It only takes a few consecutive days of 80-plus degree weather to send crowds of boaters towards our local waterways.
As with most longtime fishermen, certain changes in the weather remind me of changes to come. The warming of the weather not only increases the water temperature, it also makes it more inviting for others that enjoy a variety of different activities on the water.
In a perfect world, I guess many anglers would wish that they had the only boat on the water. With the advancement of technology it seems as if we’re continuing to search for that one piece of equipment that will surely make it impossible for others to enjoy a quiet day on the water.
If you were to hang around anglers long enough, you’re sure to hear them complain about other boaters on the water. Conversely, if you were to hang out with other pleasure boaters, you’re surely to hear them complain about anglers on the water.
Everyone has a right to be on the water, my only wish is that when that boat playing its music beyond comprehension passes me by this year that it keep going instead of having the desire to circle around again.
I’m hoping that the silver lining in our current fuel crisis is that boaters will now focus on going from point ‘A’ to ‘B’ instead of ‘A’ to ‘Z’.
Delta Report
There are not many places I’d rather be than fishing the Delta right now.
Fishing has been great as baitfish can be seen throughout the system. Big fish are still being caught by anglers fishing beds, but a lot of post spawn fish are also being caught.
This past full moon has brought another wave of spawning bass up shallow. For those not sight fishing try tossing Senko’s, Craw Patterned crank baits and spinnerbaits when the wind picks up.
The topwater frog bite has also started to pick up so make sure to have one of those tied on as well. Crappie and bluegill have made their way shallow, so now is the time to get out there and catch a big one right before they spawn.
There have also been some reports of anglers doing well trolling broken back rebels in Whites Slough for striped bass up to 10 pounds.
New Melones Lake
All the reports of trout being caught have been from those trolling deep, 25-50 feet.
Not many bank fishermen are catching trout, as they have vacated the shallows. Bass fishing has really started to pick up for a lot of anglers.
Many fish have made their way shallow and have become very aggressive. Anglers have reported catching anywhere from 20-30 fish per outing.
An increased number of fish have also been seen lately preparing to spawn or spawning in the backs of coves.
Lake Don Pedro
The king salmon bite is as good as ever for anglers trolling the dam area 50-70 feet deep with a variety of different baits.
Frozen Shad and anchovies seem to be working real well. Trout fishing has also been good for anglers trolling in the top 30 feet of water early in the day.
Some anglers are even reporting catching a few kokanee mixed in while trolling for trout. Bass fishing remains good, as the fish are in all three levels of the spawn right now. All baits seem to be working well right now for numbers.
New Hogan Lake
With the increase in fuel prices how can anyone pass up this lake?
The fishing is great, as there are a lot of bass shallow up on beds. Small worms and creature baits are working well for those fishing for bedding fish.
There are also schools of bluegill making there way into the backs of coves as they are soon to spawn themselves.
Tip of the Week
For those of you who don’t believe in paying a lot of money for boat wipe down chemicals, regular Lemon Pledge works great for keeping your boat looking nice and clean.
I’ve been using it for years without any negative side effects. I even use it to wipe down my seats and engine cowling. What’s nice about Pledge is that it also has a pleasant smell to it.
Just be careful when stepping in and out of the boat as the surface will be slick. I also was told to stick to Lemon Pledge as some of the other scents supposedly are bad for the finish.
To contact Jarod Ballardo, e-mail jgbbass@yahoo.com.
