Every year about this time I’m reminded of the time I came across two lost anglers while fishing the Delta. While fishing, they approached my boat and asked me if I knew where the launch ramp was? When I asked them which ramp they were looking for, they had no idea of the name of the ramp they launched out of. They then began to describe the launch ramp to me and after a process of elimination; I realized where they must have launched from. As I began to give them directions, it was obvious to me that they had no clue of where they were going. So, I told them to follow me and proceeded to their launch site. They were at least 15 miles away from their launch site and without some assistance would have probably never found their way back. Often people take for granted the importance of knowing where you’re going and how to get back while on the water. A place like the Delta can be very intimidating. My first few trips out, I went with a friend who showed me around before I ventured out on my own. I even had an early handheld GPS on board, just in case. You just never know, a fog can settle in a matter of minutes making navigation almost impossible. At the least you should have a map and know the name of your launch site. With today’s technology there’s no excuse for being lost anymore.
Delta Report:
The bite on the Delta continues to be tough for a lot of anglers. Anglers are reporting catching bass while fishing the outside weed edges. Crankbaits and jigs are working well for those fishing the six- to eight- foot range. Stripers are being caught by anglers fishing around Mildred Island but not in the large number like most would expect for this time of year. Anglers catching them are swimming Fish Trap lures. As the water temperatures drop a little more the bite should pick up considerably. Duck hunting season is open so be on the lookout for duck blinds.
New Melones Lake:
Trolling for trout is still good for anglers trolling over the main river channel near the mouth of Carson and Coyote creek between 15’ and 35’ deep. Trout are feeding heavily on shad that are staging on the outside of the creek channels. In the fall the shad will move to the backs of the coves, and the fish will follow. Bass fishing continues to be very good for numbers of fish caught on shad imitating lures and plastics. Anglers are also catching fish while spooning through schools of shad.
Lake Pardee:
Lake Pardee is currently scheduled to close on November 6th and will reopen Presidents Day Weekend. Recently trout fishing has been slow for trollers; those catching fish are catching them while trolling down to fifty feet in the early morning hours. Bass fishing is hit or miss right now as the weather has yet to stabilize. Anglers having luck are fishing small worms and jigs from the bank down to 30’ deep.
Lake Don Pedro:
There’s a good trout bite right now on the lake. Anglers are doing well while working from the surface down to 35 feet with a variety of shad-imitating lures. King Salmon are also being caught for those trolling shad or anchovies between 60’ and 100’ deep. The Upper Bay, Woods Creek and in the Tuolumne River arm are all good areas right now to catch King Salmon up to four pounds.
Tip of the Week:
It may be nice outside but the water temperature is very cold, cold enough to put a person into shock if they were to fall into the water unexpectedly. Like early spring, it’s very important that if you choose to fish alone that you wear a life jacket. I personally know of a few deaths that have occurred on the Delta and they could have been prevented had those individuals worn their life jackets or had someone with them.
Fisherman’s Warehouse Upcoming Seminars 6pm:
Oct. 20 Randy Pringle on Black Bass
Oct. 27 Barry Canavaro on Stripers
Nov. 3 Bill Ferrero from Mokelumne River Outfitters on Steelhead fishing
