I almost hate to mention that spring is almost here, but it is!

I’m already seeing some early signs. A couple trees in my neighborhood have started to bloom, and the water temperatures in our local lakes and Delta have slowly been increasing. Another sign is having daylight after 5 p.m. Like most changes in seasons, it happens before most people realize. I’m still hoping for a few solid days of rain or even an early spring cold spell, but judging from the past couple of days, who knows what’s going to happen?

I do know one thing for sure: the fish are going to be spawning soon, and the big ones are definitely going to be moving shallow.

Spring is definitely an exciting time of the year. It’s a time for me to try out some new baits and a good time to try and catch a giant.

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 red hot with anglers catching limits throughout the lake. Anglers are also catching a lot of planter sized trout that have been released by the Department of Fish and Game.

Both anglers on and off the bank are doing well while using Power Bait. Anglers trolling are fishing between 15 and 20 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 are also reports of salmon being caught by anglers trolling with rolled shad or anchovies as deep as 30 feet near the Moccasin Recreation Area.

Bass fishing is also starting to pick up for a lot of anglers. A majority of anglers are throwing large swimbaits with mixed results. Anglers fishing points and schools of fish down to 35 feet are catching small limits and an occasional good fish.

Lake Amador

Fishing is great for trout, as the lake is being planted several times a week with thousands of pounds of catchable trout. Anglers are doing well trolling and bank fishing for them with a variety of different baits.

For trollers it’s hard to beat any type of shad imitator and for bank fisherman Power Bait is what most anglers are using.

Lake Pardee

Lake Pardee is currently closed and scheduled to open Feb. 17 for fishing.

Lake Camanche

Trout fishing continues to be great, as many anglers are doing well while trolling or fishing off 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.

Fishing Tip

For those who like to drop shot, try fishing two baits by rigging one hook close to the bottom and a second hook up a couple feet.

Often, if you’re in a really good area you may be able to catch two fish at the same time. It’s also recommended that your bottom bait be a darker color imitating crawdads which are often found walking along the bottom.