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Northern California Lake Fishing Report

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Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

  • Napa County
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      Water Temp: 63 - 68

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Tuesday, 5/4/10. All day there was mostly a blue bird sky with a small NW breeze in the morning. In the afternoon the lake was calm for some periods. The water temperature was 63

      Tips: A small orange and brown jig with trailer should work if you stay with it for a while.

    • By

      Water Temp: 61-64

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Some reports are just FUN to do! Nice day at the suddenly "gin" clear (almost) Berryessa! Green to Blue in a week or so!! That was quick! Today I took my 89 year old client and his half-century son for their 3rd trip with me. We started with #301 and #927 (good one lately!) Senkos and landed 4 spots around 1 1/2 lbs each. My "senior" client then nailed a 16" spot with a Sexy Shad Robo worm.
      We moved out of the narrows to the main body and found the bite to be dead. Finally they caught 2 nice smallies drop-shotting 4" green pumpkin Berkley Power worms. Since the lake was dead calm - thought we would look for some spawners. We found them! Do I want to teach them to sight fish? Were their eyes good enough? They were! I showed them how to agitate a bite and landed one near 3 lbs. We had our eyes on a nice female and 2 others and I just gave directions on what to do. After 10 minutes I felt the boat move and after 89 years of life - he nails his first-ever sight fish, a largemouth 3 lbs 11 oz. She took a #169 chartreuse/gold flake Yamamoto grub. Not to be outdone by dear 'ol dad, I had the son work on another male bass with the female looking on. After several minutes, the 3 lb 2 oz male inhaled his white/chartreuse Robo Sourpuss. A happy father-son team!! We saw a few more but it was time to head in. They caught 9 bass along with my 3 - best five pushing 14 lbs. Nice day!!
      City: Yuba City

      Tips: While they were fishing early in the morning, I tried topwater to see if we could be that going. Even some crankbaits. That was the end of that - nothing! All bass were very shallow - even in the bright sun. The bite was probably pretty good a first light but we didn't start 'til after 7 am. Lots of empty beds already.

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

  • Solano County
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      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Went out to Franks early and No top water bite in the morning, can't believe it! Caught a 3 lber on a spinner next to tules and a 4 lber flipping plastics. Lost a nice 5 lber came unbuttoned. Then headed out to Whiskey flipped a couple of 2 lbers and missed a monster 7+ lber. That's the second big fish I lost of the day. Really really disappointing. Missed a few other bites. Would have been a nice day if I didn't miss so many bites.
      City: Stockton

      Tips: Flip tules. For Vinny: Don't assume all fishermen with a bobber have over limits unless you have seen it. And don't assume the fish from the SF markets in China town or any other place are Delta bass..How can you tell a delta bass from a clear lake bass? Or a Berryessa bass or a Comanche bass or Amador, etc. It could have been farm raised. And Whiskey Slough has DFG there almost daily. I've seen them many times checking licenses and fish. I'm totally against poaching and all for preserving our fishery. The poachers will be caught if not today, another. But don't label certain fishermen if you are just assuming. I didn't want to comment here but I don't agree with labeling certain fishermen or any group publicly.

    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: I agree about reporting folks abusing our fishery. I regularly see guys bait fishing with bobbers on Whiskey Slough who seem to be taking far more than a limit of bass. I called Fish & Game and they don't see to care. I spend a good part of my life on whiskey and have never seen any patrol there checking for license, limits, etc. It sucks seeing people pucking from the Delta what appears to be more than a limit of bass to eat or even worse to sell. I friend recently showed me pictures he took in a market in SF Chinatown of coolers of what appeared to be live Delta bass. It has never been my style before now, but we need to report abuses. If enough of us do, maybe F&G will take action.
      City: Walnut Creek

    • By

      Water Temp: 64-65

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Got punched in the face! conditions were perfect and not a fish in the boat. throwin jigs, sweet beavers and my dad was drop shotin with a live worm and still nothing. I got no answers, i got punked someone help me!
      City: lincoln

  • Sacramento County
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      Water Temp: unknown

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: I hooked one very small bass, but that was it. My son and I saw a fair number of good-sized fish jump, but couldn't get them to bite. About 3 weeks ago we made our first-ever trip to Chesbro and we each caught a decent bass (each about 1.5 to 2 pounds, very healthy looking specimens). so there are some fish in the lake. Both times we mostly used Mepps Comets Minnows, but also threw a few other things.
      City: Los Gatos

      Tips: Don't ask me.

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

  • Napa County
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      Water Temp: 61

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: well to answer ur question joe..i was there on this day and it was very windy. it was nice and calm in the early morning but once the sun came up the wind was just howlen out there.. but anyways the fish are bighting my fish were caught in about 4-15 feet of water and i was throwing a split shot rig with a straight tail worm and my dad was throwin the drop shot...started fishing around 7:15 left by 12 becuz of the wind and i have a 13 foot whaler so i no how u feel so if u go goodluck out ther.
      City: south city

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      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Can enyone tell me if the lake has been windy? I have a small 14 ft. aluminum and would like to know how windy it was today if anyone has been at the lake. I just don't want to go all the way to the lake and find out it too rough to head out. i really would appreciate it if some one could tell me. thank you. I'm planning to go tommorow.
      City: san mateo

  • Alameda County
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      Water Temp: 58

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Completed a fun weekend picking up a 4-12 and a 4-10. Both fish came in less than two feet of water on a green pumpkin lizard.
      City: Monterey

      Tips: Fish are holding shallow. Make long cast in tight to the bank. Watch your line as the hits are very subtle.

  • Sacramento County
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      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: as much as jim b.s. I do believe him sometimes...sometimes he makes me confuse..is this guy report foreal..? This one is soo true and some other times too... riverats-->>> confuse with jim

      Tips: don't pass out on fishing near the boat ramps..it's a flat too

    • By

      Water Temp: 63

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Experimented a little, here and there. Finally went to white rock, ten to fifteen feet with plastics and caught some post males, smallies, spots. Main body, north slopes.Numbers, twoo limits, size, one lbders.
      City: Sac

      Tips: Slow was the ticket. If you were moving it, that was too fast. Dead-sticking was the key.busby and

  • Butte County
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      Water Temp: 57-59

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Yesterday my son and I fished the Anglers Choice Team tournament here at Oroville with a shot at qualifing for the fish-off at Clearlake later this year. Pretty sure we made it but now for the report. Fishing is off the wall. Now is the time to take your kids out there. As of this report the lake is rising at a 2' average per day and stands at 794 and change. Lots of debris so watch for that. The spawn is on but at the rate the rate the lake is rising I doubt many would have a chance of picking off a really large fish. The big fish in this tournament was just over 4 pounds. I can't remember catching so many largemouth which is really exciting for this lake. Now on May 15 the Yuba City Bass Busters will hold their spring tournament with launch from the dam and a $80.00 buy-in and $10.00 big fish option. Number to call 530-741-8198. Should be a good one. Also starting this week on Tuesday nite from the dam, a one fish $12.00 buy-in tournament. More info on this, contact Oroville outdoors. Also starting Thursday this week from Lime Saddle a one fish (longest) $10.00 buy-in. Starts at 5.15p.m. and fishes till around 8:30. These fun tournaments usually run all summer till we run out of light in the evening.
      City: Paradise

      Tips: For this tournament we didn't experiment much and used senkos almost all the time, but hula grubs and worms on eighth ounce dart heads work well too. Remember to shake the dickens out of the bait in still water for best results. And please, if your a fish eater, put those largemouth back regardless of size. Its only going to make this lake better down the road.

Saturday, May 1st, 2010

  • Napa County
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      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Spent the late morning/early afternoon up where Pope Creek pours into Berryessa and caught a good number of fish, though the average size wasn't great. Found lots of 1-2 lb smallies willing to take shallow-diving crankbaits around rocks and also caught a nice 4 lb largemouth on a Yamamoto Shad worm fished weightless. My first ever cast with the lure and I tossed it out into a spot where I didn't necessarily think there were any fish just to see what the action was like. The bass cruised up real quick, paused for a sec, then swallowed it right down. I reckon that's a good sign.

      Saw lots of dead things, perhaps as a result of the algae bloom and die-off. Saw a couple dead turtles, several dead carp, and a dead duck. It seems odd to me; I know a good bit about ecology and algaes and fish dying from lack of oxygen if there is tons of algae that then dies off makes sense but I don't know what to make of the duck and turtles.
      City: Santa Rosa

    • By

      Water Temp: 54-63

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Still alot of alge and dead carp in the lake. Thru top water across outside points and around wood. Had a blow up early,then nothin. Started drop shottin and wacky wormin and begain to put fish in the boat. Made our way deep in pleasure cove and found six other bass boats working the flats and the wall. We went into the feeder creek and pick up a few. Then we hit the docks on the way out for a few more. The fish of the day come in that area on a lizard.
      City: Napa

      Tips: Most all of our fish came in ten feet of water or less on the edge of sunny and shaded water. Happy bassin. TOP WATER IS COMMING!!!

  • Yuba County
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      Water Temp: 55

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: HELLO, ALL YOU NEWCOMERS TO BULLARDS.THE CAT IS OUT OF THE BAG NICE COMMENT,TO THE POST BEFORE ME. IM NOT SURE HOW TO WRITE THIS BUT ALL YOU FLATLANDERS GO SOMEWHERE ELSE, THIS USE TO BE A QUITE PLACE TO FISH.I WOULD LIKE TO SAY ONE LAST THING PLEASE PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE,THIS IS A VERY FRAGILE FISHERY. SINCERLY AJ.
      City: DOBBINS

      Tips: STAY AWAY,GO TO OROVILLE,OR SHASTA,CAMPFARWEST,COLLINS,CLEARLAKE,EASTPARK,BERRYESSA,FOLSOM,PARDEE,DONPEDRO,NEWMELONES,CAMANCHE,ANY PLACE ELSE.20LBS BAG MAN.

  • Solano County
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      Water Temp: 64

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Had a decent day on the local waters. Landed about 15 fish to 4lbs. Deadsticking worms and Spinners in murkier water was the ticket today. Left after seeing houseboaters clearin out the slough with chains in their pontoons :( isnt that illegal??? Left dissapointed, cause its been good for me the past couple outings. Bass are still bedding and some females are still fat.
      City: Walnut Grove

      Tips: Lets try to protect our fisheries, say something and pass it on, even if they pretend not to hear. Speak out loud!!

  • Alameda County
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      Water Temp: 59

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Dad got a 4lb.10oz. on a black buzzbait and I landed a 4lb.2oz. on a green pumpkin lizard. Both fish caught in shallow water as the bass are in a pre-spawn/spawn mode.
      City: Monterey

      Tips: Chabot does not put out numbers of fish but it is a beautiful way to spend a day with loved ones or just escape the rigors of day to day life.Be patient and watch your line.

    • By

      Water Temp: 68.9 to 70.6

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: The jig bite here is on for bass in the 2 to 3 pound class. We got on the lake today at 3pm and fished till 7:30 pm and we targeted all of are fish in 17 to 24 feet of water on 1/4 oz bullet head jigs and 3/8 oz football head jigs. It was breezy but it didnt hurt the fishing at all.Warmer weather ahead should bring out more anglers watch for snakes if your bank fishing.
      City: madera ca.

      Tips: Dead sticking the jigs with very little movement triggered the bass into striking the baits. Im hitting it again next week with even warmer weather in store it should hold up well on this bite. We had some good numbers on bass for the short amount of time we fished.

  • Sacramento County
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      Water Temp: 60

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: A combination of Jigs and Senko's did the trick.
      Easy 25 fish between my partner and I. A couple of real nice spots and one pushing 3 lb largie. Mix bag of smallie, spots and the one largie. Most fish caught around 12-18 feet.
      City: Lincoln

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      Water Temp: 54

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Same kinda day as DanO but up North Fork- Senkos & robos, 2 shakers and a #3.5spot. Great day but slow bite.
      City: Antelope,Ca