Fishing report March 15-21: Central California experts’ tips for beating bad weather
Compiled by Dave Hurley and edited by Roger George, who guides in the greater Fresno area and holds the striper record at Millerton Lake.
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Best bets
Delta sturgeon biting, Steve Mitchell said. New Melones trout active, Kyle Wise reported. Don Pedro rainbows hitting, Dave Hurley said. Overall fishing conditions continue to suffer from the huge water flow impacts produced by the recent atmospheric river event.
Roger’s remarks: Where fishing dreams were made: Grandpa’s basement
One of the most exciting things I remember as a young boy was visiting my paternal grandparents’ ranch in Lemoore and exploring their old basement. It helped me clearly visualize the dream of becoming a good fisherman and following in my family’s footsteps.
Grandpa Louie was an avid sportsman who had traveled to both Alaska and Mexico many times for the great fishing. The only way to do it back then was to pull a trailer all the way, usually on poor roads. It was always an adventure and we would listen raptly to the stories of big fish, close calls and exciting places.
After each trip, Grandpa would unload the fishing tackle as well as all kinds of other things they had brought back and store them in the large cement basement behind the main house. That basement was built in such a way that I felt I was going on a fantastic adventure deep down into a hidden mysterious cavern. It was six to seven stairs deep. The cool dank smell of the concrete-enclosed bunker, lit up by a single yellow fluorescent bulb dangling from the ceiling, added to the strange but exciting ambience.
And the treasures! I remember on one trip to Grandpa’s, after they came back from Mexico, discovering a big white lure I had never seen before. Excited, I took the lure to him and he told me that he had caught a large grouper on it. I remember thinking that I would do exactly the same thing some day. He gave me the lure.
Rummaging through all the stacked-up tackle boxes, poles, reels, fishing line and junk, I felt like I was in an underground grotto. I still get glimpses of that incredible dreamlike vision when I’m around stacks of tackle, lures and my boat. Funny how a child’s imagination and perspective can make something so seemingly ordinary into a special place where dreams are crafted for a lifetime. At times I feel like I’m still down there in that crisp coolness, looking for another hidden treasure. That’s fishing to me – a pure, cool, exciting dream! Never give up…looking for “your basement.”
Roger George: rogergeorge8@protonmail.com, Rogergeorgeguideservice on Facebook and @StriperWars
Valley
Westside waterways
Striper 2 Catfish 2
The pumping out of the Delta has been cut back due to the recension of the Governor’s Executive Order to environment regulations to allow for additional water to be released south from the Delta. However, pumping continues through both the California Aqueduct and the Delta Mendota Canal. The water remains cold and muddy, and fishing action and interest remains minimal in the north section of aqueduct. In the Delta Mendota Canal, the section between Mendota and Firebaugh is loaded with mud as there is an excavator removing the hydrilla from the canal.
In the south aqueduct in Kern County, bait remains the best bet for striped bass with sardines, anchovies, or live minnows with catfish dining on Triple S Dip Bait or chicken livers. Largemouth bass action is slow with the exception of a few fish near the moving water in the headgates with plastics or jigs.
With the cold water and rapid flows, anglers have to use extreme caution to avoid slipping into the deadly torrents. The following safety tips are provided by the Department of Water Resources:
When you fish, stand back from the Aqueduct’s sloping concrete sides. They are steep, slippery, and difficult to climb. You could easily slide right into the water.
Wear rubber-soled shoes for safe footing at the Aqueduct.
If you go to the Aqueduct to fish, look around for the safety ladders and lines. Safety ladders along both sides of the Aqueduct are spaced 500 feet apart and marked by bright yellow paint. The safety lines are strung on plastic floats, close to bridges and other structures that cross the Aqueduct. These ladders and lines can save your life.
Do not go into the water to land a fish, recover fishing gear, or any other reason. It’s too dangerous—the current is swift below the surface.
Take your own drinking water. The Aqueduct water has not been treated and is not safe to drink.
Don’t play close to the Aqueduct.
Do not climb structures or fish from bridges crossing the Aqueduct. They are not safe fishing spots.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; Bob’s Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657
Eastman Lake/Hensley Lake
Bass 2 Trout 2 Bluegill 2 Catfish 2 Crappie 1
Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis said, “There hasn’t been any change as Avenue 26b between Roads 27 and 29 – the main road to Eastman – remains closed due to a washout across the roadway, but Road 29 is open on the backside of the lake. The water remains very dirty at both lakes, and this week’s storms including snow have only added to the cold and dirty water. There is a tremendous amount of debris on and below the surface of the water, and we don’t recommend that you run your main motor on the lake since the chances of hitting something is high.” A double plant of rainbow trout is scheduled for Eastman next week with a single plant scheduled for Hensley. Once the weather clears, the banks will be lined with trout anglers. Both lakes are releasing water in anticipation of heavy precipitation with Eastman dropping from 73% to 69% and Hensley from 36% to 33%.
Call: Eastman Lake 689-3255; Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hensley Lake Hidden Dam 673-5151
Lake Don Pedro
Bass 2 Trout 3 Kokanee 1 King salmon 2 Crappie 2
The Wild West Bass Trails event scheduled for Saturday was postponed due to the weather, and fishing interest remains limited as water releases have begun in anticipation of heavy inflow from snowmelt. On clear days, trout trollers are picking up rainbows to 18 inches along with an occasional king salmon pulling grubs, Speedy Shiners, or Rapalas near the surface. Finding clear water in the main lake remains the key. The lake rose a foot to 789.86 feet in elevation and 77%.
Call: Monte Smith, Gold Country Sport Fishing (209) 581-4734; Kyle Wise, Head Hunter Guide Service (209) 531- 3966; Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Fishing (559) 691-7008
Lake Isabella/Bakersfield area
Bass 2 Trout 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Bluegill 2
Isabella rose 1.25 feet to 2,555.57 feet in elevation this week and 25%. The upper Kern River has been raging as high as 8,454 cfs at Kernville above the lake. The flows in the upper Kern were as high as 40,000 cfs at one point, leading to an evacuation warning for Riverkern, California and low-lying areas of Kernville. Recreational access at the lake may be temporarily shut down due to storm-related issues.Catfishing remains the best bet in deep water with frozen shad, Triple S Dip Bait, or ice jigs working for the whiskerfish in deep water. Without recent trout plants, trout fishing has slowed considerably. It will take more plants before the trout action heats up. Registration for the 32nd annual Lake Isabella Fishing Derby is $40/angler with youth at $15/angler. The derby runs April 1 through June 4 with 500 tagged trout worth between $20 and $10,000 and over $55,000 in cash and prizes. Registration and information at kernrivervalley.com/isabellalakefishingderby.
The upper Kern river is scheduled for trout plants in sections 4, 5, and 6 over the next two weeks, but these may be put on hold due to weather. weeks. Section 5 will receive double plants. Section 3 is Sandy Flat to Isabella Dam. Section 4 is Powerhouse 3 to Riverside Park in Kernville, Section 5 is Fairview Dam to Lazy River Lodge, and Section 6 is Fairview am to the Johnsondale Bridge. The flow out of the lake at First Point below the dam has risen from 154 to 1,696 cfs this week with more water held back by the dam. The Riverwalk Park lake in Bakersfield is scheduled for a trout plant this week with Brite Valley Lake in the Tehacapi Mountains next week.
Call: Bob’s Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657; North Fork Marina (760) 376-1812; Golden Trout Pack Station (559) 542-2816
Lake Kaweah
Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2
The lake rose 4 feet in elevation this week to 637.50 feet and 29% with inflow from the recent storms. Bass fishing remains slow with the best action with finesse presentations at depths to 40 feet with plastics on the drop-shot along with jigs. The reaction bite is slow in the cold, muddy water. Catfish remain the best bet with Triple S Dip Bait, nightcrawlers, or chicken livers. A trout plant is scheduled for next week. The Kaweah River rose from 780 to 6,560 cfs. Del Lago Park in Tulare is scheduled for a trout plant this week.
Lake Success
Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2
The lake rose 2 feet this week to 617.00 feet in elevation and 31% with inflow from the Tule River. The bass bite remains very tough with only a few fish found on finesse presentations in the cold and muddy water. A trout plant is scheduled for next week.
Call: Sequoia Fishing Co. 539-5626, sequoiafishingcompany.com
McClure Reservoir
Bass 2 Trout 2 King salmon 0 Kokanee 0 Crappie 2 Catfish 2
The Best Bass Tournaments event scheduled for March 11 was canceled due to safety conditions on the lake. The lake rose 2.25 feet to 807.80 feet in elevation and 65%, and there is debris on and below the surface. Eventually, the high water will pay dividends for the spotted and largemouth bass population as new areas are open along with new sources of food.
Call: Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Guide Service (559) 691-7008
McSwain Reservoirs
The annual Merced Irrigation District’s Lake McSwain Spring Trout Derby is April 1-2. The derby uses the SmartPhone app Fish Donkey for registration and payment along with photos, videos, and judging. Participants are encouraged to access the app early and become familiar with it before the Derby. All photos, videos and judging will be managed through the app. On the day of the derby, participants will need to have both their smart phone – with the app available – as well as a non-expandable bump board for measuring and photographing their catch. Anglers can practice using the FishDonkey app ahead of the tournament by joining a tournament in the app called “Practice Entering a Fish.” The app will work without an internet connection at the lake during the derby. Participants will need to join in advance and should open the app before heading out. They will need to tap on the name of the tournament (Spring 2023 Lake McSwain Trout Derby), followed by “Leaderboard/Enter a Fish.” This will have the tournament fully loaded on a phone, even in poor internet areas. Derby entrant fees are $35/adult angler with an additional $10 vehicle fee and a $9 launch fee.
This year’s categories include: longest trout for $2,000; stringer with three longest fish combined: $2,000; wild card – one adult winner is randomly selected for $500 prize; and kids wild card – a winner under 16 will be randomly selected to receive a fishing pole and tackle box (sponsored by Splash N Dash and the Reel Deal Market and Café at Lake McSwain). All campsites at Lake McSwain have been reserved for the weekend, but they are available at nearby McClure.
Call: Angler’s Edge Market (209) 226-4416; McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534
Millerton Lake/San Joaquin River
Bass 2 Striped bass 1 Shad 1 Bluegill 2 Crappie 2
The lake is releasing water in anticipation of snowmelt from the upper San Joaquin River, but it still came up from 45% to 47% this week. With the cold and dropping water, bass action remains challenging at best. Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun said, “We went out on the lake on Sunday, and after launching on the 2nd ramp, the water came up to the point where the docks were being installed at the 1st ramp when we returned to the launch. Our truck was 50 feet up the parking lot, but the water was 15 feet from it when we returned. The bass bite was slow as it was rough and windy, and the fish we caught were on plastics on a Carolina-rig or a jig in water less than 25 feet. The water temperature was in the 54/55-degree range, and the fish seemed to be getting ready to stage as they were on the flats.” The Trout Pond at Sycamore Lake Park was planted this week, and Sycamore Island will remain open for weekends only; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with a $9 vehicle fee. The lower San Joaquin at Friant has risen from 661 to 6,411 cfs with the water releases. Manzanita Lake in North Fork is scheduled for a trout plant this week.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun 292-3474
New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch
Bass 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Trout 3 Kokanee 1
The lake rose 8.5 feet to 961.42 feet in elevation this week and 48% with heavy inflow from the Stanislaus River into California’s third-largest reservoir. There is debris both on and below the surface, and boaters need to be extremely careful in motoring. When the weather is cooperative, Kyle Wise of Head Hunter Guide Service continues to find limits of rainbow trout to 19 inches pulling Rapalas, grubs, or Speedy Shiners in the top 15 feet of the surface. Bass fishing has slowed in the colder water conditions, but numbers of fish can be taken by slow-dragging plastics or jigs along main lake points or steep bluff walls. The Glory Hole launch ramp is open with a single dock, and Tuttletown is open with no ramp.
Call: John Liechty Xperience Fishing Guide Service (209) 743-9932; Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Guide Service (559) 691-7008; Kyle Wise, Headhunter Guide Service (209) 531-3966; Monte Smith (209) 581-4734
Pine Flat Reservoir/Kings River
Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 0 King salmon 0 Catfish 2 Crappie 2
Similar to every other California reservoir, inclement weather has impacted fishing interest. Michael Crayne of Valley Rod & Gun said, “Trimmer was closed on Saturday, and the ramp was out at Deer Creek, and when my friend went to launch, he turned around similar to the other boats. A few boats did launch, but the water is extremely muddy with large tree limbs and logs floating on and under the surface.” When the weather improves, bass fishing is best with underspins and umbrella rigs, and the jig bite has also been strong. In the lower Kings, trout plants are scheduled for the next two weeks, but the river is dangerous as flows have blown up from 1,512 to 8,620 cfs at Trimmer while the lake rose to 55%. Trout plants are scheduled at Avocado Lake the next two weeks.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun 292-3474; Sequoia Fishing Co. 539-5626
San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay
Striper 2 Catfish 2 Bass 2 Crappie 1
Heavy pumping continues from the south Delta, and the lake has risen from 74% to 84% this week. Mickey Clements of Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill said, “Angling interest has slowed, but when there are breaks in the weather, dropping 1.74-ounce Duh! Spoons or drifting jumbo minnows are producing a few school-sized stripers. The troll and reaction bite has slowed. The forebay has been muddy and loaded with debris, and the only action has been with bait from the shorelines.” The forebay dropped to 72% with releases down the California Aqueduct. The aqueduct remains high, muddy, and cold, and with the swift water flows, it is dangerous for anglers.
Roger George of Roger George Guide Service reported that “the big lake was closed on Monday due to a big mudslide on the Dinosaur road, and it looks like the earliest lake opening will be Wednesday at best according to Superintendent Duke Heberling. Tuesday’s storm could cause more mudslide trouble, since several places next to the road could be impacted by more rain. In addition, be careful driving on 152 around the lake since all kinds of big potholes showed up after the last storm until Caltrans was able to fill them in.“
Wind warning and lake closure lights are used on San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay to alert boaters of current wind conditions. On San Luis Reservoir, watch for the three wind warning and lake closure lights near the Basalt Entrance Station, Quien Sabe Point, and the Romero Visitor Center. On the O’Neill Forebay, wind warning lights are located near the old Medeiros boat ramp and above the South Beach Area. Amber lights signify caution conditions for winds or other concerns while red lights indicate the lake is closed to boating and all vessels are required to immediately vacate the lake when the red lake closure lights are on.
Call: Coyote Bait and Tackle (408) 463-0711, Roger George, rogergeorgeguideservice.com (559) 905-2954; windfinder.com/forecast/san_luis_reservoir
High Sierra
Bass Lake
Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 0
Mike Beighey of Bass Lake Fishing reported access has been blocked to most of the lake with the ramps loaded with snow and the shorelines wet with slush and snow from the recent storms. With the recent trout plant, the best area from the shoreline is across from the Sheriff’s Tower with Power Bait for both the planted rainbows or catfish. He is confident that access will be back to normal when he opens his guiding service in April. The annual Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce Trout Derby is April 29-30. There will be over $55,000 in total cash prizes with two $10,000 tagged fish, one $5,000 tagged fish, 150 tags for $100, and 847 tags for $20. Derby registration is $25/adult and $15/youth under 16. Registration and information is at basslakechamber.com/fishing-derby. The lake held at 74%. A webcam of the launch ramp is at basslakeca.com.
Call: Mike Beighey, Bass Lake Fishing 676-8133
Edison/Florence/Mammoth Pool
The Kaiser Pass Lakes are out of play until the spring as heavy snow fell in the region.
Call: Road conditions 297-0706; Vermilion Valley Resort at Edison Lake 259-4000
Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake
Kokanee 1 Trout 2
Heavy snow and rain continues to dominate the region with more snow and rain at lower elevations on the way early this week. After the area digs out, trout fishing should resume at Shaver with various gear trolled near the surface. It will take some time for higher-elevation Huntington to dig out. A webcam of the Shaver launch ramp is at sierramarina.com/webcam-weather-page.html.
Call: Todd Wittwer, Kokanee.net Guide Service 288-8100; Jerad Romero, Jrods Guide Service 392-6994; Tom Oliveira, Tom Oliveira Fishing 802-8072
Wishon/Courtright
Heavy snow continues to fall in the region, perhaps pushing back the traditional road opener on McKinley Grove Road further into April.
Call: Wishon RV Park 865-5361
Ocean
Half Moon Bay
Striper 1 White seabass 1 Crab 2 Sand dabs 3
What has been feared for the past several months has come to fruition with the announcement of the cancellation of the 2023 ocean salmon openers scheduled between Cape Falcon, Oregon and the U.S./Mexico border through May 15. This is only the second time in history when salmon fishing has been closed in California, the first occurring in 2008-09. This announcement will assure the season will be closed until the Pacific Fisheries Management Council completes the process for adoption of final regulations during their meetings in Foster City on April 1-7. The three preliminary regulatory alternatives for ocean salmon fishing from the PFMC for the time period from May 16, 2023, through May 15, 2024, do not authorize commercial or recreational salmon sport fishing off of California until at least April 2024. In reality, this may be the first of a multiple-year closure due to record-low escapement in the Sacramento and Klamath River Basins. There is a public hearing in Santa Rosa on March 21 to receive comment on the three proposed regulatory alternatives before the final adoption, but for all intents and purposes, this is only a formality before the ax falls for certain.
The salmon closure will have a major impact on this small port with numerous independent salmon trollers along with charter boats and six-packs. The first action will take place south of Pigeon Point for rockfish as it opens below in the Central Management Area from May 1 through Sept. 30 at all depths. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod is open seaward of the 50 fathom RCA line. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line. The Pacifica Pier remains the best location to score up to 10-crab limits of legal-size using snares from the shorelines, but with the inclement weather, the pier is subject to temporary closure. Surf perch and land-based rockfishing are the only game in town until May 1 below Pigeon Point. Surf perch action is heating up in anticipation of the big Sand Crab Classic on March 11. Crab-only or crab/sand dab/Petrale sole trips are offered by the New Captain Pete.
Boat-based rockfish season will not open until May 15 with the take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod seaward of the 50 fathom RCA line until July 15. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line. From July 16 through Dec. 31, open at all depths. Spear divers and shore-based anglers will continue to have year-round fishing opportunities for groundfish.
Call: Captain Michael Cabanas, New Captain Pete (510) 677-7054; Captain Chris Chang, Ankeny Street (650) 279-8819; Captain Bill Smith, Riptide (650) 728-8433; Half Moon Bay Sport Fishing, Queen of Hearts (510) 581-2628
Monterey/Santa Cruz
Striper 2 White seabass 1 Crab 2 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3
Alan Bushnell of Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing and Surf Casting Guide Service said, “Local anglers were excited about the Annual Sand Crab Classic Perch Tournament last Saturday. The beaches from Santa Cruz to Moss Landing and even around the bay toward Monterey are hosting an increasing number of surfcasters. Reports indicate these anglers are having a blast catching barred and calico surfperch weighing up to 2 pounds. Most surfcasters use a 7- or 8-foot rod rigged with a sliding sinker above a 3-foot leader. Using light gear increases the chances of a strike, and makes the fight more exciting. Four- or 6-pound test leader material is plenty for these fish that rarely exceed 2 pounds. The preferred lures are root beer or motor-oil colored grubs, though many anglers are finding huge success using GULP sandworms. Using a live sandcrab instead of a lure almost guarantees success in catching these lively fish. Retrieving the lure slowly will entice hits as the bait or lure waves in the current.
“For those who prefer a more relaxed approach to surf fishing, a pyramid sinker below two dropper loops and baited with a sandcrab, pileworm, shrimp, clam or mussel is another proven method of catching surfperch. This is a great way to surf fish, casting out as far as you can, and putting the fishing rod in a pole holder. Watch the rod tip for nibbles and bites.
A critical aspect of this type of fishing is to locate the correct spot to fish. Surfcasters walk the beaches, looking for deep spots and rip currents that indicate good feeding spots for the perch. These fish tend to school up, so when you catch one fish, stay in that spot for a while and you will likely catch more.
“Rocky headlands and points at both ends of Monterey Bay hold some larger variety of surfperch. Blacks, rainbow and striped perch can be found along the cliffs and boulders of our North Coast beaches, or the Carmel headlands. Artificials can certainly work for these perch, though many anglers prefer to fish bait in those areas. Bring plenty of extra tackle, getting snagged is part of the game when fishing the rocks.”
The Sand Crab Classic Surf Perch Derby drew their annual crowd of 300 participants to line the shorelines from Half Moon Bay to Monterey, and a 15.5-inch barred surf perch was the winner. Surf perch and shore-based rockfishing are the only game in town until rockfishing opens below in the Central Management Area from May 1 through Sept. 30 at all depths. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod is open seaward of the 50 fathom RCA line. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line. Out of Monterey, sand dabs, Petrale sole, and Dungeness crab are the story when the charter boats are able to get out, and Chris’s Fishing in Monterey reported 11 limits of Dungeness, 20 Petrale, and bucketloads of sand dabs on a recent trip. Similar to the other ports, the salmon closure is devastating news to this location.
Call: Chris’ Landing (831) 375-5951; Allen Bushnell, Santa Cruz Kayak and Surf Casting (831) 251-9732
Golden Gate/San Francisco Bay
Halibut 2 Striper 2 Leopard shark 2 Sturgeon 2
With the ocean salmon closure, San Francisco Bay will face heavy angling pressure for halibut, striped bass, and sturgeon. Boats won’t be venturing outside the Golden Gate until at least May 15 when the rockfish season opens seaward of the 50-fathom curve through July 15. Even then, most of the interest will remain inside the bay, especially when live bait begins to be available at the San Francisco bait receiver. The date for the first availability of live bait is fluid, ranging from April to early June, depending upon when the anchovies make their presence felt. There shouldn’t be a delay similar to last year’s occurrence as the new bait boat should be good to go at the first opportunity. In the meantime, party and private boaters are either trolling frozen herring or anchovies or running hoochies in the flats in the south bay. The section of the bay from Oyster Point south towards Alameda is traditionally where the halibut action starts before migrating into the central bay locations of the Berkeley Flats, Alcatraz, Angel Island, Crissy Field, and Southhampton Shoals. The Codfather out of Alameda was able to troll up 8 halibut for their four anglers on Saturday in the south bay, and this was one of the top scores over the weekend.
The past three years of drought have allowed saltwater to move past the Carquinez Straits, but the bay should be very different this year with the heavy fresh water inflow expected to take place throughout the summer months. What this does to the halibut and striped bass remains to be seen, but there is hope the stripers make a showing in June and July on the central bay rockpiles. The linesides have been missing in action in the bay the past few summers, but salmon out of the equation, striped bass will need to relieve some pressure on the bay’s halibut.
As angling pressure is expected to increase exponentially on the California halibut population due to the closure of the salmon season, there is a groundswell of support for temporarily changing the current daily bag limit of three halibut over 22 inches to two fish. The Golden Gate Fishermen’s Association (GGFA), a group of sport fishing professionals and concerned anglers dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the marine fisheries in the San Francisco Bay/Golden Gate waters of the Central Pacific Coast, is taking the lead in advocating for the temporary change due to the anticipated pressure on the California halibut in San Francisco Bay and outside the Golden Gate. It will be necessary to convince the Department of Fish and Wildlife to take the proactive measures to protect the species by changing the daily bag limit as soon as possible, and this will require anglers and fishing groups to petition the department to make the temporary change.
In addition to the recreational party boat fleet, halibut populations are affected by commercial drag boats, the growing number of commercial hook-and-line anglers who are able to use six rods, and skiff owners including the burgeoning number of kayak fishermen.
This is another example of fishermen whose livelihood depends upon a species to take measures to protect the species. Anglers interested in voicing their perspective on this issue are advised to write the California Fish and Game Commission at fgc@fgc.ca.gov or participate in an upcoming commission meeting during the public comment for items not on the agenda. There is an agenda item regarding California halibut fishery bycatch evaluation in the California halibut set gillnet fishery scheduled during the March 14-16 Marine Resources Committee meeting. The agenda is available at fgc.ca.gov/Meetings/2023.
The annual restriction for sturgeon in the central bay will be lifted on Tuesday, March 15.
Call: Captain Trent Slate Bite Me Charters (415) 307-8582; Captain Jerad Davis, Salty Lady (415) 760-9362; Captain Steve Mitchell, Hook’d Up Sport Fishing (707) 655-6736; Happy Hooker (510) 223-5388
San Luis Obispo
Surf perch 2
The boat-based rockfish season ended on Dec. 31, and the season will not reopen for boat-based anglers until May 1 where it will be open from Pigeon Point in San Mateo County to Point Conception south of Morro Bay at all depths through Sept. 30. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, the take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod is open seaward of the 50-fathom line. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line. The boats will focus on nature trips while surf perch action will take center stage. Webcams of many of the coastal locations are at 805webcams.com.
Call: Virg’s Landing (800) 762-5263; Patriot Sport Fishing (805) 595-4100; Morro Bay Landing
Others
Delta/Stockton
Bass 2 Striper 2 Sturgeon 3 Catfish 2 Bluegill 2
It’s more of the same in the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta as the double whammy of cold and muddy water has slowed the largemouth bass bite to a crawl.
Dave King, director of Nor Cal Bass, said, “We drew 33 boats to Ladd’s Marina on Saturday which was an impressive showing considering the recent lack of action and the weather. Most of the day was clear, but we had to endure 1.5 hours of the heaviest rain and hail that I have ever experienced on the water. Only seven boats weighed in fish, and if you came in with more than one fish, you were in the money. The team of Juan Acosta and Mark Gomez took first at 13.34 pounds, and they weighed in he only limit. Kris Huff and Sonny Mancuso came in second with two fish at 7.02 pounds with the big fish at 4.02 pounds. Huff caught his fish flipping while Mancuso was following up with a crankbait. I had 10 pounds earlier in the week working an east/west small slough where the water temperature jumped up to 55 degrees, but the temperatures dropped back again over the weekend. We were hoping a good showing would boost up participation on this week’s Major League Fishing event at Russo’s Marina, but to say it was tough was an understatement. These fish have to eat sometime, and we can’t wait.”
In the north Delta, Alan Fong of Alan Fong’s Outdoors continues to find success working the outside edges with chatterbaits or Brush Hogs. He said, “The fish are staging, but they aren’t coming up into the shallows even though they want to. We are coming out with an instructional video on Monday on the YouTube Channel going over the technique used to find these fish. The only clear water has been in the north Delta, but this is going to change with the latest storms.”
Even though the water temperatures are hovering around 48 degrees in Suisun Bay, sturgeon have been on the chomp. Captain Steve Talmadge of Flash Sport Fishing out of Pittsburg said, “Our last three trips have been excellent, and we had a crew trip with three anglers for a total of six sturgeon to the boat in an hour and a half with two slots, one oversized, and three shakers. We had a double hookup within five minutes of setting anchor.”
Captain Steve Mitchell of Hook’d Up Sport Fishing out of Pittsburg saying, “We have been finding some good action for undersized, slot, and oversized sturgeon this week. The grass was a limiting factor on Saturday as we had to move to stay out of the debris with all of the inflow coming down the river. We ended up with our birthday lady finding the only slot-limit fish of the day. There are plenty of sturgeon in upper Suisun Bay, and it is a matter of locating feeding fish in the cold water along with staying out of the grass.”
Regulation changes for white sturgeon are anticipated to begin on Jan. 1, 2024, and the changes could involve a combination of slot-limit size range reduction, bag limit reduction, area closures, or bait restrictions. Six-pack operators out of the Pittsburg Marina have been providing input towards the regulatory process, not only in using Nor Cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association FLAME app to record all catches of undersized, slot-limit, and oversized sturgeon prior to the May 17, 2023, Fish and Game Commission Wildlife Resource Committee meeting, but in developing the Captain’s Challenge Catch-and-Release event on Monday, March 27.
Participating in this special event will be Flash, Hook’d Up, Golden State, Right Hook, Feeding Frenzy, Diamond, Bend Ur Rod, Dragon, Delta Sport Fishing, and Barbarian Sport Fishing, all out of Pittsburg. Members of a variety of print, radio, and social media will be on board covering the event including myself with Captain Steve Mitchell of Hook’d Up Sport Fishing, Sep Hendrickson of the California Sportsmen’s Radio Show with Captain Jay Lopes of Right Hook, and Nick Smith of the Informative Fishermen with Captain Joey Gamez of Golden State Sport Fishing. Additional media members will be added, and the boat with the most fish wins with prizes from Phenix Rods and Ultimate Composite Rods along with life jackets from the Department of Boating and Waterways, along with bragging rights for the next year. Captain Zach Medinas of Gatecrasher Fishing Adventures pioneered the concept of six-pack boats practicing catch-and-release, and depending upon the regulatory changes, this may be an alternative for all or part of the 2024 sturgeon season.
The Captain’s Challenge is a way for anglers to participate in an enjoyable day of fellowship, laughter, and bragging rights. There is still limited room on some of the boats, and interested participants should contact their favorite party boat captain for this friendly competition.
Call: Randy Pringle (209) 543-6260; Captain Steve Mitchell, Hook’d Up Sport Fishing (707) 655-6736; Vince Borges, Vince Borges Outdoors (209) 918-0828
Lake Nacimiento/San Antonio/Santa Margarita/Lopez
Bass 2 White bass 1 Striper 0 Catfish 2 Crappie 2 Bluegill 2 Trout 2
At Nacimiento, the lake remains high at 81%, and just when the water was beginning to clear, storms arrived once again, turning the lake cold and muddy. Fishing for spotted bass should be outstanding once the lake stabilizes with the arrival of warmer weather. The lake hasn’t been this high for some time, and the bass spawn should be very productive. A webcam of the lake at 805webcams.com/lake-nacimiento-live-webcam. At Lopez, it’s similar to the conditions at Nacimiento with the lake rising from 64.9% to 80.6% within the week. A trout plant occurred two weeks ago, but fishing interest has been minimal with the weather conditions. Anglers can view a live webcam of the lake at 805webcams.com/lopez-lake-webcam. At Santa Margarita, the Best Bass Tournament scheduled for Saturday has been canceled due to high water at the launch ramps, and the organizers are in the process of moving the tournament to nearby Lopez. The lake continues to spill over, and it is currently at 104.2%. A trout plant occurred three weeks ago. A webcam of the lake is at 805webcams.com/santa-margarita-lake-webcam-california. At San Antonio, the lake has risen to 44%, and the lake is muddy with debris on the surface. It will take some time to clear before fishing is back in action. Once the lake clears, fishing could be as good as it has been in recent memory for bass, catfish, and crappie.
Reminder: consuming white bass, black bass, crappie, catfish, or carp are subject to safe eating guidelines due to excessive mercury.
Events
Tournament Results
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Nor Cal Bass – March 12: 1st – Juan Acosta/Mark Gomez – 13.34 pounds; 2nd –Kris Huff/Sonny Mancuso – 7.02 (Big Fish – 4.02); 3rd –Rodney Bull – 2.80.
Lake Camanche – California Bass Federation Boater Division (Two 5-Fish Limits) – March 12-13: 1st - Mason Blansett – 30.21; 2nd – Ralph Encizo – 28.58; 3rd – Joseph Soung – 26.05.
Lake Camanche – California Bass Federation Non-Boater Division (Two 3-Fish Limits) – March 12-13: 1st – Cesar Gomez– 15.23; 2nd – Cheng Seechan – 14.86; 3rd – Michael Coleman – 14.40.
New Melones – Manteca Bassin’ Buddies – March 12: 1st –Wes Marks/Gabriel Contreras – 10.60 pounds (Big Fish – 3.50); 2nd – Roberto Hernandez Sr. and Jr. – 9.70; 3rd – Fred and Jim Ruiz – 6.14.
Upcoming Tournaments (subject to change)
March 15
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Major League Fishing
March 16-18
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Major League Fishing
March 18
New Melones – Best Bass Tournaments
Don Pedro – Fresno Bass Club
Kaweah – Lahu Bass Club
Nacimiento – Kern County Bass Masters
Santa Margarita – Best Bass Tournaments
March 19
Don Pedro – Kings River Bass Club
March 25
New Melones – Nor Cal Bass
Tulloch – Christian Bass League
Don Pedro – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments
Millerton – Angler’s Press
Kaweah – Golden Empire Bass Club
Success – Lahu Bass Club
Isabella – American Bass Association
Nacimiento – Bakersfield Bass Club
Santa Margarita – San Luis Obispo Bass Ambushers
March 26
Delta/B and W Resort – California Bass Federation
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – American Bass Association
April 1-2
New Melones – Sierra Bass Club
McClure – Merced Irrigation District Spring Trout Derby
April 1
Tulloch – Kings River Bass Club
Eastman – Central Valley Kayak Fishing
Millerton – Kerman Bass Club
Kaweah – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments
Nacimiento- American Bass Association
April 2
Delta/B and W Resort – Wild West Bass Club
Tulloch – American Bass Association
Don Pedro – Kings River Bass Club
McClure – California Bass Federation
Bass Lake – Kings VIII Bass Club
April 14-16
Sacramento/Discovery Park – Western Bass Shootout
