Northern California Lake Fishing Report

Limit:

Sunday, August 12th, 2018

    • Water Temp: not measured

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: good fishing in full sun on a 90 degree day. Not much at first using "yellow swimbait" with a float. Later used "wacky bait", Yamamoto 5" worm with "Hogy Lure" hooked mid worm. Dragged on bottom, hooked a 15" Bass......tossed back for someone else.

      Tips: see above

Friday, August 10th, 2018

    • Report: Delta Report…. Overall slow but Stripers are starting to show

      This Weekend

      Oakley Kids Fishing Day Saturday August 11th at the Antioch-Oakley Pier. Registration available Here at Dan’s Delta Outdoors and start at 8AM at the pier.

      Dan's Delta Outdoors Last Team event of the Year is AN OPEN event NO Membership Required. Would would like Those who haven't fished with us to have the opportunity to join those who are helping make this series a Growing success. Check in will get underway at 430 am at Russo's Marina and Blast Off When Safe and Ready. This is a 6hr event with BBQ Scheduled from our Sponsor Laura Medina of Keller Williams.

      Isleton Catfish are the best target species this time of year that can help you beat the summer doldrums . Anchovies, Mackeral and Sardines are good choices here for the whiskerfish. Still waiting as I Looked again for a few anxious Salmon anglers while there were only a few fishing finally started getting an occasional report of success from Salmon searching anglers. While the temperatures get ready to heat up again this weekend look for no change in the Salmon bite this week. Capt Stans are the best bet for those who want to try.

      Walnut Grove No Change, Bank anglers Pile worms and cut baits prevail. Catfish action is getting the most praise, Few Stripes are in the area as anglers recover still around as temperatures return more seasonable in the Walnut Grove area as the trolling bite is OK mostly small fish. Best area has been Courtland to Walnut grove. The Sacramento Turning Basin continues to be decent with stripes caught there by lure tossers. Red Eye Shad and small shad patterned plastics are the top choices here as well.

      Discovery Bay Really while we just had a nice stretch a couple HOT days ahead this next week there is hope for the Frog bite to be decent once again. River2Sea FROGS and Snag Proof frogs getting some explosive strikes. Current and shade are the key. Stay near main river current with Crankbaits Strike King XD 6 and 2.5 square bills. Punching is scoring bass on the main river points. Bass pushing the 4 to 6 mark are showing on occasion. Jig bite on points is also decent!

      West Delta More Anglers in search of stripers are finding a few keepers on occasion from both boat and bank. Most of the nice stripers coming soaking Sardines and Anchovies. Antioch Pier scored stripers to 36 inches this week. From as far west as Honker Bay to the Broad Slough and Antioch pier persistent bait dunkers with Mackeral and Sardines ae finding fun action. Soon a few Salmon success stories will start come on the incoming tide with Mepp’s Flying C’s . Bass Bite stays solid in the Break and surrounding cuts. Punching get’s the bites the key is staying square to your target and setting hard.
      Provided by Dan’s Delta Outdoors, 1625 Main St Oakley CA 925/234-4694 Follow us on Facebook

Thursday, August 9th, 2018

    • Water Temp: 78.6, elevation 768.046.58

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: ays started bad, left, got 5-6 miles down the road and had to turn around, forgot the camera!! Still, got launched at Lime Saddle about 5:40 am, fished till 9:30 am when it began to get hot. Better fishing today, first stop in Lime Saddle area got 10 spots, all from one location, all at about 35 feet. One cast, soon as the worm hit bottom, wham, thought it was a giant spots for a second, then realized a cat fish. Second location just 2 spots. Third location, made me happy, slightly larger fish, picking up another 10 spots. Caught 22 fish today, about 60 percent 13-14 1/2", the rest the basic 12-13". Water cooled a tad due to smoke, think that helped the bite some. Just about all fish taken 35 to 45 foot mark. Best fish 14 1/2", second best 14", not counting the catfish. Released all fish as usual.Pictures in fishing forum.

Monday, August 6th, 2018

    • Water Temp: Water Temp 74 - 75

      Report: y AKBASSFISHING » Mon Aug 06, 2018 7:34 pm

      California Delta 8/6/2018
      Water Temp 74 - 75
      Visibility 1 – 4 feet
      Wind 9 - 17 mph

      We got in around 6 in the morning. The tide was outgoing and was due to bottom around 9. The wind was blowing steadily out of the west.

      We made a quick run to an isolated tule island. I opted for a plopper and my father went with the chatterbait. Almost immediately, my father boated the first fish, a solid two and a half pounder. We continued down the island with mixed results.

      Hoping to find some good fish, we made a run offshore. The wind was howling, the tide was ripping, and it made for rather interesting conditions. Bouncing about, we fired our crankbaits across the flats. BAM we doubled up, but these fish were too hot to be bass. Sure enough, I saw the telltale white flash. We both hooked into decent sized stripers. That said, as soon as we found them, they vanished.

      After our brief scuffle with the stripers, we made another quick run for more protected water, to fish frogs and spinnerbaits. I fished the frog while my father loaded the boat with fish. After numerous blow-ups, missed fish, and a perfect frog sized welt on my side, I put the frog down and switched to a buzzbait. The fish seemed to like this change, but nothing over a pound.

      By late morning, the tide had switched and wind had subsided, we went back to fishing the offshore weed flats. The fish were plentiful, but couldn’t get anything over two-pounds. With conditions being so calm and the water clearing, I feel the larger fish went into a more negative feeding mood. Making a slight adjustment, we switched to Senkos’ paired with Tsuyoi Weedless Wacky Hooks. Targeting the holes and irregularities in the weeds, we finally found some better fish. We followed this pattern until mid-afternoon with great success. The two and three-pound class range of fish were feeding.

      By 3 in the afternoon, we called it a day. Not the most spectacular day, but we managed to grind out a couple decent fish.

      Tips: Notes

      Nothing new, the cranks and senko still seem to be my best bet at catching fish.

      It’s August! The stripers are starting to run, which makes for a fun day of fishing. It’s still early in the month, but we should start to see more in the coming weeks.

Friday, August 3rd, 2018

    • Water Temp: 81.7 degrees, elevation 774.34

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Not a good morning on the water for me. To begin with, half way to the Lime Saddle ramp, realize I forgot my morning meds, which includes allergy meds, not going back so get launched about 5:30 am, and fish in the smoke haze. Didn't take long for my allergies to get going, feeling like crap but fished anyway. Funny, when one is not feeling well, hard to get into the hunt and catch fish. Only got 13 fish this morning, could not seem to find them at all, like the smoke seems to bother them too. Best fish right at 13 1/2". My last Friday fishing forever. Get back to the ramp at 9 am and it looks like a circus, boats sitting at the launch, yet no one launching. I call them weekend boater, no clue how to keep a ramp moving, like they are the only ones around!!! Took nearly 25 minutes to be able to get the boat off the water! Picture in fishing forum.

Wednesday, August 1st, 2018

    • Water Temp: 80-84

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: The dog days of summer are here. But, they should be called the hog days of summer as we are catching some big ol’ bass on New Melones Reservoir. The smoke continues to cover the State, but on most days, it has not been too bad down on the water. Usually there is enough wind and we find ourselves fishing under the thick smoke. The fish are cooperating and the bite continues to be really good. I have been guiding morning trips, evening trips and even all-nighter’s. Each morning we have been starting with topwater lures and swimbaits. Then as the sun comes up we will switch to reaction baits and finesse presentations. In the evening will we reverse this order. The nighttime bite can be exceptional and is a great way to avoid the summer heat. Lures and presentations that displace water and create sound and vibration will work best. The lake is extremely healthy and the water is dropping slowly in comparison to years past.

      Tips: Xperience Fishing Guide Service
      www.xperiencefishing.net
      xperiencefishing@yahoo.com
      John Liechty (209)743-9932

Tuesday, July 31st, 2018

    • Water Temp: 81.5

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Last week my son and daughter-in-law went out fishing and did very well. They want me to mention that they attribute this to their "good luck charm" Amelia (see photo). On Thursday I took Mike and his 14 year old grandson Jack out for the day. Jack's largest bass weighed five pounds two ounces (see photo) and he set the bar for the day because it was his first catch of the day. We had to take swim breaks during the day the temperature climbed up to 102 degrees. They continued to land bass all day but Jack held the record for biggest catch which he let us know over and over all day. Job well done Jack!!! 'til next time...............................................good fishing!!!!!
      https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.fishingconnection.net&data=02%7C01%7C%7C5f627e99098945b2bd3a08d5f5ce2cc3%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636685188211234725&sdata=hYNc%2Bdf%2FCF%2Fs3BHO2AKbhnwidRtx6la0UBtPxiEThpM%3D&reserved=0 If you have any questions or stories you would like to share or are interested in booking a guided fishing trip please email me at bestguide@hotmail.com or call me at 650-583-3333.

      Tips: top water has not happened a few blow ups and roll overs drop sh0ts and square bills are the two best ways to put bass in the boat .I look for signs call me I will go over the signs I look for your call sid 650 583 3333 9am to 9 pm.

    • 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

    • 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

    • Report: From Lake Camanche
      Lake Camanche slowly continues to drop in elevation. 228.52′ and 88% full at the time of this report. Lake Camanche’s release was approx. 365 C.F.S. while receiving approx. 136 C.F.S from Pardee Lake. Pardee still was reading 98% full this week, again at the time of this report.
      Fishing continues to be slow due to sizzling temperatures and recreational boaters. Water temps were reported between 79- 81 degrees.

Wednesday, July 25th, 2018

    • Report: by Kennortonjr » Wed Jul 25, 2018 11:18 am

      My buddy and I fished out of lime saddle this morning (up the west branch) and we just had one fish between us. I am so used to fishing from the shore in Parrish cove/Nelson bar and still picking up tactics for deeper water and from a boat.... When you say you are catching them at 35-40 feet, is that on the bottom - or are they suspended at that depth and catching the bait on the fall? I suppose at that depth even a senko would need some added weight (either a drop shot or nail weight setup)?

    • Water Temp: 83.7 degrees, elevation ? site down.

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Launched at Lime Saddle right at 5:30 am, stopped fishing at 8:15 am, as it was getting darn hot, too hot for me! Typical hot summer bite. Lots of small fish to catch, larger fish tend to be few and hard to find. Picked up 17 fish, 2 best right at 14", if I stretched one got 14 1/4" !!!! Better fish caught deep, 35-40 foot range. Fished the Lime Saddle area, never went past Hwy 70 bridge. Water getting super warm, high 83.7 degrees. Not a good fishing temp!! Pictures in fishing forum.

Tuesday, July 24th, 2018

    • 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.

Sunday, July 22nd, 2018

    • Report: From Lake Camanche
      Lake Camanche is now at 89% full with an elevation of 228.96′. Lake Camanche’s release was approx. 365 C.F.S. while receiving approx. 140 C.F.S from Pardee Lake. Pardee was reading at 98% full this week, again at the time of this report. Some guests are reporting warm water but not stating the temperature.

      It’s been a slow fishing week due to hot weather and lots of boaters visiting the lake.

      NOTICE: A gasoline leak has been detected at the North Shore Marina. At this time and for the immediate future we are unable to sell or supply gasoline from the north shore marina due to this leak in the pipeline. We have shut off the pump to avoid contamination of the lake. Since the leak is on a section of pipe under water it will not be repaired until the lake level has dropped enough for technicians to get to it.

      NOTICE: Gasoline is not available at the South Shore Marina due to a much-needed update of the pumps.

Saturday, July 21st, 2018

    • 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.

    • Water Temp: 78 to 84

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Kelsey Bass Ranch Fishing Report
      Headed out to KBR with some buddies today for some topwater action and some BBQ. Frogs and Toads worked slowly across the grass seemed to get the most bites. High of 96 today with a low of 71. The wind was out of the NW at 10mph. Water Clarity was 2 to 3 feet. Water temp ranged from 78 degrees in the morning to 84 degrees in the afternoon. Barometric pressure was holding at 29.90. The skies were mostly clear with some scattered clouds and light smoke from the wildfires in the mountains to the east. Overall the bite was tougher/slower than we expected but we found a few nice fish. Big Fish of the day went to Brigham Vang of CVKF measuring in at 22". He reports catching it shallow on a topwater road.

      Tips: Report submitted by Motherlode Kayak Angler Kayak Bass Guide Service (209) 230-3159

Friday, July 20th, 2018

    • Water Temp: 82 degree range, elevation 789.32

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Got launched right at 5:30 am, stopped fishing at 9:am as is was getting hot!! Nothing special day, other then just about any structure holds fish, all smaller for me today. Made about 5 stops and picked up 27 fish, all mostly all 12-13" size, and a few 10" dinks, actually all dinks today. Best fish right at 13". Water hot now, 82 degree range and calm as can be, no winds!! Pat attention to where the stick weeds are growing, right above high water line this year. They grow to 3-4 feet tall, loose the leaves, leaving sticks. When they go under water next year, they will hold fish well, always caught quality fish in the stick weeds. Mark your maps, mental notes, as the lake has lots of them growing this year. Got a picture for those that don't know about them. Pictures in fishing forum.

Thursday, July 19th, 2018

    • Water Temp: 84-92

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: No kiddin' - water temp at Markley at 6 pm Wed was 92 - on the surface! When we quit at 1 am it had dropped to 84. I guided another pro athlete
      for afternoon/night trip. Mr. Moody played for the Oakland Raiders during the Tom Flores era - early 80's. He wanted to learn more about fishing
      artificial lures. We mostly used Robo worms until dark and then 7" Power worms after dark. About an hour after dark, he hooked into a good one. I stood there with the net for several minutes, finally netting a bass that never seen to end. Couldn't believe what we saw in our headlights as she
      came out of the net. The longest spotted bass I think I have ever seen - but not skinny! She went 4 lbs. Pretty good for July! Don't think he will
      need minnows now as he had a good limit around 14+ lbs. We tried topwater, but just too hot.

      Tips: Besides seeing 2 eagles, I saw something I have never seen before in the summer at Berryessa. As we headed up past Big Island around 7 pm, I
      never saw or heard a single boat north of the island the whole time we were there. That was a first for me. The fire damaged trees was a sad thing to see in the narrows. I guess I could say that the slow night bite didn't surprise me. The bite died around midnight as the quarter moon set.

Saturday, July 14th, 2018

    • Water Temp: 81

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Fishing continues to be red hot at Lake Berryessa. My son and daughter-in-law landed some nice size bass this past weekend weighing up to 7.5 pounds (see photos of Sarah and her good luck charm Amelia). Friday night near sunset Kevin, Bob and I went out for a couple of hours. We went to the east side of the lake to one of my favorite sites and within moments of casting out the bite was on. Within a little over an hour we had limited out (see photos). I feel that the top water bite is ready to explode at any time and that is one of my favorite methods of catching fish. A few of my personal tips are I like to use P-line 6 lb. test green, Procure scents on all my hard baits and rubber worms and I like Speed Trap crank baits that sink down to 10 feet. These seem to work well for me continuously. 'til next time..........................................good fishing!!!!!
      https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.fishingconnection.net&data=02%7C01%7C%7C1b9b2659b87948c3565e08d5ea019cb5%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636672214995300979&sdata=sv%2B9cWGnWGC8otBJw8JyGE719U6hMa5At2%2BO%2FRrTKAs%3D&reserved=0 If you have any questions or stories you would like to share or are interested in booking a guided fishing trip please email me at bestguide@hotmail.com or call me at 650-583-3333.

      Tips: call me for any fishing tips related to lake berryessa 650 583 3333

Thursday, July 12th, 2018

    • Water Temp: 84 day, 79 night

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Started the trip on Sunday night fishing south, mostly in Konocti Bay. Took a bit to figure out what they were on, and it turned out to be blades. We fished for only a few hours as we got a late start, but we targeted rocky structure and rolled it slowly to where you can just feel the thump of the blades. They clobbered it within 10’ of the shoreline. We got 9 fish ranging from 2 - 4 lbs. The plastics & jig bite was slow. On Monday, we got bites on Texas rigged beavers as we started at 10pm. Man, the wind was ferocious! Stayed with it for a couple of hours, then packed it in. Caught 5 on Texas using heavier weights with no size. It was like fishing in a washing machine! Lol. Tues, we tried it during the afternoon, the wind was brisk but doable. Once again Texas rig produced the most bite with the fish averaging around 2.5 lbs. Went back out in the later in the evening and the wind completely died! Started around 11 pm and started getting fish on the jig. As weird as it may seem, when the wind died, the bite took off and the size was better. We caught 8 jig fish ranging from 3 lbs to our largest which was 5.2. Started fishing docks with the Texas rig and put 12 more in the boat. Next thing we know it’s cracking dawn so we decide to see if there’s a top water bite since the night was so good. The lake was dead slack, eerily quiet and other than a few slaps at the Whopper Plopper, totally devoid of any semblance of a bite. We did, however, catch a darned good breakfast at Live Oak! Our best 5 went just shy of 21 lbs. Went out Weds at 6pm with the intention of tossing frogs. Instead we got into a vicious crank bait bite that lasted until dark. They were hitting the Luckycraft D20 and LV 500 and literally smashing it. They were anywhere 1.5 - 3.5 lbs and we had a ball! Best 5 was just south of 16lbs but we caught a plethora of them! We also managed one frog fish out of one blowup that went 3llbs. No top water at all! Since the night before was great, we thought the evening bite would be stellar, but we were wrong. Again, it was dead slack and we managed 8 but we had to work for them. We were off by 3am and that’s our story and we’re stickin’ To it!

      Tips: The jig really worked on Tuesday night and when they wanted it they hit it hard. We used beavers, kinky beavers, and double wides on the Texas rig, everything else produced minimal strikes. We pitched the cranks in clear areas behind docks.We rolled everything slow, go fast and we wouldn’t get bit. Everything that worked for us had red in it, the fish are very healthy and fought like crazy. They were fairly shallow, within the 10’ water column. We didn’t venture north so the frog bite may be better up there. Was surprised that the weeds weren’t all that bad and we caught many of our fish just outside the weed line. Ted and I were hoping for better sizes, but since Tues nite and Weds afternoon were so good, we figured it could have been a lot worse! I must say that it was unusual to see the wind pattern change so dramatically! The last two days were much better fishing than the first two. Anyway, sorry for the wordy post, have a great time and stay safe out there!