A lot of anglers are waiting for the weather to clear up before they go fishing.

They’re truly missing an opportunity to have one of the best fishing days of the year. As bad as it may look outside, the fish have already began to seek out food and are making their way towards their spring spawning areas.

All one has to do is go watch a weigh-in this weekend during one of the many local fishing tournaments. There are sure to be bass being weighed in that are swollen with eggs.

This time of year is strange in that all of our senses are most likely telling us to stay home. I’ve learned enough over the years to know otherwise.

If you’re one who likes fishing with lures, this is the time to get out there — especially on the Delta. Don’t let the weather fool you.



Delta Report

Anglers continue to struggle 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 can be giants. 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 more subtle approach senko’s and jigs are also favorites among many Delta anglers. 



New Melones Lake

The trout fishing continues to good, as anglers are catching limits throughout the lake. Anglers are also catching a lot of planter-sized trout that have been released into the lake by the Department of Fish and Game.

Both anglers on and off the bank are doing well while using Power Bait. Those trolling are fishing between 15-20 feet deep.

It’s not uncommon for anglers to hook into brown trout this time of year while fishing for rainbow trout. They are both actively feeding at the same depths from the surface down to 25 feet deep.

Bass fishing is picking up on the lake as anglers are starting to see a few small groups of fish moving shallow. The bite hasn’t opened up just yet but will be shortly.



Lake Don Pedro

Trout fishing has picked up lately for anglers trolling anywhere from 10-15 feet deep.  There is a good jig bite right now for anglers fishing between 25-30 feet deep.

A favorite jig this time of year for many lake fish is a football head jig with a Yamamoto Twin Tail Grub. You really can’t go wrong with either watermelon red or cinnamon/purple attached to a half-ounce jig head. 



Lake Pardee

The lake is scheduled to be open for fishing Friday, Feb. 14. The lake will be open for camping on Thursday, Feb. 13.



Lake Camanche

Trout fishing continues to be great on the lake as many anglers are doing well while trolling or fishing from the bank. Power Bait continues to be a favorite of many anglers and Rapalas are hard to beat for those trolling.

Bass fishing is picking up as limits are not hard to find for those fishing bottom baits.



Lake Amador

For the next few months, fishing for trout on the lake is the best this time of year than any other time of the year. Most anglers are doing well while fishing off the bank with Power Bait.

Anglers fishing by boat are trolling from the surface down to ten feet deep with shad imitating lures.



Fishing Tip

When I first started fishing I would never change my line until it started to break. Since then I learned that line changes are necessary, especially when faced with different water conditions.

When fishing stained, dirty water you can get away with a heavier thicker line. When fishing a lake where you can see more than ten feet down, it’s recommended that you switch to a smaller diameter line less visible line.

Twenty-pound test may seem small to some but it’s very visible in clearer water. Thicker line also gives off more vibration, as water cannot pass through it. Lighter line cast further, is less visible, and more sensitive.    



To contact Jarod Ballardo, email jgbbass@yahoo.com.