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Northern California Lake Fishing Report

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Thursday, December 17th, 2015

  • Solano County
    • By

      Water Temp: 48

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Launched out of rivers end, Water Resources cleared hyacinth near pump station. Looked so good, I had to fish the area across from the electrical tower. Tide was coming in. Tried top water and a swim bait, got nothing. Headed around the corner toward Oasis. Fished the big side of the canal first. Got nothing, talked to a couple other boats, they had nothing. Headed to the smaller side. Caught a couple small stripers on a large gold kastmaster. Headed to the Clifton Forebay dock area. Tide was heading out at about 3pm, got nothing. Switched to chicken livers and caught a bunch of really small stripers. Back to the drawing room to draw up a new plan for next week. Good luck.

Wednesday, December 16th, 2015

  • Butte County
    • By

      Water Temp: 53

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Dang, was it ever cold fishing today. 33 degrees when I left home. Started bad, got the trailer into the water, went to take the boat off and water went over my boots, now wet feet!! Got the boat in the water, going to take the trailer up, can't find my keys!! Looked everywhere, no keys, checked the boat, checked my pocket 10 times, crawled around in the dark looking for keys on the ground. Now what am I going to do, can't move the car out of the way. Did a last check and keys were in my pocket all along! Felt pretty silly! Only caught 6 fish, one nicer 4-5 pound catfish, but battery wend dead on the camera, so let the fish go, then changed battery. Fingers hurt, only thing cold this morning. Smaller fish in the picture in fishing forum. Ramp is shallow, making you have to back further into the water, need tall boots if alone or good rope!!

Friday, December 11th, 2015

  • Solano County
    • By

      Report: Delta Report…. Bait fishing Stripers Sturgeon Solid

      Isleton
      Salmon winds downs and striper sturgeon takes off. Salmon anglers still seeing quality fish most have started changing there focus. Silvertrons leading the way for for the last salmon of the season. Cooling water have slowed the stripers in the Cache Slough area. Spoons and hair Jigs have become favorite tools of lure tossers in the area.

      Walnut Grove .
      Slow for the trolling anglers, but stripers cracking the 15 pound plus keeps anglers hopes up. Savage Prey series and Angry Eyes are the top choices here as well, there seems to bit more call for chartreuse patterns here. Bank anglers tossing shad and eel prevail for an occasional Sturgeon or Striper those looking for Cold night fun. Bass anglers try some smallie fishing, crankbaits and brown blue jigs and getting the Smallmouth.

      Discovery Bay
      Stripers finally showing in solid numbers on both sides of Disco Bay. Some nice black bass coming out of Discovery Bay this week. Bigger fish have been falling for a 8" Savage Gear 3D GLIDE SWIMMER in the Hitch color. Dropshotting will put more fish in the boat but the size is just not there. Remember to throw those big baits you need the right equipment, try the OKUMA TCS 7'11" Mat Daddy rod and OKUMA TCS HELIOS reel spooled with 65lb VICIOUS braided line, make sure to have good polarized glasses on because you are going to see some big fish coming to check out this bait. Dress warm and enjoy the your time in Discovery Bay. –Charlie King

      Frank’s Tract
      Stripers and bass bite both OK but ya gotta Slow down with the cold temperatures. It’s no secret what a little fall weather can do. 6th Sense Ripbaits are great options while small swim baits and swim jigs get the mention as well. We found plenty of Stripers and Black Bass with Hair Jigs, Swim Baits, like the BIG 6thSense Hollow Bodies getting grabbed. Lot of Stripers in main River and Mildred areas.

      West Delta
      Sturgeon quietly is slipping into the spotlight. Eel is the best bait over all, but roe and shad also scoring diamondbacks Broad slough and surrounding cuts. There were many shaker sturgeon reports in double power lines in Decker Island and Sherman Island. There were few shaker sturgeons also reports from Light 42 to Light 49 in the deep channel Most of the nice stripers coming soaking Shad, anchovies and sardines allow Sherman Island rd like on Bubba Murphy caught this week . George Cardinale was soaking eel and landed a Nice Striper as well..

      Provided by Dan’s Delta Outdoors, 1625 Main St Oakley CA 925/234-4694 Follow us on Facebook

Tuesday, December 8th, 2015

  • Butte County
    • By

      Water Temp: 56

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: A little cool on the lake, but what the heck, tossing worms anyway. Launched about 6:30 at the dam, ok, but the dock is 3/4 out of the water, I guess they can't be bothered to adjust!! Light breeze, went to south fork for an hour, got one fish, left to middle fork. where I know the area. Manages just 7 fish today, one decent 15 1/2" and all others 13-14" I fished deep, the largest one hooked right at 40 foot mark. Typical slower days for winter, water still clear in most areas, down to 56 degrees. State better work the ramp a little, or I see it becoming an issue in a few weeks. Narrow at the dock as the sides of the dirt sluffs off towards to dock at the waters edge. Off the lake at 10:30 right when it was getting nice out. Pictures in fishing forum.

Friday, December 4th, 2015

  • Napa County
    • By

      Water Temp: getting cold

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: My family and I celebrated Thanksgiving at the lake. We got there on Wednesday early afternoon and my son and I headed right for the lake. There was a definite chill in the air but the water was fairly calm and we had bundled up pretty well so we headed out to the west side. In less then an hour and a half we had double hook ups and a total of eight bass from three to five pounds. We headed back to the house to warm our frozen bodies but were very happy with our catch (see photos). Thanksgiving morning my son's friend Steve joined us but this time the water was not calm. There were white caps all the way to the Narrows and let me tell you it was a rough ride but we made it and the water was calmer. We started fishing heading towards the dam and we started hitting nice size bass almost immediately. We fished for a couple of hours till we couldn't take the cold any longer and headed across to the west side towards home and trolled our way in using crankbaits #1 color was silver and blue and 2nd choice was chartreuse and green. We tried top water with no luck. Luckily the white caps worked in our favor as they pushed us in. We had a great time and landed limits and now we were heading to the house for a scrumptious feast (see photos). It was a great couple of days and I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. 'til next time......................................good fishing!!!!!!!!!
      www.fishingconnection.net 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: Fish loading up for winter

  • Solano County
    • By

      Report: Delta Report…. Bait fishing Stripers Sturgeon Solid

      Isleton
      Looks good as Salmon anglers take advantage of rain and cooler water temperatures with Silvertrons leading the way. Water temperatures have dropped with the cooler storms. The salmon bite remains good as season winds down. Salmon anglers are seeing success.

      Walnut Grove .
      Slow for the trolling anglers, but fish cracking the 15 pound plus keeps anglers hopes up. Savage Prey series and Angry Eyes are the top choices here as well, there seems to bit more call for chartreuse patterns here. Bank anglers livers and cut baits prevail for plenty 2 to 4 pound catfish evenings are top for those looking for night fun. Bass anglers try some smallie fishing, crankbaits and brown blue jigs and getting the Smallmouth.

      Discovery Bay
      Some nice fish coming out of Discovery Bay this week. Bigger fish have been falling for a 8" Savage Gear 3D GLIDE SWIMMER in the Hitch color. Dropshot will put more fish in the boat but the size is just not there. Remember to throw those big baits you need the right equipment, try the OKUMA TCS 7'11" Mat Daddy rod and OKUMA TCS HELIOS reel spooled with 65lb VICIOUS braided line, make sure to have good polarized glasses on because you are going to see some big fish coming to check out this bait. Dress warm and enjoy the your time in Discovery Bay. –Charlie King

      Frank’s Tract
      Stripers and bass bite both OK but ya gotta Slow down with the cold temperatures. It’s no secret what a little fall weather can do. Ripbaits are great options while small swim baits and swim jigs get the mention. We found plenty of Stripers and Black Bass with Hair Jigs, Swim Baits, like the BIG 6thSense Hollow Bodies getting grabbed. Lot of Stripers in main River and Mildred areas.

      West Delta
      The West as in Honker Bay to the Bait tossers are getting fish when wind cooperates. Sturgeon quietly is slipping into the spotlight. Eel is the best bait over all, but roe and shad also scoring diamondbacks Broad slough and surrounding cuts. There were many shaker sturgeon reports in double power lines in Decker Island and Sherman Island. There were few shaker sturgeons also reports from Light 42 to Light 49 in the deep channel Most of the nice stripers coming soaking Shad, anchovies and sardines .

      Provided by Dan’s Delta Outdoors, 1625 Main St Oakley CA 925/234-4694 Follow us on Facebook

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2015

  • Yuba County
    • By

      Report: jaybird » Wed Dec 02, 2015 12:44 pm

      I was there on Saturday. 28th with four wheel drive almost got stuck. The problem is that the trailer started to sink in the muck (sand) and I also was by myself which did not help.
      If you have 2 people I feel you would be fine, as I had to park my boat close enough to the ramp because the footing is like quick sand. I sunk about 4 to 6 inches walking on the bank. Therefore my trailer was a bit off line from the ramp which probably added to the left side of the trailer sinking. Just a heads up, with 2 people and four wheel drive I think you would have no worries.
      Hope this helps!

  • Lake County
    • By

      Water Temp: 53-56

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Yes, it is midnight, but I am still slightly wired! Mike Sperbeck and I got back from Clear Lake about an hour ago - very pleased with another 30 lb 11 oz limit! Two 30"s in a row - which is harder to do these days! We caught several up to 5 lbs before dark. Good jig bite. After dark, another 5.48 and one well over 6 lbs. Then Mike caught his first ever swimjig fish, 6 lbs even, using a D&M Piranha bait. We were just about to leave one of our favorite areas, but decided to make one more pass. GOOD decision!! I had a good hit, but not that exciting - until I set the hook! Wow - what a powerful bass - all 8.57 pounds of her!! Those D&M Piranha hooks are great! No wonder my right shoulder is a bit sore now! And we beat the rain!

      Tips: I thought the jig bite would pick up with the cooler water, and it did. Still using my brown/orange Rodstrainer jig w/ Yamamoto grub trailer. I got those bass trained - LOL!! Again, saw lots of bait but most of it has moved off-shore, which should be no surprise. Saw some down to 30 feet. Our bass seemed to be spread out too - from 10 to 28 feet.

Tuesday, December 1st, 2015

  • Butte County
    • By

      Water Temp: 56

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Thought I's give the lake a try today and toss worms in the middle fork, as weathers going to turn bad soon. Talk about cold at 6:30 am, around 36 degrees. Burr, dress warm and no problem. Slow bite, water getting stained in many areas, some place still clear, just depends on where your at. I managed just 7 fish today, very slow bite, one fish here, and one there, no hot spots as we all like. All fish 13-14" range. Fished deep, fished shallow, only got fish at 30-35 feet, one at 40 foot. Think the winter blues has begun, hope not. Busy ramp when I got back at 11am, one fisherman said Bidwell ramp not very good, many getting stuck. The ramp at the damn is still good. A little mushy at the waters edge, but workable. Ramp looks to be another 5-10 feet longer today. Water still dropping, but slower rate these days. Ramp pictures in the Fishing Forum.

Monday, November 30th, 2015

  • Yuba County
    • By

      Report: Knowing spotted bass are one of the hardest fighting fish, Brent Ehrler was surprised when he easily landed a fat-bellied brute last week.

      “It just came right to the net,” said the Bassmaster Elite Series angler, who took Mark Zona’s invitation to film a Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show at New Bullards Bar Reservoir in northern California.

      While Ehrler had a great trip, he didn’t receive a great pull on his personal best spotted bass.

      “I referred to them as being like Jabba the Hutt,” he said. “I believe the fish are so fat, they literally can’t move.

      “These fish, they’re not right. Proportionally, they look fake. We’ve all caught 3-pound spotted bass, and it’s a giant battle. They are the hardest pulling fish. I just envisioned what the fight would be if I caught one of the big ones, a 7-, 8-, 10-pounder.”

      While he was disappointed in that battle, both anglers caught their personal best spots, and each might have had a world record on the line momentarily. Spotted bass from Bullards Bar, which Zona calls the “biggest secret, non-secret lake in the world,” have broken the IGFA world record several times in the past two years.

      On Dec. 27, angler Wes Roberson caught an 11-pound spotted bass, weighed it and released the fish alive. The IGFA is considering his record submission, and if certified it would overtake the current 10-6 record.

      Read the rest at Bassmaster.com http://www.bassmaster.com/news/daily-limit-jabba-spotted-bass

Sunday, November 29th, 2015

  • Yuba County
    • By

      Report: AmberRusso » Sun Nov 29, 2015 12:47 pm

      Fishing report for Bullards bar. Thank you everybody for all of your information Bullards was great really windy a little cold but the fishing was excellent. I launched out of dark day and it was a challenge because I was by myself so two people is definitely recommend it. As soon as I was leaving dark day the wind was so bad making the water very rough I headed for the first cove I could see. I noticed the steep rocks and targeted that area. I was using a margarita mutilator and caught fish back to back but they were all small. I used a weedless Huddleston and was able to catch a fish over 3 pounds. I decided to go to Emerald Cove to get some coffee and fish that area. I was using a black and red jig with a black and red Yamamoto double tail grub as a trailer and stuck a largemouth bass around 6 pounds. I was very surprised to see a largemouth this big here. I fished the area for the next hour and caught quite a few more fish ranging 1 to 2 1/2 pounds. despite the wind and the cold the fishing was awesome and would definitely recommend taking a trip there before it gets colder. Definitely focus on areas that have steep rocks and areas where the sun and the shade line come together. The lake is very low in fact Emerald Cove guy said it's the lowest it's been since 1979. These fish were shallow surprisingly so try not to target Deepwater too much Right now.

    • By

      Report: Fishing report for Bullards bar. Thank you everybody for all of your information Bullards was great really windy a little cold but the fishing was excellent. I launched out of dark day and it was a challenge because I was by myself so two people is definitely recommend it. As soon as I was leaving dark day the wind was so bad making the water very rough I headed for the first cove I could see. I noticed the steep rocks and targeted that area. I was using a margarita mutilator and caught fish back to back but they were all small. I used a weedless Huddleston and was able to catch a fish over 3 pounds. I decided to go to Emerald Cove to get some coffee and fish that area. I was using a black and red jig with a black and red Yamamoto double tail grub as a trailer and stuck a largemouth bass around 6 pounds. I was very surprised to see a largemouth this big here. I fished the area for the next hour and caught quite a few more fish ranging 1 to 2 1/2 pounds. despite the wind and the cold the fishing was awesome and would definitely recommend taking a trip there before it gets colder. Definitely focus on areas that have steep rocks and areas where the sun and the shade line come together. The lake is very low in fact Emerald Cove guy said it's the lowest it's been since 1979. These fish were shallow surprisingly so try not to target Deepwater too much Right now.

Saturday, November 28th, 2015

  • Solano County
    • By

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Launching in the morning from paradise point, went out to the Hilton pulled up to buddy who was out there 2 hours ahead of me had two fish one 22" and one 27" High tide at sunrise on drifting bluegill. I fished the area and nothing lots of geese no fish, I tossed plugs, worms, drifted shiners, bluegill, even trolled, Nothing. Pulled the trolling motor and headed to turner cut tossed in some rebels and trolled to the bridge nothing tried four different colors. pulled up to the bridge talked to a bass boat, no luck for him either, tossed on minnows and slow trolled the bridge, for 45 minutes with the bass boat throwing everything he had at them. Nothing we both left I went to windmill cove pulled up another bass boat talked to them same thing catching nothing. trolled it for 30 min nothing, going into the garlic brothers on the way another buddy was fishing off of ridge track, he had shad and fish and was doing well. dunking shad was the way to go for the day.

      Tips: find a spot anchor and bait fish

Friday, November 27th, 2015

  • Yuba County
    • By

      Report: by Larry Hemphill » Fri Nov 27, 2015 3:10 pm

      With lower lake levels everywhere, it is a great time to take a few photos of structure that may not be visible for decades - if the heavy rain and snow does happen. On my last trip to Berryessa, I saw a rockpile with steep dropoff that I had never seen before. On my first or second cast, I caught a near 4 lb spotted bass. It was a perfect structure that may be under 40 feet of water by June. Let's hope!!

  • Solano County
    • By

      Report: Join us to celebrate small business Saturday 10% off store wide… (Sale Items excluded)

      Isleton Salmon searching anglers with Silvertrons leading the way. Water temperatures have dropped with the cooler evenings The salmon bite remains ok as season winds down. The bite in the area just improved all week. Salmon anglers are seeing success. a few fishing finally started getting solid reports of success from Many anglers to the west are seeing more salmon daily… getting close. Silvertron’s are the best bet for those who want to try.

      Walnut Grove . More Stripes are in the area as cold temperatures return more in the Walnut Grove area as the trolling bite is OK mostly small fish.. Slowed way down for Salmon still many decent Scores reported Silvertrons and K-14 getting mentioned. Best area has been Courtland to Walnut grove. Red Eye Shad and small shad patterned plastics are the top choices here as well. Rip baits are scoring Largemouth and Smallmouth in the Meadows.

      Discovery Bay Stripers that had been starting to group up in the Marina side seem to have Moved to the Indian Creek. They are still in the area, the bait and stripes are in main river Holland riverside south to Italian Slough. Dan’s Classic Shimmer Jigs and Strike King RedEye Shad getting bit. Black Bass cooler evening temps have water temperatures dropping and the bite a bit tough. Rip baits and Drop-shotting getting mentioned often now for the largemouth.

      Frank’s Tract Stripers and bass bite both OK Slow down with the cold temperatures. It’s no secret what a little fall weather can do. Ripbaits are great options while small swim baits and swim jigs get the mention. We found plenty of Stripers and Black Bass with Hair Jigs, Weedless Swimmers like the BIG 6thSense Hollow Bodies getting grabbed. Lot of Stripers in main River and Mildred areas.

      West Delta The West as in Honker Bay to the Bait tossers are getting fish when wind cooperates. Sturgeon quietly is slipping into the spotlight. Eel is the best bait over all, but roe and shad also scoring diamondbacks Broad slough and surrounding cuts. Bait Fishing upswing! Sturgeon and Stripers are being caught, Looking for stripers are finding solid numbers of keeper stripers from both boat and bank. Most of the nice stripers coming soaking Shad, anchovies and sardines . Antioch Pier scored stripers to39 inches this week. Shad is top offering.

      Provided by Dan’s Delta Outdoors, 1625 Main St Oakley CA 925/234-4694 Follow us on Facebook

Thursday, November 26th, 2015

  • Solano County
    • By

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: The wind laid down day before it was tough but great, I launched late at Paradise point 3:30 Headed straight for the cabin on the left on the levee going out to the main channel tossed on a rattle trap and my buddy tossed on a husky jerk and started a troll hooked 5 fish in the 45 min only on the gold husky jerk trolled the mobil home 500 yards and turned hooked all the fish on the turn before the shack, pulled the trolling rigs and drifted the turn with perch and shiner's nothing for 20 min than bang 5 more fish in less than all 20inch to 30inch nice fish, going for a night run so headed to garlic brothers wind laid down high tide and weeds all over the place could not dip for shad very well but was able to get 50 or so some huge. hooked up the lite clipped it on the side and stuck on some live shad. didn't get a thing for an hour 1/2 tried all three holes and nothing fish not there. dipped some more shad filled up the live well and headed out to the main channel. hooked to the right after bora bora beach went to the second turn off the main channel where the shack is on the corner and pulled up to the pumps turned on the lite tossed some live shad in and bam 38 inch nice fish my buddy hooked into a large something after five min snapped his line 18lb test. stayed for another hour and nothing but live shad every where and dipped and pulled out and went to the mouth of the Calaveras river turned lite on and tossed in live shad, hooked fish so dam fast bait was gone in a hour. all small strippers. went in to the river and dipped filled up the live well went across the way and fished rough and ready turned the lite off moon was bright and hooked 6 fish all over 25 inch and two carp. pulled are rigs its about 9:40 pm no one to be seen 20 years ago there would be 6 to 10 fisherman out with lights, not any more. Headed to the mouth of the san Joaquin and fished port to the bridge turned on the light and tossed in the shad about 15 ft down 10 pulls, my buddy hooked into another pig and lost it bad luck for him. I hooked into a 36lb this one I kept she had sea lice. great color. Nobody to be found, had the whole place to my self, pulled up and went to the port lots of feed no fish but we were over the cold headed back pulled out 12:30 am cold but what a trip. heading out sat will give you an update

      Tips: need a shad dip net, shop lite with a clamp cut off the plug and buy some clamps and attach to cord, need an dc RV bulb and hook to the side of the boat, extra battery is a must

Wednesday, November 25th, 2015

  • Yuba County
    • By

      Report: by The Jerk 936 » Wed Nov 25, 2015 4:52 am

      Was up there about two days ago. Almost every fish caught threw up approx 1- 1.5" shad.. Very small bait fish.... Veeeeerrrryyyy small.... If your drop shooting, mm3, bold bluegill, Aron's magic all work. Alive shad 3" in prism is best to match. good luck'
      - Steve

    • By

      Report: by Towin_Bass » Wed Nov 25, 2015 7:19 pm

      MM3 was killin it between 25 35 ft pre storm on Sunday, jerk baits and for some reason white fluke with a little chartreuse worked really good for the boys early we opted for smaller fish do to us having the boys(5 and 6 yr olds), but did pick up a big 4 with and 6xd and a few 3 with a 10xd . Darker patterns like Gary said. I always try to see them on my graph first, for the bigger ones I try to stay in the 65 to 90 ft range Senkos always seem to catch 'em(like always) wacky with a big nail weight and drag slow but stay patient its cold and good luck I love that place even in the snow

    • By

      Report: by Gary Dobyns » Wed Nov 25, 2015 5:30 pm
      Bullards has lots of crawdads so browns and greens work well. Also here is a little rule of thumb for our deep spotted bass lakes. In winter and spring with runoff and a little color, I like darker colors like green pumpkin, warmouth, darker browns and green colors. In the late summer and especially in the fall, the water is usually a lot clearer and the fish get on bait a lot more too. So I use more shad or light colors. Of course this still varies but it's a good start lots of times. Good luck at Bullards!!!! Share some pics!!

  • Lake County
    • By

      Water Temp: 58-59

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: This is just a very short report about 2 recent trips, last Thurs afternoon/evening with buddy Mike, and a guide trip on Monday the 23rd. I don't usually guide on Mondays, but this was a "teach the lake" trip. Weather was very nice - maybe the last warm fall day. We covered most of the lower - mid lake, and did some fishing too. Had fun showing off my new Gen 3 meters! The bite was very slow, with the biggest at 3 1/2 lbs. He did catch several small bass that are now "keepers!" Monday is not an "off" day for the lake - saw many bass boats out. Thursday, Mike and I only fished a few hours because the bite was dead and we sorta got blown off the lake. The wind just got worse and worse and the bite was slow. We did have a moment to make the trip worthwhile as I did land a nice 6-2 bass thru the crashing waves. That makes the trip home a little more enjoyable!

      Tips: The main reason for this report is to remind anglers that this prolonged warm fall weather is ending quickly this week. Lows are predicted to be in the mid-20's at night and highs in the mid-40's. That will remind you quickly about wind chill at 60 MPH! It will be time for the winter layers if you start out early in the morning. Frostbite is no fun!!