The best thing about rain this time of the year is that it knocks down the fog. The worst thing about it of course is staying dry. When it comes to purchasing rain gear, you get what you pay for. The least expensive gear might hold up for a trip or two but it’s definitely not going to be comfortable.
Years ago I purchased a top of the line rain suit that still provides me comfort and dryness to this day. This morning I was awoken to the sound of rain beating down on ground. As always when seeing adverse weather, I asked myself “I wonder what it would be like fishing today.” I immediately thought about my rain gear and realized at least I’d be able to stay dry. There are many types of rain suits to choose from. If you’re in the market for one for yourself, or purchasing one as a Christmas gift, I suggest going to a tackle shop and asking a fisherman, they would know what you needed. Personally, Cabela’s Guide Wear or Bass Pro Shops 100mph Gore-Tex provides the best comfort and protection for the serious angler.
Delta Report:
Stripers continue to bite well for anglers fishing reaction baits as well as live bait in and around schools. Stripers rarely hold up in one spot for long, they may like to frequent certain area but they are prone to be moving constantly. Waiting them out sometimes is the best method this time of year. Largemouth bass fishing is slow right now as most fish are being caught on jigs and rip baits. Anglers are targeting areas out of current right now. Crappie are said to be biting well around the docks at union point, small crappie jigs and minnows seem to be doing the trick.
Lake Don Pedro:
Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing advised trolling heavy spoons near the shorelines and the backs of dead end coves as the surface temperature is a bit warmer attracting the baitfish. He recommended using lead core line as opposed to downriggers to allow access to the shallower water in the coves without worrying about hanging up a downrigger weight. The areas near the Dam and into Middle Bay are likely spots for the fish to congregate. Bank fishing for trout continues to be good with Power Bait, night crawlers, or Kastmasters around Fleming Meadows or Blue Oaks.
New Melones Lake:
Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sporting Goods in Angels Camp said, “Still some great action! We had a lot of fish brought in this week. Most anglers are catching easy limits and releasing a number of fish throughout the day. The Department of Fish and Game is planting every week now, plus we are seeing some beautiful 2-to-3-pound holdovers. Trout are feeding heavily on schools of small shad. Most the fish are being caught in the top 10 ft. of the water column. Anglers fishing off the bank have been bringing limits of planters, as well as some 2-3-pound holdovers.” Bass fishing is fair for anglers fishing around schools of bait with jigs or drop shotted worms.
Lake Amador:
Weekly trout plants continue to take place, many trout are being caught while fishing as shallow as three feet deep. Anglers fishing off the bank are doing well while fishing off the bottom with trout bait as well as under a bobber. Crappie are being caught right now on mini jigs and small minnows around the docks at night.
Lake Camanche:
Trout fishing has been good lately; many anglers are catching limits of trout. The North Shore area has been really good lately for anglers fishing off the bank with Power Bait. Anglers trolling for trout are trolling Rapala (J-7) Brook Trout patterned lures from the surface down to ten feet deep. Most trollers are staying around South Shore area. Bass fishing is fair for anglers willing to slow down and fish small plastics, Robo Worms, and one ton jigs. It’s important to look for schools of bait right now as the bass are surely near.
Tip of the Week:
I learned a log time ago that there is no wrong way to fish and that fish don’t care about brand names or how much money was spent on tackle. Lately, I’ve been reading up on a technique where it requires an angler to rig his worm weight upside down. It’s a technique that was performed accidentally, but has since been proven effective. An upside down rigged weight actually creates more disturbance than a traditionally rigged weight and is easier to keep in one place.
