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Northern California Lake Fishing Report

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Wednesday, April 1st, 2015

  • Solano County
    • By

      Water Temp: 66

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: fished some southern sloughs during the out tide. Started throwing the blades took 30 minutes to get one bite too lose a 3+ before switching to cranks. Landed a couple-3, 2+ And had a 4+ come air Bourne at the boat as the crank came to the surface. Thought I'd call a few up top but to no avail. Began getting taps on Almost every cast with plastics. A few pushing 3 one 5+ the rest 1-2. Ended the day with about fifty (which is the most I've caught on one tide swing this year) to the boat with a 24" striper Never really got the reaction bite going and the bites on the plastics were subtle taps. I think I should have bashed jigs and cranks into cover for the big bites.
      City: San Ramon

      Tips: Been getting some bigger fish up shallow and aggressive top water bites lately. I think the winds may have slowed down the bite I've been on. Maybe a better outcome next visit

    • By

      Water Temp: 64

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Launched from paradise point ran down to whiskey slough area where we spent the day fishing the tules. Caught 5 with the largest being 3.1 pounds. It was a bit windy starting out but calmed down around 3:00 pm.
      City: Antelope

  • Sacramento County
    • By

      Water Temp: ? Don't know ye

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: I will be going out Friday with my son for his annual Folsom trip. I will report back on how our trip turns out.

Tuesday, March 31st, 2015

  • Lake County
    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Clear Lake this Week 3/31/2015

      Wind, wind, and more wind…..almost feel like I’m living on the Delta. However, when it does laydown and the water clears just a bit, the bite has been pretty good. That’s if your bed fishing skills are up to snuff. Really? Yep, pretty much. While a lipless crank, and a swim bait can still entice a big bite, the
      bed fish deal has pretty much taken over.

      Last week saw very erratic reports across the board prior to the CTT event, and there was more than a few guys scratching their heads. Not all, but most that I spoke with. There was a bit of a swim bait bite, and some lipless fish being caught, but for the most part guys were predicting a bed bite, if the water cleared just a little.

      I snuck out Wednesday and it was ok visibility wise in some areas and not so in others. Well, that pretty much continued throughout the week, and it changed in specific areas from day to day as well. One day clear, next day not. Pretty frustrating I’m sure. Still,
      When one looks at the results from CTT it is pretty plain to see that this year’s quality of fish is much better than last year’s, at least to this point.

      CTT anglers weighed multiple 10 pounders Saturday, and one Sunday as well so I think I’m pretty safe in making that claim. I know there wasn’t an event last year that even came close to that, and I was reminded yesterday that last year we had gone most of the way through the Spring before anyone even saw multiple 9 pounders weighed in. Interesting.

      This week, with the high winds in the forecast I suspect the bite will go back to being the haves and have not’s once again, but this Full Moon should bring the next wave up so I certainly wouldn’t put that lipless or jerk bait down quite yet.

      This weekend the night bite should really begin to pick up if one is so in-tuned. I guy could do a lot worse than going out with a box full of jigs and fishing the transition areas around rock. This next wave of big girls should be up and eating, and weather permitting, it can be extremely rewarding. Either way, Spring has sprung so get out after em’! Summer is just around the corner

Sunday, March 29th, 2015

  • Napa County
    • By

      Water Temp: 62/66

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Smallmouth are on the beds and we had a ball caught them all day long from 2 /4 lbs

Saturday, March 28th, 2015

  • Solano County
    • By

      Water Temp: 64-65

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Started late around 815am launching out of Paradise; decided to hit 14mile slough and picked up several 1lb to 3lbers on lipless cranks in sexy shad and red craw. we were runnin' the cranks direcly along the weed line tops and I lost what looked like at least a 3 to 4lber...i won't say 5 cuz don't wanna sound like I can tell right away...but it peeled out line like my drag was loose and when we saw it spit my crank out, it was big! worked same areas over with monster shad senkos pickin' up just as many.
      Ran down to St Francis yacht club and picked up a few 12" to 1.5 lbers on lipless cranks in red craw or red w/yellow belly. moved up disappointment to work our way back to paradise, by now it's about 230pm throwin' senkos at the cuts and tule edges; set the hook on a really light tap and oh boy, more line peelin' and then a jump at the boat ... watched my senko go flyin' straight up and another mirror image of what I lost earlier in 14 mile slough. I used every cuss word possible but I knew it was my own fault and just bad luck. But we ended the day with about 35 total between my brother and me. Not all big and a bunch not quite keepers. But best 5 would have gone maybe 12 - 13 lbs unless I woulda landed the lost 2. Oh well, good day on the water. At least for us we call that a good day.
      City: folsom

      Tips: Still don't believe I'm qualified to give tips...but here's what worked for us:
      We could see fish on the graph inside the weedlines, water was only 3-5ft. So we would throw to the tules and work the bait as much parallel and right on top of the weedline. The fish would come up and slam the cranks.
      For senkos/stick plastics, we'd throw to rock wall tule points or cuts, edges and openings. At St Francis, we worked the entrance from disappointment side directly down the center and caught probably 6-7 just hangin around the outside mouth.

    • By

      Water Temp: 62-67

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Fished Little Franks and Franks all morning throwing a jig. Only managed one 2lber. Ran south to get out of the wind which was becoming unmanageable in a tin boat. Almost hit a sea lion (see video below). Found cleaner, calmer waters and better fish.

      Video here: http://youtu.be/FFth5hdo1WI
      City: San Mateo

      Tips: Move around until you find fish. I probably should have run south sooner rather than later.

    • By

      Water Temp: 65

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Windy n tough today for me n the wife. Launched at Tiki around 8:30. Ran south thinking the east west canals would be protected from the steady n wind. NOT. Caught fish here and there on senko and drop shot but no good ones. Low tide and wind is a huge challenge for us foothill folks. No tips but keep moving till ya get bit. Don't know enough to camp anywhere

  • Alameda County
    • By

      Water Temp: 64- 67

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Had to go back and glad I did. They didn't want the brushhog this time so remember I said in the last report that the senko was a good bait of choice. Caught a 10.5 and my partner lost one even bigger. They were in 1ft. to 8ft. of water next to structure on and off shore... flats mainly.Drop shot caught fish also.
      City: Fremont

      Tips: Now's the time... Full Moon next week. Go get em'and catch and release for the next guy.

Friday, March 27th, 2015

  • Lake County
    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Hi CLum! Yes, I was there that night. I did a report - some big fish also. My buddy Mike just missed the 10 lb mark! I am cautious about approaching other boats at night, but will look for you now!

  • Shasta County
    • By

      Water Temp: 59-62

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: The wife and I launched out of Jones Valley for two days of camping/fishing up the Pit arm. The water was about 75 feet down and slightly stained. It was a very calm day and while pitching our tent, I noticed many lizards running around the rocky areas. This was obviously a hint, so I first hooked up a Texas rigged 7 inch rubber lizard and tossed it out. It wasn’t in the water 10 seconds when a 13” spot hit it hard. This was the beginning of a fantastic day. The little lady and I spent all morning throwing rubber lizards in various colors and found that a yellow/green color worked best. Saturday turned windy with white caps all over the lake. This squashed the fantastic bite down to an OK bite. Most fish were found in 5-20 feet of water. They were all red-eyed males (probably setting up spawning nests) as we didn’t catch a single female, and they all ranged 1-1.5lbs. Still enjoyed getting a bite almost every cast and boating 30+ fish! We tried other baits but lizards seemed to be the ticket this weekend. Even hit one crappie and one trout this trip while trolling the shallows with crank-baits. Can’t wait for the females to hit the nests!!!
      City: Cottonwood

      Tips: Take a kid fishing, they will remember it forever!

Thursday, March 26th, 2015

  • Butte County
    • By

      Water Temp: 59

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Launched at lime saddle about 7am, fished till 10:30. Water another degree warmer this trip. Steep rock banks working best, boulders help. I managed just 11 fish this trip, with half the fish spots, the other half small mouth. Beginning to see lots of suspended fish chasing bait and managed to get a couple, both SM. Fish slow, soft bites. Natural colored worms work best for me. Most fish getting fat with eggs, nice and plump. Biggest today 14 3/4, most 12-14". Funny, ask most fisherman hows the bite and they all say 50 fish days, I say bull crap, just talk. Watched a couple boats and I'm telling you, they are not catching 50 fish per trip, at least not in the N. fork or west fork. Improving bite though.
      City: Magalia

Wednesday, March 25th, 2015

  • Napa County
    • By

      Water Temp: 57-61

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: I did another "teach the lake" trip yesterday (Tues), covering a lot of on-shore and off-shore structure. The weather in the morning was windy, cool, with a little rain. I'm sure this moved some bass off the bank - most of the ones we caught were 20 to 30 feet deep. He caught the biggest at 2 3/4 lbs - a smallie-spot hybrid, using a Robo worm. As the sun was coming out and the lake calming down, he had to leave early for business reasons. Ah - life before cell phones!!

      Tips: I can't be much help because the warm days coming up will change the bite - it will get better! Bass should move shallow again - starting to make their bedrooms!!

  • Lake County
    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: March

      Man, what a nasty two week stretch. Wind, clouds, more wind, more clouds. Despite that
      The surface temps continue to run into the mid 60’s on most afternoons, and the fish have continued to elude most chasing them.

      Last Week

      This past week was no different. BBT had it’s Wine Region event here last Saturday and while it took 36lb to win, more than half of the 86 boat field failed to weigh a limit. Not the norm for Clear Lake in the Spring, and if that weren’t bad enough I checked ion with a half dozen “Top Ten” Pro’s that were pre-fishing for this week’s CTT event. Four of them reported “no keepers” for their weekend efforts. These individuals are guys that are always sniffing around the top ten here and they were pretty frustrated.

      This Week

      Well, so far this week is starting off just like last week. Wind, more wind, and more wind. The result is some pretty dinged up water conditions, and while I’m sure someone will find some fish shallow, it won’t be everyone that’s for sure.

      The Weekend

      Well, we really need this wind to stop and stop for a prolonged period if the water is going to clear at all. My suspicion is it won’t clear before the weekend. Perhaps by
      mid- week next week if it lays down. Either way, the five days of warmer weather forecast should help things somewhat.

      Last Resort

      The minnow bite is off the hook right now, and while that won’t help the tourney guys, anyone who wants a shot at a DD, now is the time. Focus on pre-staged areas and please practice catch and release. Measure her, take a pic, and have a replica made. Call ahead for minnow reservations as I suspect the word is going to get out!

    • By

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: As always, we released everything!

      Tips: Larry, was that you who came up on us Weds the 4th at Konocti Harbor Resort aroung 10 pm? If so stop by next time & I can tell you how it's going for us. I was in the White Champion with yellow & black stripes!
      Clum553946

    • By

      Water Temp: 56- 59

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: We came on Sunday the 22nd & hit the water at 11 PM. We had our lines in the water for 10 minutes when this 10lb 1 oz beauty crushes a jig under a dock in Konocti Bay & we think this is gonna be a great trip! It was, but the bites were sporadic, but the ones we did get were large fish! We had exactly three more strikes for the night & they went 7.11, 7.7 & 1.1, all on jigs. On Monday, got on the water at 6 pm, managed to get a pair of 6's, then got blown off the water. Tuesday, also got on at 6 pm & the wind was howling! Tried Monitor but couldn't keep the boat in place. Went to Wheeler, then Jago trying to find wind breaks. Went into Richmond for some wings, came back out & the wind went slack around 10 pm & so did the bite. We had a 4 & a couple of deuces with a bunch of dinks til the bite & wind went south. Weds. was a nice day & we got on at 2 pm. Ran all over the place, Shag, Henderson, Buckingham Pt, Anderson, Monitor, Konocti, Wheeler, Jago, & Jones & managed to get a bunch of swimbait sized dinks on 6" power worms. Went into dinner & came back out at 2AM. Fished Frazier with no strikes & then went to Wheeler Pt. We weren't getting any bites on the jig so I remembered an old school combination I learned from Larry Hemphill years ago; Rodstrainer Jig with a single tail grug trailer. Figured what the heck & tied one on for Paolo Mangini & he promptly gets crushed by a 10.7 lb beauty. Managed two more at 5.3 & 3.13 & that was it. We threw Double Wide Beavers, Brush Hogs, Blades, Swimbaits, Cranks & Jig 'til our arms were about to fall off & got the big ones on jigs & the sixes on Beavers save for the 7.8 coming on a crankbait. For the trip we had, 10.7, 10.1 7.11, 7.8, 6.6, 6.3, 5.3, 3.13, two 2 lber's & a plethora of dinks!

      Tips: The fish are tremedously fat & healthy. I think because of this, you have to cover a lot of water, throw a gazillion casts, & put the bait right in front of them. There is a big fish bite, but you really have to work for them. We got the majority of strikes on the jig & double wide beaver with the lone exception of the 7.8 hitting a crankbait (our only reaction strike!) Pics are in photo section with Paolo holding the two 10 pounders. This was his first trip to Clear Lake & he's hooked for life on the lake & bass fishing in general! There's still a ton of baitfish in the water & the bass are fat,fat, fat & on the lazy side, not like the last two springs when we were catching 5-9 lber's in droves! I think the summer bite will be lights out this season, hope I'm correct!

  • Butte County
    • By

      Water Temp: 58 - 62

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Went out several times in past 2 weeks, to test everything on my boat...and primarily worked on main body, a bit of North and West forks and some coves/points around. It seems like fish are staging against steep cliffs, and good drop offs around shallow points with some rocks. Averaging about 15 basses each trip, about 3 hours each. Last trip, one spot along the drop off by shallow area, brought bass after bass, on about each cast, about 30 basses. Average size is about 14 to 15 inchers.
      City: PARADISE

      Tips: Texas rigged worms in pumpkin color, and senkos...Work the bait very slow! No reaction action yet!

Tuesday, March 24th, 2015

  • Alameda County
    • By

      Water Temp: 59-64

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Fishing was off the hook in the morning. First cast on a jerkbait a small stripper, then pick up a flippin' stick with a brushhog (watermelon red) 1/2 oz. tungsten and picked up 6 bass on my first pass on this flat with lay downs. Biggest was a 6 lber., they're just starting to move up cause all were in perfect shape, not a mark on them. Started at 7am and had 10 fish by 9am, all caught a released. About 10 am they stopped hitting the hog and switched to dropshot and got them to eat a morning dawn robo worm, also got one on a spinnerbait. Tried a jig and got dumped no takers. Now's the time , fish your strength and go have fun.
      City: Fremont

      Tips: Didn't fish a senko but should have, a good bait choice to try. Good Luck

Sunday, March 22nd, 2015

  • Napa County
    • By

      Water Temp: 57 to 62.5

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: I went out Friday with Judge and John. Our first stop was to show them the fish in Willy's ski school. I couldn't find their bedding area but saw four nice size female bass and one male swimming around in three feet of crystal clear water by a fallen tree did our best to catch them but they weren't interested in any bait we threw out. After spending almost an hour getting frustrated we headed to my favorite location. We fished in two to four feet of water using Carolina rig, texas brass and glass and a top water chugger with good results. John was throwing the chugger into very shallow water many times without any success he was ready to change his bait but decided to try one more cast and it was worth it a 5.5 pound bass hit the chugger at full speed and the fight was on. From this point on he was hooked and his full limit of bass were caught on top water baits. Judge was using brass and glass with senko 6" worm I told him to slither it slowly along the bottom and on the first tap you feel set the hook. He caught a few nice bass using this method. We had a very good day (see photos). Judge had such a good time he joined me and Albert the next day too. On Sunday Greely and his son Elijah went out with me for a few hours. I went to the same spot I had fished on Friday. Elijah was using a Carolina rig set up with a baby red and black brush hog slathered with Procure crawdad scent and he landed the first bass of the day which he successfully brought to the boat (he is eight years old). He was so happy I gave him the brush hog and he's dad told me he brought it to school for show and tell. We only fished a couple of hours but had a great time. I enjoyed watching the father and son bonding (see photo). 'til next time......................................................good fishing!!!!!!!

      www.fishingconnection.net If you have any questions or stories you would like to share or would like to book a guided fishing trip please email me at bestguide@hotmail.com or call me at 650-583-3333.
      City: San Francisco

      Tips: Lake is down 28 feet use caution when fishing points and shallow waters

  • Solano County
    • By

      Water Temp: 63.5

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Starting to get a litter clearer in the back sloughs. Fished Big Break. High tide was at 5:50AM. Was on the water around 7AM and fished until 11:30 before the weather started to change. Wind non-existent to about 5MPH. Caught 16 LMB with biggest around 3 pounds. Most were in the 1.5 to 2 pound range. Fun day. Had a few nibbles throwing a slip-sinker with flapping hog but no takers.
      City: Orinda