My family has started its annual secret Santa gift list.
I was told that I needed to update mine since I haven’t since 2013. It hasn’t changed — a gift card to my favorite tackle shop is all I ever ask for. I can get my fishing license, new tackle or save it until I need something for an upcoming trip.
You really can’t go wrong with a gift card unless of course you were to lose it. My son, on the other hand, just realized that he never downloaded one of the gift cards that he was given last Christmas.
I’m not sure I understand that one.
Delta Report
Striper fishing continues to get better. Anglers are catching stripers while trolling broke back rebels and drifting live bait. Striped bass seldom stay in the same place for much time. Sometimes waiting them out is the only choice.
A good area right now is the rock dam found in Middle River. In the early morning hour, try tossing top-water lures and during the day try drifting live bait. Another good spot is right around the Highway 4 bridge in Middle River adjacent to Union Point.
Largemouth bass fishing has slowed down as the numbers of bass have slowed down recently. Slow-moving baits have been working. but anglers are struggling to catch quality or quantity. The water temperature is on the brink of dropping into the forties making jigs the smart choice.
New Melones Lake
Trout fishing is getting better, as there are reports of several limits being caught. Anglers trolling for trout are still finding them in deeper water while trolling with shad-patterned spoons or Rapalas. Anglers fishing off the bank are making sure that what ever they fish with at least floats off the bottom.
Anglers trolling are catching fish while trolling at all levels. Most anglers are choosing to fish the top 20 feet with shad imitating lures.
Bass fishing continues to be good as well as the bass are feeding off schools of baitfish. Large swim bait fish are still being caught as anglers are fooling an occasional big fish with trout imitators.
The concrete ramp off Glory Hole point is now open, making launching a boat a lot easier. The lakes water level continues to rise.
Lake Don Pedro
The shad are starting to make their way into the backs of coves making fishing for trout the best for anglers fishing along the banks of major coves. Anglers trolling are doing best while trolling around Moccasin Point with shad imitating baits.
Bass fishing has slowed down for a lot of anglers. This time of year, it’s important to fish around the shad. Once finding the shad the bass usually won’t be too far away.
Lake Amador
Trout fishing is great for anglers fishing both on and off the bank. If you plan on fishing off the bank, make sure to get there early as a lot of the more accessible spots are being taken up early. The bait of choice is power bait or trolling any shad imitating lure from the surface down to 10 feet.
Bass fishing has slowed as most fish have moved deep for the winter. Jigs and drop-shotted Robo Worms on main lake points are key areas. As the trout are up shallow, now is a great time to toss a swimbait.
Featured Product
As much as I used to say that I would never pay more than a few dollars on a coffee cup, I’ve been so impressed with my Yeti cup that I’ve since purchased several for myself, friends and my wife.
A less expensive but still great cup is made by Rtic. You really can’t go wrong with purchasing either of the two brands — both would make great Christmas presents.
To contact Jarod Ballardo email jgbbass@yahoo.com.
