There’s a tree in my neighborhood that’s been my springtime indicator for past 20 years. 

It’s an almond tree that I glance at every morning on my way to work, especially this time of year. Many old-time fishermen will tell you that you can tell when springtime fishing is here by the blossoming of the local almond trees. The one in my neighborhood has yet to blossom, but it’s close. 

I’ve learned over the years that if I was to wait for the weather to tell me when spring is here, I would have missed some of the best fishing. I’ve also learned that fishing this early in the spring can be a test of wills as the weather can be unbearable at times. 

It’s worth going out though, as the fish don’t seem to mind just as long as the water temperature doesn’t drop too much.

Delta Report

Anglers are struggling a bit while fishing for bass on the Delta. Typically this time of year you’re not going to get many bites, but the ones you do get are big. One of my favorite early-spring baits is a red spinnerbait with gold blades. You can cover a lot of water with the bait it often attracts ferocious bites. For a subtler approach, senko’s and jigs are also favorites among many Delta anglers. 

New Melones Lake

The Trout fishing continues to be good. Anglers are catching limits throughout the lake. Both anglers on and off the bank are doing well while using Power Bait. Anglers trolling are fishing from the surface down to 20 feet deep. 

Bass fishing is picking up. As the water temperatures increase there should be a lot more fish being caught and seen up shallower. Anglers are still targeting main lake points while fishing with a drop shot or shaky head worm.

Lake Don Pedro

Trout fishing has picked up lately for anglers trolling anywhere from 10-15 feet deep. There are also reports of salmon being caught by anglers trolling with rolled shad or anchovies as deep as 30 feet near the Moccasin Recreation Area. 

Bass fishing is also starting to pick up for a lot of anglers. Most anglers are throwing large swimbaits with mixed results. Anglers fishing points and schools of fish down to 35 feet are catching small limits and an occasional good fish. 

Fishing Tip

For those who like to drop shot, try fishing two baits by rigging one hook close to the bottom and a second hook up a couple of feet. Often if you’re in a good area you may be able to catch two fish at the same time. It’s also recommended that your bottom bait be a darker color imitating crawdads which are often found walking along the bottom.

To contact Jarod Ballardo email jgbbass@yahoo.com.