god son even managed his personal best at just over 2.5 pounds. He was very happy.
  
  By late afternoon, the wind was howling and we called it a day. The ride back was a fun experience to say the least.
  
  Notes
  Offshore weedlines with slight current held large amounts of fish. That said, heavy current or dead water was void of life.
  
  If you can't get bit on anything, go to a craw crankbait. You'll at least have a pull-down.

• By Burke

  Water Temp: Unknown

  Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

  Report: Full Moon + Outgoing Tide = Bad Day of Fishing.
  
  That's what we thought when we got on the water at 6:00A out of Paradise Marina. There was a slight breeze. We headed up to Frank's Tract and hit a lot of spots as we worked our way there. For 2 hours, we had only got a couple of bites between the two of us. No keeper size fish. It looked like we were going to have a bad day on the water.
  
  We got to Frank's Tract at 8:00A. I was still throwing a Chartruese/White chatterbait and my cousin was going through his arsenal of lures. In the next hour, I caught 5 keeper size bass (largest 2 pounds) and my cousin caught 1. Then, we headed down to Mildred. In the Mildred area, we caught a bunch of keeper size bass. Two of the bass that my cousin caught were 3-4+ pounds cranking a Megabass lure along the outside of the weedline. We got off the water at 11:00 after a good day on the water.

  Tips: I threw the chatterbait almost the entire day because of the slight breeze. A chatterbait is my "go to" lure. My cousin cranked a variety of lures along the outside edge of the weedline as the water level dropped.
  
  At times, both of us were cranking a Whopper Plopper over the weeds. Didn't catch any keeper size fish, but caught a bunch of little guys.

Thursday, June 21st, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: Water Temp 70 - 72

  Report: Postby AKBASSFISHING » Thu Jun 21, 2018 8:58 pm
  
  California Delta 6/21/2018
  Water Temp 70 - 72
  Visibility 2 – 3 feet
  Wind 0 - 13 mph
  
  Launched the boat at 7 morning. The tide was steadily moving out and the water was like glass. With conditions so calm, I assumed the surface bite would be good.
  
  At my first stop, I pulled out the old frog. After 45 minutes and many rolls, the fish did not want the frog. I think the water was too calm. Seeing the fish in this negative mood, I switched to a crankbait, but this only yielded small fish.
  
  I made three more stops, and the fish all reacted the same way. Finally, I put down the reaction bait, and switched to a Senko. Immediately, I got bit. Following this pattern, I fished outside weedlines for the remainder of the morning with good success.
  
  By late morning, the wind had picked up and the tide had started to come back in. I switched back to reaction baits since the weightless Senko was hard to fish in the wind. The chatterbait and craw crank again produced for me, but surprisingly, the crank got the majority of my better fish. Yes, you will go through many 10 – 13 inch fish, but had some fish up to three pounds eat.
  
  The sun was high, but as long as the water had a good ripple on it, the reaction baits produced. That said, I found some protected areas and could not buy a bite on reaction baits. Switching between the Senko and light punching filled the gaps.
  
  With the temperature rising and my patients for the ski boat who seemed to be following everywhere dwindling, I called it around 3 in the afternoon.

  Tips: Notes
  
  The bite was tough for me today. Lots of fish, but size was the issue. The Senko with the Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky Hook and crankbaits got me better bites, but nothing over three pounds.
  
  Fished my post-spawn spots and still have yet to see the numbers in those areas.

Saturday, June 16th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: Delta Report…. Weekend Bite looks Good! Weather for #FishOakley #fishbethelisland anglers looks great for Dads Day. Special Welcome to BBT Teams.
  
  Isleton
  
  Striper Trolling and plug casting has improved the last few days. Dirty “D” has been much better this past 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
  
  Warm seasonable weather ahead finally for Holiday anglers, and forecast is Awesome. 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 baits colors 8 to 10 foot deep is key as the spring push (While Late) continues. The Dirty “D” is clearing its name and conditions are improving for Black Bass in the area. Spinnerbaits and Swim jigs are working in the Hog Area. Bank anglers tossing shad and Lug Worms 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 Buzz Baits and Whopper Ploppers. 6Th Sense Poppers are a player now as well. Larger 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 weeks, we some of the best water conditions of the year. Black bass bite is at a consistent yet, tougher than normal bite. Green Man Bear Pigs and Beavers also working well. We are seeing a few big Black Bass with ¾ ounce Jigs. Others looking to score are starting to buzz Zoom Frogs and Accent Buzzbaits.
  
  West Delta
  
  The stripers are here anchovies and sardines in many areas for bank anglers, Antioch Pier and along Sherman Island rd. Stripes to 27 pounds have grabbed tossed lures . 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.
  
  Los Vaqueros
  
  A potpourri of opportunity I was reminded this week by a new friend that Catfish Stripers and Trout are all available there now.
  
  Provided by Dan’s Delta Outdoors, 1625 Main St Oakley CA 925/234-4694 Follow us on Facebook

Wednesday, June 13th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: Water Temp 70 - 74

  Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Thu Jun 14, 2018 1:11 pm
  
  California Delta 6/13/2018
  Wind 8 - 15 mph
  
  Put in at around 6:30 in the morning. Another slight western breeze blew on the water and the tide had just started to move out.
  
  My friend and I opted for surface lures since they had produced so well the previous week. We started to throw frogs and had some blow-ups, but the action was slow. My friend switched to a buzzbait and I switched to a chatterbait. Both got small fish, but the morning bite was definitely off.
  
  Hoping to change our luck, we decided to fish windblown points with whopper ploppers and cranks, but this again yielded smaller than usual fish. Stumped, I switched to my Bullshooter hoping to find some bigger fish. On my third cast, I had a swirl and my rod loaded. I excitedly cranked the beast in, then I realized the fish was no more than two pounds. Talk about eyes bigger than your stomach.
  
  By eleven, we had not boated anything over 2.5 pounds on surface lures, so we finally put the surface lures away. We broke out old reliable, the Senko paired with the Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky Hook, and proceeded to go to work. Fishing the outside weedline, we boated a good number of healthy fish ranging from 2 pounds to around 3.5 pounds.
  
  By noon, my buddy called it a day and we returned to the ramp. I was supposed to pick up my other buddy, but he cancelled last second. So, I headed back out and fished for a couple more hours.
  
  Fishing was tough, and the Senko bite we had found earlier died off. Almost calling it a day, I made one last stop on a weedline and cranked it. First cast, I hook a small dink, then cast again and hooked another, and another, and another. Four consecutive casts, I hooked four fish. They were all small, but getting bigger. For around 20 minutes straight, I hooked fish off this weedline with the better ones ranging from 3 to 4 pounds. I even hooked a good 6 pounder, but she came off right at the boat.
  
  Satisfied, I called it a day.

  Tips: Notes
  Morning bite was oddly tough, but found the better bite in the afternoon on Senkos and Cranks.
  Finding clean weeds with current is a must!

Saturday, June 9th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: Water Temp 69 - 71

  Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Sat Jun 09, 2018 10:33 am
  
  California Delta 6/8/2018
  
  Visibility 2 – 4 feet
  Wind 5 - 15 mph
  
  It feels good to be back on the water. We launched at around 6:30 in the morning. It was a bit chilly, but the water was warm.
  
  Our initial game plan was to fish topwater all morning, and the fish seemed to definitely be feeding. On our second spot, we loaded the boat with about a dozen bass ranging from a pound to around three-pounds. The fish were very tight to cover, so making accurate casts was a must. With so much luck in a single area, we went back through the area with Senkos and managed some more decent fish up to three-pounds. The fish were super aggressive, and even the small six-inch fish couldn’t deter the Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky hook from sticking them.
  
  We followed this pattern for about two hours, and then the bite simmered down once the sun came out. With the sun, came a steady western breeze. This put a nice ripple on the water, so I switched to my handy chatterbait. Almost immediately, I started to put bass in the boat. The fish that ate the chatterbait, were generally larger, ranging from two to three and a half pounds. Surprisingly, the bite was good all day in the murky water.
  
  This pattern lasted until noon, then the water seemed to clear up. With our bite slow, we took a short lunch break at Sugar Barge. Their hamburgers are surprisingly good haha.
  
  After our lunch, we searched around for a good bite, and found it on a bluegill colored crank. Again, the nicer fish started to chew with the best pushing four. Fished a little longer and found some more fish on the drop-shot. My sister had a blast and even managed a fatty!
  
  By two, the wind was starting to gust, so we called it a day. Overall, not a huge limit, but a fun day regardless.

  Tips: Notes
  
  The fish were very aggressive in the morning, but as the sun got higher in the sky, the bite slowed.
  
  Fishing topwater early, and then switching to the chatterbait and cranks got some good fish. Senkos and drop-shot continue to pick up solid fish

Tuesday, May 29th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: by TravisH » Tue May 29, 2018 5:56 am
  
  Here’s a quick run down for all the delta guys out there.. Last Friday we launched outta Ladds an spent about 4 hrs on the water before the Holiday weekend masses hit the water. We hit a lot of water right off the main channel and started catching them fairly easy. I was throwing a River2sea Bully Wa 2 tied to 65lb braid paired with my Lews / Phenix M1 7’8 H rod. On the 3rd cast of the morning that combo went to work by sticking a solid 5lber and then catching a dozen 2-3lbers.. The tide was bottoming out in the area I was in so I made a move to an area that was a grass flat with a perfect weed line that was met by about a 3’ Break. I threw the top water along the weed line An didn’t get any takers so I went Down the stretch one more time. This time I slowed it down some and was using a 1oz R2sea Trash bomb and a green pumpkin Yamamoto flapping hog to target the edge of the weed line an instantly started getting some solid bites.. This quick morning session was good for an 18lb bag and now I’m looking forward to getting back out once the dust settles from the Holiday weekend..

Sunday, May 27th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: Water Temp 70 - 73

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Sun May 27, 2018 3:12 pm
  
  California Delta 5/26/2018
  Visibility 1 - 4 ft
  Wind 5 - 15 mph
  
  Quick report for a short trip.
  
  Got off work around noon and saw the clouds hadn’t fully moved out of the area. Even though it was Memorial Day weekend, I couldn’t resist the opportunity.
  
  We put in at around 1 in the afternoon. Tide was coming in nicely, so we quickly moved to a large flat. We proceeded to work it with chatterbaits and buzzbaits. Almost immediately, we started to hook up. These fish were all fat and very healthy looking.
  
  Following this pattern, we managed to pull some more good fish in the two to four-pound range, but the clouds decided to part. With the sun out, the chatterbait bite fell off. I switched to the crank again, and started to pull more fish. My father on the other hand, started to throw the Senko (smarter move). He started to pick up good fish, and the biggest going just over 6 pounds. The Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky Hook stuck her good.
  
  By 4 in the afternoon, the pleasure boaters and cabin cruisers started to make a mess of things and we called it a day. A short trip but managed some good fish.

  Tips: Notes
  The fish were definitely up shallow with the abundant cloud cover. Topwater produced some fish, but the better fish bit the chatterbait and Senko. When the sun came out, we had to slow down to get the better fish.
  Happy Memorial Day weekend! It’s a zoo out there, everyone be careful and be safe.

Saturday, May 26th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Report: Delta Report…. Memorial Weekend Bite looks Good! Cool Weather for #FishOakley at the start then heating up for the Holiday.
  Isleton Fishing Report
  Striper Trolling and plug casting has improved the last few days. Dirty “D” has been much better this past 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 Fishing Report
  Warm seasonable weather ahead finally for Holiday anglers, and forecast to turn from cool to Hot. 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 Fishing Report
  Trolling baits 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 Swim jigs are working in the Hog Area. Bank anglers tossing shad and Lug Worms 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 Fishing Report
  Most Blackie anglers are sticking with 3/4oz Jigs and Rage swimmers 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.Larger Stripers had another cameo appearance this week yet it was very brief. Crappie and Bluegill also had a improvement this week.
  
  Frank’s Tract Fishing Report
  After being beat up by crazy winds for a weeks, we some of the best water conditions of the year. Black bass bite is at a consistent yet, tougher than normal bite. Green Man Bear Pigs and Beavers also working well. We are seeing a few big Black Bass with ¾ ounce Jigs. Others looking to score are starting to crank Chartreuse Shad 6th Sense baits and DDO custom Craws are solid options.
  
  West Delta Fishing Report
  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 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

Thursday, May 24th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: 70 - 73

  Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Thu May 24, 2018 8:25 pm
  Wind 10 - 25 mph
  
  Set in at around 9 this morning. Got a chance to fish with a cool guy, and some new water.
  
  Again, the weather report called for wind (getting real tired of this wind), but the morning was pleasantly calm. At our first stop, the tide was way out. We located the outer most weedline, and proceeded to work it with topwater and chatterbaits. Picked a few fish off that way, but decided it was just too shallow.
  
  We made another quick run and started to fish ledges on the main channel. Switching between drop-shot and a buzzbait; located some more small fish. It’s clear the fish have not yet reached these post-spawn areas. So making another move, we cranked the rocks. To no surprise, the fish were small again, but we found good numbers this way.
  
  Attempting to find some bigger fish, we made another move to a large exposed flat. Almost instantly, I got two good strikes on the chatterbait, but missed both. They seemed to be just slapping it, rather than eating it. Sensing the fish did not want the chatterbait in the bright conditions, I switched to a craw crank and started to pick more fish up. My partner managed to hook into what looked to be a good three-pounder, but she came unbuttoned at the boat. That technique lasted for most of the day, but was very difficult with the wind.
  
  Then we caught a break, the clouds started to roll in. I knew that this would cause them to start eating the chatterbait, we switched tactics again. Proceeded to fish down a large weedline, and the fish had started to feed. No more slapping the bait, but rather choking it. We managed some good fish with the largest going about 3.5 pounds.
  
  We continued this pattern for the remainder of the day with mixed results. As the wind started to blow harder and the pleasure boats making an appearance, we called it a day.

  Tips: The bite was oddly tough today. We found fish deep, on rocks, and in the weeds.
  
  Quantity was not an issue today, but the quality was. The better fish ate reaction baits in low light. When the sun came out, drop-shot was all they would eat.
  
  Chatterbaits, drop-shot, and crankbaits caught the majority of our fish today. This pattern has been fairly consistent for the month.

Monday, May 21st, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: Water Temp 69 – 72

  Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Mon May 21, 2018 9:20 pm
  
  Water Temp 69 – 72
  Visibility 2 - 4 ft
  Wind 5 – 15 mph
  
  Launched at around 6:30 this morning. Abundant sunshine, with short periods of clouds. A steady western breeze blew. Conditions were perfect for reaction baits.
  
  With the tide coming in, we started on a shallow flat. Initially, I started with my chatterbait, but after missing two fish right off the back, I switched to a buzzbait. This yielded me a couple of small fish, but my father stuck to the chatterbait and was rewarded with a couple of healthy bass.
  
  As some clouds moved in, the reaction bite got even better. I went to work with the chatterbait, while my father threw a crankbait. It was a good combination, since we could cover water quickly, but also give two different presentations. We land a number of decent fish ranging from a pound to just over three pounds.
  
  With the clouds now gone and the chatterbait bite slowing, we moved to a rock wall. I switched to my custom craw crank, and my father threw a lipless craw crank. We proceeded down the bank and got bit on almost every cast for about a 100-yard stretch. It was crazy to see how stacked these fish were (largemouth and stripers). Granted, it was a battle of the dinks, but still a fun experience.
  
  After going to town on the dinks, we were in the search for some bigger fish.
  
  Stopping on another promising looking flat, I worked my crankbait. Sure enough, I hooked into something strong, but as I fought it for a couple of seconds, I knew it wasn’t a bass. Then is saw an orange flash. I know it’s a carp, and by the looks of it, a good one.
  
  After fighting the brute for about ten minutes, my father managed to get our tiny net over the carp’s head. This was not what I meant by “searching for bigger fish”, but I guess something is better than nothing. Definitely the largest carp I have caught.
  
  By late afternoon, the wind picked up, and the fishing got even tougher. We managed a few more fish, but called it a day.

  Tips: Notes
  
  The early reaction bite was key to getting the better fish. Once the sun came up, the fishing got tough.
  
  A fun craw crank bite has begun. For those who are new to bass fishing, and want to just get bit, find yourself a rock wall with a weedline. Cast to the trough and hold on. The fish will be small, but still fun.
  
  Carp the new Bass??

Thursday, May 17th, 2018

• By WB Staff

  Water Temp: 67-70

  Report: by AKBASSFISHING » Thu May 17, 2018 9:22 pm
  
  California Delta 5/16/2018
  Water Temp 67-70
  Visibility 2 – 3 feet
  Wind 8 – 15 mph
  
  With clouds rolling through the area, we put in around 7:30 in the morning. I noticed the water had cooled slightly, but not enough to cause them to go into a negative mood.
  
  With abundant cloud cover and a good western breeze blowing, my first instinct was to throw reaction baits. I tied on my trusty chatterbait and got bit instantly. This was a good feeling since the last couple of weeks had been a grind to find fish. Continuing down the bank, I picked off a few more fish, when my father hooked into a healthy four-pounder. With a quick limit in less than 15 minutes, we continued our pattern.
  
  On almost every bank we stopped on, the fish were actively feeding. This pattern lasted for about three hours; then the minus tide started to go to work, and our bite fissled off.
  
  With the tide extremely low, some bed fish became visible. We fished a couple of beds with some success, but these were only small males. Then we stumbled upon a huge redear nesting site. The size of some of these redear were massive, so I couldn’t pass up an opportunity like this. I whipped out my drop-shot rod. Cast a tiny piece of roboworm on the nest, and BAM! A huge redear smacked it, and the thing even took drag. Played with these fish for about 30 minutes, and then went back to work.
  
  With the tide low, we backed out to the furthest weedlines we could find and started to punch. The punch bite was not spectacular, but we managed to pull a few decent fish. Wanting to cover water a little faster, I picked up the chatterbait again. Almost like someone flipped a light switch, the bites started to come left and right. Two’s and three’s started to fly, and the best going around five and a half pounds. As I threw the chatterbait, my father followed up with a Senko and picked off the ones that I had missed, including another solid four-pounder.
  
  We continued to target outside weedlines, and found the pattern to be the same. By late afternoon, the clouds started to have large clearings between them. When this occurred, the chatterbait bite slowed. I switched to my craw crankbait and picked up were the chatterbait left off. The bites started to come in, but these fish were a lot smaller than the ones on the chatterbait. Regardless, still fun action.
  
  That said, I did have a striper steal my crankbait, but I’ll just paint another haha.
  
  By 3 pm, the wind had picked up so we called it a day.

  Tips: Notes:
  
  The chatterbait bite was really good in low light, but once the sun came out, the crankbait out produced the chatterbait.
  
  With the new moon, we are seeing minus tides this week, which means the water is super low. Don’t be afraid to fish the outside weedlines, its just like any other piece of cover.