Fishing report, March 1-7: Despite cold, trout trollers score at Don Pedro and New Melones

Compiled by Dave Hurley and edited by Roger George, who guides in the greater Fresno area and holds the striper record at Millerton Lake.

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Best bets

Colder temps and muddy water inflows slowed the overall bite to a crawl this week on most waters, with the exceptions of good trout bites at Don Pedro and New Melones..

Roger’s remarks

Roger George’s column will return.

Valley

Westside waterways

Striper 2 Catfish 2

Both the California Aqueduct and the Delta Mendota Canal are experiencing increased pumping from the south Delta due to the governor’s executive order to suspend environmental regulations to allow for additional water to be released south from the Delta despite the record-setting precipitation. This order was followed by the State Water Board’s decision on Tuesday to suspend flow rules requiring water to be released to protect salmon and other endangered fish until March 31 to allow more water to flow through the California Aqueduct and the Delta Mendota Canal for southern reservoirs and groundwater storage. As a result, both water conveyance systems are flowing at near capacity.

Bill Sterling of Striperz Gone Wild said, “The aqueduct remains extremely slow with the high, muddy, and cold water. Only a few anglers have been out in the rain and cold weather, and an occasional fish on bait is all they can scratch up.”

In the south aqueduct in Kern County, there hasn’t been much change with the high, cold water levels with cut baits or live minnows working best in the stained water while artificial bite remains slow. Catfishing is best with Triple S Dip Bait or chicken livers while largemouth bass are taken with plastics or jigs in the slower stretches of water.

With the cold water and rapid flows, anglers have to use extreme caution to avoid slipping into the deadly torrents. The following safety tips are provided by the Department of Water Resources:

• When you fish, stand back from the Aqueduct’s sloping concrete sides. They are steep, slippery, and difficult to climb. You could easily slide right into the water.
• Wear rubber-soled shoes for safe footing at the Aqueduct.
• If you go to the Aqueduct to fish, look around for the safety ladders and lines. Safety ladders along both sides of the Aqueduct are spaced 500 feet apart and marked by bright yellow paint. The safety lines are strung on plastic floats, close to bridges and other structures that cross the Aqueduct. These ladders and lines can save your life.
• Do not go into the water to land a fish, recover fishing gear, or any other reason. It’s too dangerous – the current is swift below the surface.
• Take your own drinking water. The Aqueduct water has not been treated and is not safe to drink.
• Don’t play close to the Aqueduct.
• Do not climb structures or fish from bridges crossing the Aqueduct. They are not safe fishing spots.

Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; Bob’s Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657

Eastman Lake/Hensley Lake

Bass 2 Trout 2 Bluegill 2 Catfish 2 Crappie 2

Michael Crayne of Valley Rod in Gun in Clovis said, “Avenue 26b between Roads 27 and 29 – the main road to Eastman – remains closed due to a washout across the roadway, but Road 29 is open on the backside of the lake. The water remains very dirty at both lakes, and this week’s storms including snow have only added to the cold and dirty water.” A double plant of rainbow trout occurred at Eastman last week, and once the weather clears, the banks will be lined with trout anglers. Both lakes rose slightly with Eastman at 73% and Hensley at 36%.

Call: Eastman Lake 689-3255; Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hensley Lake Hidden Dam 673-5151

Lake Don Pedro

Bass 2 Trout 3 Kokanee 1 King salmon 2 Crappie 2

Snow fell at the 854-foot elevation lake over the weekend, and fishing interest was limited. Bass fishing remains a grind in the cold water, but trout trolling is productive for limits to 18 inches with grubs, Speedy Shiners, or Rapalas near the surface. Finding clear water in the main lake remains the key. The lake rose 2 feet to 788.82 feet in elevation and 76%.

Call: Monte Smith, Gold Country Sport Fishing (209) 581-4734; Kyle Wise, Head Hunter Guide Service (209) 531-3966; Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Fishing (559) 691-7008

Lake Isabella/Bakersfield area

Bass 2 Trout 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Bluegill 2

Isabella rose slightly to 23% of capacity, rising ¾ of a foot to 2,553.19 feet in elevation this week. A trout plant occurred last week, but few anglers were out during the weekend of cold, wind, snow, and rain. Once the weather settles down, shore angling will improve with Power Bait or nightcrawlers while trollers will find success with shad-patterned spoons such as Cop Car Needlefish. It will take more plants before the trout action heats up. With the cold water, bass fishing is best with artificials with noise, vibration, and scent. Spinnerbaits with large painted blades along with crankbaits with rattles or large plastic worms with Max Scent are best with the fish staging just outside of spawning areas. Crappie are still located in deeper water to 25 feet off of certain submerged trees or brush. Once you find the crappie with minnows, minijigs or small swimbaits will work. Catfishing remains the best bet with Triple S Dip Bait, cured nightcrawlers, or cut bait soaked in garlic. Registration is open for the 32nd annual Lake Isabella Fishing Derby with adult tickets at $40/angler and youth at $15/angler. The derby is April 1 through June 4 with 500 tagged trout worth between $20 and $10,000 and over $55,000 in cash and prizes. Registration and information is at kernrivervalley.com/isabellalakefishingderby.

The upper Kern River is scheduled to be planted this week with single plants in Sections 4 and 6 with double-plants every week in Section 5 which is just above Bull Run Creek. Section 4 is Kernville. Snow in the high country kept anglers from the river, but once the weather improves, planters can be taken with live crickets, nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, Power Bait, or spinners in the clear water. The clear water will be more challenging to locate after the weekend loaded with storms. The upper river rose from 506 cfs to 615 cfs at Kernville while flows out of the lake at First Point below the dam have risen from 417 cfs to 459 cfs this week. Trout plants below the dam occurred a few weeks ago, and a few remaining planters are found with Power Bait, live crickets, Atomic Tubes, or Mice Tails.

Call: Bob’s Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657; North Fork Marina (760) 376-1812; Golden Trout Pack Station (559) 542-2816

Lake Kaweah

Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2

The lake rose 7 feet in elevation this week to 619.78 feet in elevation and 19% with inflow from the recent storms. Few anglers were out this week, but the results have been similar due to the rising water levels. The bass remain suspended in deeper water at depths to 40 feet with plastics on a Ned-rig, drop-shot, or dart head. The bass are wanting to stage, but the weather is keeping them at bay. Catfish are the best bet with Triple S Dip Bait, nightcrawlers, or chicken livers. Crappie can be found around brush or rocks in Horse Creek with minijigs or minnows. A trout plant took place two weeks ago, and there are planters to be had with Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Several bass tournaments are scheduled within the next month. The Kaweah River rose from 425 cfs to 683 cfs.

Lake Success

Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2

Success receded 2 feet this week to 610.77 feet in elevation and 24% due to water releases. Angling interest was limited due to the weather. A trout plant occurred two weeks ago, and the remaining planters can be found from the shorelines with Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Murry Park Pond in Porterville was planted two weeks ago, and it will be planted prior to the March 11 City of Porterville Trout Derby. Bass fishing is very tough in the stained water with plastics on the drop-shot, Senkos, or deep-diving crankbaits. Catfishing is best with Triple S Dip Bait or cut baits while there are crappie holding in the submerged trees in deep water. Several bass tournaments are scheduled within the next month including this weekend’s two-day Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournament event.

Call: Sequoia Fishing Co. 539-5626, sequoiafishingcompany.com

McClure Reservoir

Bass 2 Trout 2 King salmon 0 Kokanee 0 Crappie 2 Catfish 2

Snow fell at the 867-foot elevation lake on Saturday morning, but 27 boats braved the conditions for the Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournament won with a 14.07-pound limit with a big fish at 4.75 pounds. Numbers of bass were found with finesse presentations in the cold water conditions, but it was difficult to locate bass of size. The lake rose 1.5 feet to 805.51 feet in elevation and 64%. The high water has been a bonus for anglers as new areas are open along with new sources of food.

Call: Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Guide Service (559) 691-7008

McSwain Reservoirs

Trout 2

There hasn’t been much going on at McSwain with the exception of holdover rainbows from plants earlier in the season. A few trout are landed from the Handicapped Docks, Brush Pile, or the peninsula near the marina with Power Bait, nightcrawlers, or bright patterns of Kastmasters. The lake is at 81%, and it was just starting to clear up before the recent storms.

Call: Angler’s Edge Market (209) 226-4416; McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534

Millerton Lake/San Joaquin River

Bass 2 Striped bass 1 Shad 1 Bluegill 3 Crappie 1

The lake continues to release water, and it dropped 12 feet from 518.74 feet to 506.86 feet in elevation this week and from 53% to 45%. With the cold and dropping water, the bass are suspending along bluff walls and points. Finesse presentations remain best. The Trout Pond at Sycamore Lake Park was stocked two weeks ago, and Sycamore Island will remain open for weekends only; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with a $9 vehicle fee. The lower San Joaquin is running at 661 cfs with the water releases.

Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474

New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch

Bass 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Trout 3 Kokanee 1

The lake rose 3.5 feet to 952.69 feet in elevation this week and 45%. The Glory Hole launch ramp is open with a single dock, and Tuttletown is open with no ramp. When the weather is cooperative, trout fishing remains solid for limits of holdover rainbow trout to 19 inches pulling Rapalas, grubs, or Speedy Shiners in the top 25 feet of the surface. Bass fishing has slowed in the colder water conditions, but numbers of fish can be taken by slow-dragging plastics or jigs along main lake points or steep bluff walls.

Call: John Liechty, Xperience Fishing Guide Service (209) 743-9932; Ryan Cook, Ryan Cook’s Guide Service (559) 691-7008; Kyle Wise, Headhunter Guide Service (209) 531-3966; Monte Smith (209) 581-4734

Pine Flat Reservoir/Kings River

Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 0 King salmon 0 Catfish 2 Crappie 2

Snow fell at the 856-foot elevation lake over the weekend, resulting in the postponement of the Central Valley Kayak Fishing tournament on Saturday. When the weather improves, bass fishing is best with underspins and umbrella rigs, and the jig bite has also been strong. In the lower Kings, regular trout plants, including this week, have contributed to solid action from the banks below the dam near Winton Park with Atomic tubes, nightcrawlers, or Power Bait in the slower water. The flows rose from 1,051 cfs to 1,512 cfs at Trimmer while the lake dropped to 53%. A trout plant is scheduled at Avocado Lake this week.

Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; Sequoia Fishing Co. 539-5626

San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay

Striper 2 Catfish 2 Bass 2 Crappie 1

Heavy pumping continues from the south Delta, and the lake has risen from 72% to 74% this week. Other than drifting jumbo or extra-large minnows in the mornings, fishing has been limited due to the weather. In the forebay, the water level has been fluctuating with the pumping in and out, and the water clarity has been stained. Few bank anglers were out over the weekend. The forebay rose slightly to 78%.

Wind warning and lake closure lights are used on San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay to alert boaters of current wind conditions. On San Luis Reservoir, watch for the three wind warning and lake closure lights near the Basalt Entrance Station, Quien Sabe Point, and the Romero Visitor Center. On the O’Neill Forebay, wind warning lights are located near the old Medeiros boat ramp and above the South Beach Area. Amber lights signify caution conditions for winds or other concerns while red lights indicate the lake is closed to boating and all vessels are required to immediately vacate the lake when the red lake closure lights are on.

Call: Coyote Bait and Tackle (408) 463-0711; Roger George, rogergeorgeguideservice.com (559) 905-2954; windfinder.com/forecast/san_luis_reservoir

High Sierra

Bass Lake

Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 0

Heavy snow fell over the weekend, and it is expected to snow through the start of the week. Last week’s trout plant will help the action from the banks near the Sheriff’s Tower with Power Bait, Mice Tails, or nightcrawlers once the weather clears. The annual Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce Trout Derby is April 29-30 with over $55,000 in total cash prizes with two $10,000 tagged fish, one $5,000 tagged fish, 150 tags for $100, and 847 tags for $20. Derby registration is $25/adult and $15/youth under 16. Registration and information is at basslakechamber.com/fishing-derby. The lake dropped slightly to 74%. A webcam of the launch ramp is at basslakeca.com.

Call: Mike Beighey, Bass Lake Fishing 676-8133

Edison/Florence/Mammoth Pool

The Kaiser Pass Lakes are out of play until the spring as heavy snow fell in the region. Edison is at 10%, Florence at 22%, and Mammoth Pool at 98%.

Call: Vermilion Valley Resort at Edison Lake 259-4000; road conditions 297-0706

Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake

Kokanee 1 Trout 2

Heavy snow dominated the region over the weekend with more snow on the way early this week. After the area digs out, trout fishing should resume at Shaver with various gear trolled near the surface. It will take some time for higher-elevation Huntington to dig out. A webcam of the Shaver launch ramp is at sierramarina.com/webcam-weather-page.html. Shaver rose to 77% while Huntington held at 30%.

Call: Todd Wittwer, Kokanee.net Guide Service 288-8100; Jerad Romero Jrods Guide Service 392-6994; Tom Oliveira, Tom Oliveira Fishing 802-8072

Wishon/Courtright

Trout 0

Heavy snow fell in the region, and the normal closure for McKinley Grove Road is Dec. 1.

Call: Wishon RV Park 865-5361

Ocean

Half Moon Bay

Striper 1 White seabass 1 Crab 3 Sand dabs 3

Wednesday could be a day long remembered as the tipping point for the Northern California salmon fishing industry as commercial and recreational anglers will learn of the three alternatives for the 2023 ocean salmon season during the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s annual Salmon Information Meeting via webinar. This meeting marks the beginning of a two-month-long public process used to develop annual sport and commercial ocean salmon fishing regulations. On Monday, fishery managers in Oregon estimate there are only 169,800 Sacramento River Basin salmon in the ocean now, and normally fish managers will still allow a minimum of 122,000 salmon to return to the Sacramento River to spawn. As a result, ocean fishing for king salmon in most of Oregon is unlikely this year. This doesn’t bode well for a potential ocean salmon season for California. As those in the salmon industry hold their breath pending the outcome of the March 1 meeting, less than half of the required flows of 29,200 cfs make their way through the Delta system at only 14,300 cfs. This comes at a time when Chinook salmon and steelhead fry releases are being conducted in the Feather, American, and Mokelumne Rivers. Only 61,000 salmon came back to the Sacramento River Basin in 2022 rather than a projected 198,000 while only 22,050 salmon returned to the Klamath Basin compared to the projected 31,180. Public comment is from 2 to 4 p.m. To join, call (216) 706-7075 or 866-390-1828 toll free; Conference code: 663759.

The Pacifica Pier remains the best location to score up to 10-crab limits of legal-size using snares from the shorelines, but with the inclement weather, the pier is subject to temporary closure. The status of the pier is available at cityofpacifica.org/departments/public-works/field-services/pacifica-pier.

Surf perch and land-based rockfishing are the only game in town until the anticipated salmon opener in April. Surf perch action is heating up in anticipation of the big Sand Crab Classic on March 11. Crab-only or crab/sand dab/Petrale sole trips are offered by the New Captain Pete. The commercial boat, New Day, is selling live Dungeness crab \ E dock, slip 9 in Half Moon Bay for $6 a pound, or $4.50 a pound if you buy 10 or more. To reserve your crab, Captain Al Richardson at (360) 460-7048.

Boat-based rockfish season will not open until May 15 with the take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod seaward of the 50 fathom RCA line until July 15. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line. From July 16 through Dec. 31, open at all depths. Spear divers and shore-based anglers will continue to have year-round fishing opportunities for groundfish.

Call: Captain Michael Cabanas, New Captain Pete (510) 677-7054; Captain Chris Chang, Ankeny Street (650) 279-8819; Captain Bill Smith, Riptide (650) 728-8433; Half Moon Bay Sport Fishing, Queen of Hearts (510) 581-2628

Monterey/Santa Cruz

Striper 2 White seabass 1 Crab 3 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3

Alan Bushnell of Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing and Surf Casting Guide Service said, “Anglers are often secretive when it comes to a good bite. It’s considered bad manners by some to publicize exactly where, when, and how you’re getting fish. Especially when others are not getting them. In this public report we sometimes walk a fine line between sharing the joy and protecting our sources. Bottom line is, the most successful anglers get that way by putting in the time to locate their fish. And, in doing so they develop other techniques and habits that serve to stimulate success. As veteran surfcaster Ralph Reyes says, “You gotta grind to find.”

Reyes agrees that, so far this year is shaping up well for beach surfcasting. He and his wife Karla are serious surfcasters, roaming the beaches from San Mateo down to Monterey. Reyes is crediting our big winter storms for opening up the rivers and streams flowing to the ocean and increasing the food sources for surf perch and striped bass this winter. The storms also have dramatically re-sculpted nearshore sand deposits, creating dips and valleys and hollows to serve as feeding locations for our surf cast species. This week the Reyes hiked over 20 miles in their search. And they were rewarded. Fishing from the Watsonville area up to the southern portion of San Mateo County, the Reyes duo brought in a fine array of barred, calico and redtail surfperch as a reward for their efforts. “We had to grind and find a beach to produce some quality fish this weekend. Had the blessing to meet Sergio from West Marine on the surf! All caught on Mekeni_BaitZ. Most fish released especially all the females.” The Mekeni_BaitZ mentioned are hand-made grubs that Karla is producing locally. We can’t wait to try them, because they definitely catch fish!

Chris Arcoleo at Chris’ Fishing Trips out of Monterey continues to send boats out daily. Some with very light loads. Recent reports from Chris’ shows big numbers with as few as six anglers aboard for crab combo trips on the Check Mate. Arcoleo says there’s “lots of crab!” This week the boat posted up to 80 Dungeness crab (limits) and 38 Petrale sole on two of their trips. They are also targeting black cod, AKA sablefish. These are a deepwater fish available in the submarine canyons in 350-400 feet of water. A very popular commercial species, the fish are delicious and can get quite big “up to 20 pounds and the limit is 10 per person,” according to Arcoleo. The combo trips also go for sand dabs. They catch so many of the small sole, they don’t even count them anymore. The default report is simply, “Lots of sand dabs.”

Best news from this veteran charter boat operator is his view on the upcoming rockfish season. “I’ll tell you, me and the other skippers think it’s going to be fantastic for rockfish this year. Because there’s all kinds of rocks and reefs out there past the 50-fathom line that haven’t been fished at all for 30 years! Those deepwater fish move around, sure, but they move in schools. When you get on them, it’s fast action! We’re especially glad to be able to go for chili peppers again. They are big schooling fish in the deep waters, but they’re not on the bottom. They come up closer to the boat.” Which means of course that there is less winding and grinding to bring those chili’s up over the rail when you’re fishing 400-600 feet of water. It’s going to be a very interesting year with these new regulations. I think we’re going to be surprised at the number and variety of rockfish we’ll catch this season. It has been so long since these deeper reefs have been accessible. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. It’s the dead of winter and one might think it’s slow for anglers from the Monterey Bay. But there’s plenty to fish for locally, and exciting fishing adventure fairly close by. The Santa Cruz Harbor is still shoaled at the entrance. Boaters are advised not to transit at this time. A few boats are coming in and out, notably the shallow draft kelp cutter boat that gathers food for the abalone farm in Davenport. Weather and big swells are keeping the Monterey boats at the dock some days. When they get out they are doing well on sand dabs, Petrale sole, black cod, mackerel and Dungeness crab.”

The 19th annual Sand Crab Perch Derby on March 11 is sold out with 300 entrants signing up online within a few days of the registration opening.

Rockfish season will reopen for boat-based anglers until May 1 where it will be open from Pigeon Point in San Mateo County to Point Conception south of Morro Bay at all depths through Sept. 30. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, the take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod is open seaward of the 50-fathom line. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line.

Call: Chris’ Landing (831) 375-5951; Allen Bushnell, Santa Cruz Kayak and Surf Casting (831) 251-9732

Golden Gate/San Francisco Bay

Halibut 2 Striper 2 Leopard shark 2 Sturgeon 2

The annual Salmon Information meeting will determine if, and when, the boats return to the ocean as the next opener will be rockfish on May 15 seaward of the 50-fathom line until it opens at any depth beginning July 16. If the salmon season is severely restricted, excessive pressure will be placed on the bay’s halibut and striped bass.

The weekend’s weather limited halibut action in the south bay, but the party boats are gearing up in anticipation of running trolling trips starting in early March. Most action will be for resident fish in the south bay near the Alameda Rockwall and Oyster Point. Striped bass continue to be found on the anchor in San Pablo Bay, but sturgeon action remains slow. Sturgeon fishing has improved considerably in the south bay around the sloughs near Alviso with inflow from Coyote and Guadalupe Creeks. The central bay remains restricted for sturgeon through March 15.

Call: Captain Trent Slate, Bite Me Charters (415) 307-8582; Captain Jerad Davis, Salty Lady (415) 760-9362; Captain Steve Mitchell, Hook’d Up Sport Fishing (707) 655-6736; Happy Hooker (510) 223-5388

San Luis Obispo

Surf perch 2

The boat-based rockfish season ended on Dec. 31, and the season will not reopen for boat-based anglers until May 1 from Pigeon Point in San Mateo County to Point Conception south of Morro Bay at all depths through Sept. 30. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, the take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod is open seaward of the 50-fathom line. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line. The boats will focus on nature trips while surf perch action will take center stage. Webcams of many of the coastal locations are available at 805webcams.com.

Call: Virg’s Landing (800) 762-5263; Patriot Sport Fishing (805) 595-4100; Morro Bay Landing

Others

Delta/Stockton

Bass 2 Striper 2 Sturgeon 2 Catfish 2 Bluegill 2

Just when the waters of the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta were starting to clear, a series of cold storms arrived on the scene, sending cold and muddy water back into the system. The clearest water remains in the north Delta, and the largemouth bass are a bit confused in the midst of a prespawn. The water in Suisun Bay dipped a few degrees to 47 by Sunday, and although the diamondbacks are in the area, this is not a time to miss the intermittent bites. Striped bass fishing is also best in the north Delta from the Sacramento Deep Water Channel towards the Port of Sacramento, but the best is yet to come once the spring run starts in earnest.

Alan Fong of Alan Fong’s Outdoors found success for largemouth bass in the north Delta with Brush Hogs or chatterbaits at depths from 4 to 6 feet. He said, “I have been able to learn my Lowrance Active Target Live Scan electronics to line the boat up where the fish are staging. They are holding in the troughs just waiting for the conditions to be right to move up into the flats. They know that it’s getting to be time to spawn due to the length of day, but the nighttime temperatures need to be consistently in the 40s with the daytime temperatures in the 70s. The fish have been moving up from time to time, but this weather will keep them waiting for a bit. Normally, the weather warms up too fast, but this year, the up-and-down temperatures have kept them at bay. While I was able to catch and release 10 bass and a 10-pound striped bass, my partners Warren and Dave didn’t get a hit. That’s how important it is to set up right over the fish with the electronics. When I hooked the striper, I thought I had a double-digit largemouth until the telltale stripes showed up on the surface. I had been out on the Delta the previous few weeks, and I didn’t even get a bite, but I kept going back because I knew it would take off at some point.”

The bass action was much slower in the south Delta as the Christian Bass League 30-boat tournament out of Ladd’s Marina in Stockton only produced 15 bass weighed in for a total of 38.64 pounds as only six boats weighed in fish.

Randy Pringle, the Fishing Instructor, will be out on the Delta this week, and he said, “It’s a matter of using noise, vibration, and scent to attract strikes in these conditions. Finding clear water in the backs of sloughs oriented north and south is also important as the warmest water will always be found on the southern-facing banks.” Pringle is the tournament director of the Western Bass Shootout held April 13-16 at Discovery Park in Sacramento with 50 of the top bass anglers on the West Coast participating by invitation only with a Bass Cat vessel at stake.

Sturgeon fishing took a dip over the weekend as the temperatures dropped from 49 to 47 degrees between Saturday and Sunday. Captain Steve Mitchell of Hook’d Up Sport Fishing said, “We were able to land a slot-limit sturgeon while losing another on Saturday amidst many missed bites. We are sitting on fish, but this is not the time to be missing your opportunities. Some of the bites were very aggressive, but the most difficult part for anglers new to sturgeon fishing is knowing when to set the hook. Sunday’s trip was more of a challenge with only two bites throughout the day. The change in water temperature is clearly a factor as the fish need a few days to adjust to rapid temperature changes.”

Captain Joey Gamez of Golden State Sport Fishing, also out of Pittsburg, was able to salvage a slow day on Sunday with a slot-limit sturgeon along with releasing an oversized. As soon as the temperatures stabilize, the sturgeon bite should absolutely take off.

Not only are the party boat captains out of Pittsburg leading the charge by collecting data prior to the May meeting of the Fish and Game Commission, the captains are promoting catch-and-release with a special event on Monday, March 27 known as the Captain’s Challenge. Participating boats are Hook’d Up, Golden State, Right Hook, Feeding Frenzy, Diamond, Bend Ur Rod, Dragon, Delta Sport Fishing, and Barbarian Sport Fishing. The boat with the most fish wins with prizes from Phenix Rods and Ultimate Composite Rods along with additional prizes. Interested participants should contact their favorite party boat captain for this friendly competition.

Call: Randy Pringle (209) 543-6260; Captain Steve Mitchell, Hook’d Up Sport Fishing (707) 655-6736; Vince Borges, Vince Borges Outdoors (209) 918-0828

Lake Nacimiento/San Antonio/Santa Margarita/Lopez

Bass 2 White bass 1 Striper 0 Catfish 2 Crappie 2 Bluegill 2

Nacimiento remains high in the 80% range, and just when the water was beginning to clear, storms arrived once again, turning the lake off color. Several tournaments are scheduled on the lake in the coming months, but it will take some time for the water to clear again. A webcam of the lake is available at 805webcams.com/lake-nacimiento-live-webcam. At Lopez, it’s similar to the conditions at Nacimiento with the lake rising to 59.9% within the week. At this rate, the launch ramp should be accessible in the coming weeks. A trout plant occurred last week, but few anglers were out with the inclement weather. Anglers can view a live webcam of the lake at 805webcams.com/lopez-lake-webcam. At Santa Margarita, the lake continues to spill over, and it has risen once again to 107.5%. A trout plant occurred last week. A webcam of the lake is at 805webcams.com/santa-margarita-lake-webcam-california.At San Antonio, the lake has risen to over 40%, and the lake is muddy with debris on the surface. It will take some time to clear before fishing is back in action.

Reminder: consuming white bass, black bass, crappie, catfish, or carp are subject to safe eating guidelines due to excessive mercury.

Events

March 10-12: 2023 Central Valley Sportsmen’s Boat and RV Show, Kern County Fairgrounds, Bakersfield

Tournament Results

McClure– Nor Cal Bass – Feb. 18: 1st – Brandon Chaline/Joseph Montano – 11.01 pounds; 2nd – Rick Alexander/Jerad Elam – 10.92; 3rd –Justin and Carol Rose – 10.46.

McClure– Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments – Feb. 25: 1st – Tim and Timmy Wells – 14.07 pounds (Big Fish – 4.75); 2nd – Cory Kerber/Bill Kunz – 12.15; 3rd –Craig Gong/Ryan Reynolds – 12.02.

Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Christian Bass League – Feb. 25: 1st – Angelo and A.J. Azevedo – 14.22; 2nd – Colin DeGough/Brian Dickerson – 12.50 (Big Fish – 5.04); 3rd – Chuck Fuller/Jonathan Whitesett – 6.10.

Upcoming Tournaments (subject to change)

March 4-5

Success – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments

March 4

Lake Camanche – Central Valley Anglers Trout Derby

Pine Flat – Kerman Bass Club

March 5

Pine Flat – California Bass Federation

March 11

Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Nor Cal Bass

New Melones – Manteca Bassin’ Buddies

Tulloch – Sonora Bass Club

Don Pedro – Wild West Bass Trails

McClure – Best Bass Tournaments

Success – Bakersfield Bass Club

Murry Park Pond – City of Porterville Trout Derby

Santa Margarita – American Bass Association

March 12

Delta/Ladd’s Marina – American Bass Association

Delta/Russo’s Marina – Hook, Line, and Sinker

Lake Pardee – Riverbank Bass Anglers

Woodward Reservoir – Kings VIII Bass Club

March 15

Delta/Russo’s Marina – Major League Fishing

March 16-18

Delta/Russo’s Marina – Major League Fishing

March 18

New Melones – Best Bass Tournaments

Don Pedro – Fresno Bass Club

Kaweah – Lahu Bass Club

Nacimiento – Kern County Bass Masters

Santa Margarita – Best Bass Tournaments

March 19

Don Pedro – Kings River Bass Club

March 25

New Melones – Nor Cal Bass

Tulloch – Christian Bass League

Don Pedro – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments

Millerton – Angler’s Press

Kaweah – Golden Empire Bass Club

Success – Lahu Bass Club

Isabella – American Bass Association

Nacimiento – Bakersfield Bass Club

Santa Margarita – San Luis Obispo Bass Ambushers

March 26

Delta/B and W Resort – California Bass Federation

Delta/Ladd’s Marina – American Bass Association

April 1-2

New Melones – Sierra Bass Club

McClure – Merced Irrigation District Spring Trout Derby

April 1

Tulloch – Kings River Bass Club

Eastman – Central Valley Kayak Fishing

Millerton – Kerman Bass Club

Kaweah – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments

Nacimiento- American Bass Association

April 2

Delta/B and W Resort – Wild West Bass Club

Tulloch – American Bass Association

Don Pedro – Kings River Bass Club

McClure – California Bass Federation

Bass Lake – Kings VIII Bass Club