With the end of the school year in sight, all the talk around my household has been on where and when we’re going camping.

I’ve been going camping with my family since before I could walk. I enjoyed it back then and enjoy it just as much now as ever.

While shopping with my wife and son recently at Bass Pro Shops, I was amazed at all the new camping items that are available. One of the tents even had bunk beds in it. Camping purists, I’m sure would frown on the idea of having all these new gadgets, but that’s part of the fun.

Even when I was in the military, there was always someone who came up with a new idea, or brought something that made our time outdoors a little more comfortable.

As much work as it is getting everything packed and prepared for a camping trip, like fishing, it’s the time spent with the people you care about most, while away from all the distractions of society which makes me come back every year.



Delta Report

Fishing for largemouth bass on the Delta is great, as the Senko bite is excellent. Many fish have spawned already, but there are still more to come.

Large schools of shad are found roaming the shallows turning on the early morning crankbait and buzz bait bite. Topwater frogs are also working well, first thing in the morning.

Dock fishing for crappie and bluegill has started to pick up as the fish have moved shallow. Crappie jigs and Wax Worms are working well for anglers.



New Melones Lake

Kokanee fishing has been great lately. Trollers are trolling between 10 and 40 feet deep in the main lake. Anglers are starting off shallower in the early morning, and moving deeper as the sun rises. Pink Hootchies and Glitter bugs are all hot baits.

Bass fishing continues to be good as a lot of fish are still being found shallow. Anglers fishing Senko’s and topwater baits are catching numbers.

Crappie can be found hanging out in submerged trees, about 10 to 20 feet deep. Bear Creek, Mormon Creek, and Carson Creek are all good areas. Live minnows and crappie jigs are the most productive baits. 

Currently there all launching of boats has been taking place off of Glory Hole Point. There are no paved launch ramps in the water.



Lake Don Pedro

Kokanee fishing is good for anglers that are able to find them schooled up. They are a little more scattered than at New Melones but just as willing to bite once found. Anglers are catching a mixture of both trout and kokanee while trolling between 35 and 80 feet deep.

Bass fishing continues to be good as anglers are still finding a lot of fish on beds. Don’t rule out looking for spawning fish on long tapering points or submerged island tops as sometimes those fish don’t get pressured as often as the fish in the backs of the coves.

Crappie fishing is good for anglers using minnows and Crappie jigs in and around submerged trees. Fleming Meadows currently has the only paved launch ramp that remains in the water.



Lake New Hogan

Bass fishing continues to be good, as there are still plenty of fish found up shallow or in the guts of creeks leading to spawning areas. Bluegill and crappie can also be caught while using mealy worms or crappie jigs in the back of coves.

There are also reports of a good striped bass bite for anglers trolling umbrella rigs or rolled shad from 10 to 20 feet deep.



Lake Camanche

Bass fishing remains good, as many fish can be found shallow. Senko’s are tough for shallow fish to resist this time of year. During the morning or low light hours anglers are getting an occasional fish while fishing a popper or Zara Spook.

Trout fishing remains good in the pond. Anglers fishing the pond are doing well while fishing with Power Bait.



Lake Amador

The trout bite continues to be good for anglers that are getting there early in the morning. Most anglers fishing off the bank are catching their limits on Power Bait and traditional trout lures.

Those trolling from their boats are catching them while fishing between 10 and 15 feet deep. Bass fishermen are finding fish still on beds making them easy targets once found.



Tip of the Week

If you’ve got any plastic pieces on your boat there’s a good chance that it’s gotten a chalky faded appearance over the years. One of the best products that I’ve found to bring those plastic pieces back to life is plastic trim restorer. It can be found in most auto parts stores and works fantastic.