Central California fishing report: New Melones trout a best bet
Fishing report compiled by California Outdoors Hall of Fame member Dave Hurley and edited by Roger George, who guides in the greater Fresno area and holds the striper record at Millerton Lake.
Best bets
Delta stripers top attraction, Alan Fong said. New Melones trout best bet now, Kyle Wise reported. Don Pedro trout and bass hitting, Aaron Jones said. Isabella bass, catfish and crappie drawing anglers, Copes Tackle reported. Westside waterways producing improved catfish and striper results, Dave Hurley said .
Rankings key below: 4: Fish are jumping in the boat. 3: Good fishing. 2: Decent fishing. 1: Poor fishing. 0: Don’t bother
Unless noted, area code is 559
Valley/Westside waterways
Striper 3 Catfish 3
The northern section of the California Aqueduct continues to improve for striped bass with pile worms or anchovies along chicken liver for catfish. The big upcoming event is Striperz Gone Wild five-year Anniversary Fishing Tournament 6 a.m.-2 p.m on Oct. 4. There are prizes for first through third in both the adult and youth divisions. There will be several tackle vendors present along with a bounce house and food vendors. In the southern section of the aqueduct, Cope’s Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported hot weather during the week kept most anglers home, but striped bass and catfish continue to bite, particularly during low-light conditions. Stripers are landed on cut bait, lug worms, or jumbo live minnows near the check gates. Catfishing remained solid on Triple S Dip Bait, chicken liver, or mackerel. Largemouth bass have been active in the mornings and evenings with topwater Poppers along with Senkos or plastics on a Texas-rig in the slower moving water.
A map of the 16 designated fishing locations on the California Aqueduct can be accessed through this link: https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DsWR-Website/Web-Pages/What-We-Do/Recreation/Files/230424_SWP-Fishing-Guildines-Locations_Online_FINAL.pdf.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; Cope’s Tackle and Rod, Bakersfield – (661) 679-6351
Eastman Lake/Hensley Lake
Bass 2 Trout 2 Bluegill 2 Catfish 2 Crappie 2
At Eastman, Tas Moua reported squarebilled crankbaits in the shallows in shad or crawdad patterns are working for numbers. There are bass holding in the submerged trees, but once a few fish are landed, you must move on and find another tree. A 9-pound largemouth was caught and released on a chatterbait. The bass move out to deep water during the daytime. At Hensley, it’s still all about bluegill and catfish, but crankbaits in the shallows have found a few bass. Eastman held at 476.86 feet in elevation and 10% of capacity with Hensley also holding at 455.43 feet in elevation. One tournament is scheduled at Eastman through the end of September with none in October.
Call: Eastman Lake 689-3255; 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle 515-6273. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hensley Lake Hidden Dam 673-5151.
Lake Don Pedro
Bass 3 Trout 3 Kokanee 2 King salmon 2 Crappie 2
The kokanee are in the process of turning for the spawn, but there have been second year fish that remain fat and healthy. Rainbow trout and king salmon are the best bet on shad-patterned spoons at depths from 50 to 75 feet while the bait remains higher in the water column from 30 to 50 feet. For bass, Aaron Jones of Central Valley Bait and Tackle said, “There is a topwater bite throughout the day with Poppers in the mornings and evenings before switching over to walking baits by mid-day. Jerkbaits are also effective in the mornings before the bass drop to 15 to 30 feet in depth. Plastics on the drop-shot or shakey head in addition to jigs are working for these fish while spoons and jerkbaits are effective for suspended bass holding along bluff walls. Launch updates are posted at www.donpedrolake.com. The lake dropped two feet to 795.86 feet in elevation this week. Three bass tournaments are scheduled through the end of September with another three on the books in October. A self-inspection is required for launching.
Call: Monte Smith, Gold Country Sport Fishing (209) 581-4734; Central Valley Bait and Tackle (209) 312-9417.
Lake Isabella/Bakersfield area
Bass 3 Trout 2 Crappie 3 Catfish 3 Bluegill 3
The lake dropped less than a foot to 2570.24 feet in elevation and 41 as the water releases are slowing down. Cope’s Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported excellent bass fishing at depths from 15 to 25 feet with 6-inch Roboworms on a drop-shot along with shad-patterned Senkos. The North Fork has been most productive around rocks and trees, and some better fish are showing at Rocky Point. Early mornings have been good for topwater with prop baits, Whopper Ploppers, or Spooks, while later in the day, anglers are working points down to 20 feet with 8-inch plastic worms in Oxblood or purple. Crappie fishing has been excellent in 5 to 20 feet of water near structure with live shiners or crappie jigs. Catfishing has also picked up with solid reports coming from the Dam and Camp 9, with Triple S Dip Bait, frozen shad, or mackerel. Some trout anglers soaking floating baits have also reported catfish as bycatch. Trout fishing remains good with limit-style action near the North Fork on floating baits or rolling with Tasmanian Devils, Needlefish, and Flicker Shad near the dam. In the upper Kern River, Cope’s reported steady fishing for both holdover and wild trout along the 20-mile stretch. Section 4 received a CDFW plant last week for the first time in several months, and anglers are finding success in the deeper pools and slower eddies near river bends on yellow or gold bead head nymphs, salmon eggs, or small trout jigs. In the Lower Kern, bass action is strong with both smallmouth and largemouth hitting Get Bent Baits, Roostertails, or small crankbaits. Fly anglers are also reporting excellent bass action in the deeper pools using a variety of patterns. Catfish are another steady option with nightcrawlers, chicken liver, or cut bait.The flows in the upper Kern River risen from 394 to 455 cfs at Kernville while water releases out of the lake have dropped from 843 to 472 cfs at First Point. One bass tournament is scheduled at Isabella through the end of September with one more in October.
Call: Cope’s Tackle and Rod (661) 679-6351; 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 3
The lake dropped around a half foot to 591.12 feet in elevation and 8% of capacity.
Cope’s reported the water level have remained stable for the past three weeks allowing anglers to hone in where the fish were holding. Spotted bass are found along the riprap near the dam and on main lake points in 10 to 20 feet of water with small three- to four-inch finesse presentations in browns, greens, or baitfish on a slow retrieve. In the mornings, poppers and small walking baits produced bass while underspins worked for bites when slow-rolled along the bottom. Crappie took minijigs, and catfish fed on chicken liver on a Carolina-rig. The Kaweah River rose slightly to 81 cfs at Three Rivers. Only a single bass tournament is scheduled through the end of September with none scheduled in October.
Lake Success
Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2
The lake dropped 1½ feet to 599.09 feet in elevation and 14% of capacity. Cope’s reported decent largemouth bass fishing as the fish are found in the trees as well as on main and secondary points with jigs, deep-diving crankbaits, or plastics on a Texas rig. There is some topwater action close to shore and around the trees during low-light conditions. Crappie were reported near the marina with small live shiners while catfish are taken on Triple S Dip Bait or cut baits in deeper cover around the lake with the best action coming after dark.
McClure Reservoir
Bass 2 Trout 2 King salmon 1 Kokanee 0 Crappie 2 Catfish 2
Aaron Jones of Central Valley Bait in Modesto reported topwater lures are producing throughout the day, in particular, Berkley’s Choppo 90 or similar walking baits. There is a jerkbait bite in the mornings and evenings before the bass drop to 15 to 30 feet in depth. Once the fish move out, Senkos, plastics on the drop-shot or shakey head, and jigs are effective. Spoons are picking up suspended bass while flukes are producing in the shallows. The lake dropped to 812.08 feet in elevation. Tournament action is picking up with three on the books for September and six more in October. Call: Central Valley Bait and Tackle (209) 312-9417.
Lake McSwain
Trout 2
A trout plant occurred last week, and McSwain has returned to a trout fishing lake as the Splash and Dash is gone until Memorial Day Weekend in 2026. Additional plants from the Department of Fish and Wildlife are scheduled the week of Sept. 22 and Oct. 6 in preparation for Merced Irrigation District’s Fall Trout Derby. Bank anglers are scoring a few trout per rod with the Power Bait, inflated nightcrawlers, or Kastmasters from the Handicapped Docks, the Brush Pile, or the peninsula between the Marina. Holdover rainbows from earlier plants have migrated into the cooler waters in the river arm. Trollers are pulling Ruby Red Wedding Rings tipped with a nightcrawler, Rapalas, or spoons at depths to 30 feet. A trout plant is scheduled in the Merced River Section 1 this week and again during the week of Sept. 22. The lake is at 89% of capacity.
Call: McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534.
Millerton Lake/San Joaquin River
Bass 2 Striped bass 1 Shad 1 Bluegill 3 Crappie 2
Tas Moua reported the best quality of spotted bass are holding in deep water, and they are feeding on bluegill. Smaller ‘one-pound cookie cutters,’ are found around the shorelines with plastics on the drop-shot in shad patterns. The lake dropped to 508.07 feet in elevation and 46% of capacity. The flows in the San Joaquin River at Friant remain steady at 215 cfs. Sycamore Island is open every day from 6 a.m. to 5:30 pm. No bass tournaments are scheduled through the end of October.
Call: Fresno 559 Bait and Tackle 515-6273.
New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch
Bass 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Trout 3 Kokanee 2
Kokanee are still a possibility, but they are well on their way to the spawn. In response, Kyle Wise of Head Hunter Guide Service has migrated to targeting rainbow trout with large shad-patterned spoons such as Optimizer Jrs. or #3 Needlefish at depths from 40 to 85 feet in the main river channel. He said, “The kokanee that were stacked up on the Carson Wall have disappeared, but there are plenty of 8- to 12-inch next year’s fish hanging around.” For bass, Aaron Jones of Central Valley Bait and Tackle in Modesto reported topwater lures are producing throughout the day with Poppers in the mornings and evenings a decent topwater bite throughout the day with Poppers best in the mornings or evenings with small walking baits working in the middle of the day. Jerkbaits are another possibility in the mornings. Spoons are effective for suspended bass while deep crankbaits find bass around the 20-foot mark. Plastics on the drop-shot or jigs are working from 15 to 30 feet. All boats must be quarantined for 30 days or decontaminated for golden mussels.
A decontamination unit is available at the New Melones Marina, and boaters are advised to schedule a decontamination via https://musseldecon.com/ with a deposit of $60. Costs will vary from a minimum of $60 to $180 up depending upon the size and complexity of the vessel. Boats not making a reservation will be charged as much as $180. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the Glory Hole and Tuttletown ramps are open from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. From Monday through Thursday, only the Glory Hole ramp is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The hours are subject to change after the Labor Day Holiday Weekend. Downstream Lake Tulloch established the 30-day quarantine process to allow boating for inspected boats after the quarantine period is completed. The lake dropped to 1018.19 feet in elevation and 69% of capacity with downstream Tulloch at 97% of capacity.
Call: John Liechty, Xperience Fishing Guide Service (209) 743-9932; 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 2 Catfish 2 Crappie 2
Tas Moua reported the bass bite continues to improve with a topwater bite in the mornings and evenings with buzzbaits or Whopper Ploppers before slowing own your presentation with spoons in deeper water. The best quality bass have been taken on topwater. The bite slows down at sunset, but dragging a jig at night has been effective as working the jig along the rocks creates a stir, enticing strikes. As the lake continues to warm up, king salmon and rainbow trout action has been limited. In the lower Kings River, the flows are at 396 cfs at Trimmer this week. The next scheduled trout plant is the week of Sept. 22 with an additional plant the week of Oct. 6. There are still rainbows in the river from plants earlier this month. Roostertails, Panther Martin’s, Joe’s Flies, salmon eggs, or Power Bait are effective in the transition from fast to slow water. The catch-and-release section is located below the Alta Weir (also known as Cobbles Weir) extending downstream to the Highway 180 bridge. This area is considered a zero limit, catch-and-release zone where only artificial lures with barbless hooks are allowed. The lake dropped to 770.55 feet in elevation and 23% of capacity. Only one bass tournament is scheduled through the end of September, the Bass 101 Night Tournament on Sept. 15. The blast off for this event will be at 6:30 p.m., and end at 7:30 a.m. The Pine Flat staff will host a recognition ceremony at 5 p.m. at the Deer Creek launch ramp to honor the six fishermen involved in the lifesaving rescue on Jan. 1, 2023. Call: 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle 515-6273; Fishing with Jimmy T’ on YouTube.
San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay
Striper 2 Catfish 2 Bass 2 Crappie 2
The water level in the main lake has risen to 43% of capacity with increased pumping out of the south Delta. Josh Mesa of Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill reported a decent striped bass bite with early morning topwater action while bait anglers have picked up schoolies with pile worms, anchovies, or extra-large minnows. Paddletail swimbaits have produced quality stripers to 25 pounds, and there have been more stripers boiling in the main lake
Roger George of Roger George Guide Service reported that the full moon slowed things down a bit, but anglers were still finding shallow schoolfish along the shoreline and dam areas using ripbaits and swimbaits. . “ I went out Sunday just to try out my boat after some major electrical work- but surprisingly I ended up releasing over 10 schoolies to 24” trolling the main lake at 60-70’ with Lucky Crafts in Shad colors after checking the boat out. The wind is still a major issue and the algae is thick. I expect the bite to improve if the high pressure comes in and we get past the full moon.” George said.
. In the forebay, boils have also been occurring near the Twin Islands during overcast conditions, and it’s a matter of being in the right place at the right time when the boils are taking place. The aqueduct is starting to improve for striped bass with both bait and lures, and the Striperz Gone Wild 5th Anniversary tournament is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Volt Bridge. The forebays is at 89% of capacity. Boat inspections at San Luis Reservoir, O’Neill Forebay, and Los Banos Creek Reservoir in Merced County are required when exiting these lakes to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. At O’Neill Forebay, golden mussels were detected. Boats leaving these San Luis Recreation Area lakes will not be granted a “clean boat” tag. After boating in waterways, always remember to clean, drain, and dry to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. To check the real time wind conditions on the lake - use windfinder.com/forecast/san_luis_reservoir. Los Banos Creek Reservoir will be closed to the public from Sept. 6 to April 17, 2026, due to a multiagency project. More information on the closure and the project is available on the California State Parks website.
Call: Coyote Bait and Tackle (408) 463-0711, Roger George, rogergeorgeguideservice.com (559) 905-2954.
High Sierra
Bass Lake
Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 0
The Labor Day weekend was the last hurrah at this lake, and trout fishing should start to improve now that recreational boat pressure has slowed down. Tas Moua of 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle reported the dam area is the best bet for bass as small fish in the 10- to 15-inch range are cruising and chasing bait along the points. Bluegill and crappie are found in the early mornings around Ducey’s Resort. A live webcam is available at https://www.basslakeca.com/bass-lake-webcam-1. One bass tournament is scheduled in September with one in October.
Call: Tas Moua, Fresno 559 Bait and Tackle 515-6273.
Edison/Florence/Mammoth Pool
Portal Forebay is scheduled to receive a trout plant this week, but this may be modified due to the recent fire activity in the Central Sierras. Travelers to the high country must be aware of current road conditions as evacuations may be in order.
All the High Sierra lakes are dropping with Edison at 52% of capacity, Florence at 42% of capacity, and Mammoth Pool at 56% of capacity. Southern California Edison (SCE), in partnership with the Sierra National Forest are rehabilitating the boat launch and campground. According to the Sierra National Forest’s press release, “The campground and boat launch have recently been turned over to SCE’s control to begin the rehabilitation work. To complete this work, SCE will need one year for the boat launch-related work (until May 2026), and two years for the campground (May 2027), keeping in mind that given the elevation, there is only a limited window of time to complete this type of work during the year. Forest Order 05-15-51-25-06 covering SCE’s rehabilitation work will be released soon.” Road conditions are available at the High Sierra Ranger Station – 855-5355 or https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra.
Road conditions 297-0706.
Call: Vermilion Valley Resort at Edison Lake 259-4000
Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake
Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 2
Shaver Lake is the traditional location for the final tournament on the Kokanee Power circuit, and this year’s event was marked by a couple of challenges. First, the ongoing Garnet Fire east of Pine Flat Reservoir brought smoky conditions to the Central Sierras and even shut down access to nearby Wishon and Courtright Reservoirs. Second, the Department of Fish and Wildlife opted not to plant Shaver in 2023 due to a shortage of available eggs, and any third-year fish are remnants of a natural spawn. Despite these challenges, 26 teams made the trek south to fish in smoky skies for the event sponsored by Affordable Tackle. It was a challenging bite to say the least. The key to success was landing one of the few three- year olds, and the top two teams were able to lift their three fish weights with kokanee the only fish over two pounds. The winning team of Joe Smith and Danielle Limme came in with three third-year fish for 5.03 pounds including their big fish at 2.10 while the second-place team of Justin Ross, Jerry Ross, and Tim Farnham weighed in 4.36 with their big fish at 2.02 pounds. The Ross team continued their dominance in 2025 adding this second-place finish at Shaver to their first at Don Pedro in July, second at Bullard’s Bar in April, and second at Stampede in August.
Matt Gill, one of participating teams reported white or gold hoochies behind gold dodgers were the top set ups for the big fish at depths from 55 to 75 feet in front of the cabins. Dick Nichols of Mountain Tackle added, “This is the traditional hole for big fish at this time of year.” The team of Brian Klassen of Reedley came in 5th place, and he said, “Our team of Russ Mayfield, Dan Weaver, and Evan Klassen started near the Sierra Marina at 6:30 am with pink/purple hoochies, green Apex lures, and a green Baby Simon with a large 7-inch chartreuse dodger, picking up two fish right away at 35 and 44 feet. Staying in this area with the remainder of the tournament fleet, our bite stalled before making a move to the cabins to join the rest of the boats. We finally found biting fish between the island and the Sierra Marina for 10 more kokanee, but we weren’t very confident during the weigh-in. However, we were happy since we caught fish after a tough outing the previous Sunday.” Jim Tartaglia of ‘Fishing with Jimmy T’ added, “The kokanee were more spread out than in derbies in the past, and my Lowrance Live Target revealed plenty of kokanee that were unwilling to bite. Hoochies on a short 6-inch leader behind a small dodger was our best set up, and my grandson Deegan Tartaglia took first place in the Youth Division at 0.94 pounds.” Check the Sierra Marina webcam at http://www.sierramarina.com/webcam-weather-page.html for conditions. Shaver dropped to 67 with Huntington also dropping slightly to 96% of capacity.
Call: Paul Brown 300-4001; Todd Wittwer, Kokanee.net Guide Service 288-8100.
Wishon/Courtright
Trout 0
The Garnet Fire has closed access to both Wishon and Courtright Reservoirs. The Sierra National Forest implemented a partial closure on Aug. 28, in response to the full suppression effort on the Garnet Fire. The partial closure order was coordinated with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, along with multiple local, state and federal agency cooperators, to identify the minimum area necessary for the safety of firefighting resources and forest visitors. The closure starts at the intersection of Trimmer Springs Road, continuing north along Big Creek Forest Road 10S69, and then up to the intersection with Dinkey Creek Road. It also includes the McKinley Grove Road at Camp Fresno to the north, and areas with no public access to Courtright, Wishon or east to the trailheads to the John Muir Wilderness and beyond, to the south. Trout plants are scheduled at Wishon the weeks of Sept. 22 and Oct. 6.
Call: Wishon RV Park 865-5361.
Ocean
Half Moon Bay
Rockfish 3 Striper 2 Halibut 2 White seabass 1 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3
The best salmon action occurred north of the Golden Gate, but the Half Moon Bay boats scratched up a few salmon per rod for their customers. The short salmon season filled the parking lot at the harbor, and boat trailers were lining the shoulders of Highway One. It’s back to rockfishing for the remainder of the year, and the newly opened grounds in state waters will bring out a vastly improved lingcod count in addition to the normal expectation of rockfish limits. Albacore and bluefin tuna remain on the minds of area anglers, and when flat ocean conditions arrive, it will be on.
The Fish and Game Commission took emergency action on August 14 to restore access to fishing depths in state waters that have been closed to protect them since 2023. The new state regulations no in effect as of Aug. 28, 2025. The action was taken in response to new scientific evidence regarding the quillback rockfish. According to the Department’s press release: In state waters between the Oregon/California border and Point Conception (34° 27’ N. Lat.), fishing for rockfish, cabezon, and greenling (RCG Complex) and lingcod is now open in all depths.
Anglers should also take note of other important elements of the state’s recreational groundfish regulations:
There is now a two fish sub-bag limit on canary rockfish (Sebastes pinniger) statewide.
Vermilion rockfish and sunset rockfish are now considered the same species for regulatory purposes. Both species in combination count towards the vermilion rockfish/sunset rockfish sub-bag limits.
Retention of quillback rockfish (Sebastes maliger), bronzespotted rockfish (Sebastes gilli), cowcod (Sebastes levis), and yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) remains prohibited statewide.
The National Marine Fisheries Service is working to implement similar all-depth fishing regulations for federal waters; however they are not expected to take effect until mid-September. As a result, federal waters will remain closed to RCG Complex and lingcod fishing north of 36° N. Lat. (near Lopez Point) until federal regulations are in effect. From Lopez Point to Point Conception, federal waters will remain closed for RCG Complex and lingcod fishing seaward of the 50 fathom Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line.
A map that includes the boundary line between state and federal waters is available on the Ocean Sport Fishing Map Viewer.
Since fishing in the Southern Groundfish Management Area (south of Point Conception, to the US/Mexico border) is constrained by copper rockfish (Sebastes caurinus) and vermilion rockfish (Sebastes miniatus)/sunset rockfish (Sebastes crocotulus), there are no changes to the current fishing seasons in the Southern Groundfish Management Area.
Call: Captain Melynda Dodds, New Captain Pete (512) 825- 8225; Captain Chris Chang, Ankeny Street (650) 279-8819;
Monterey/Santa Cruz
Rockfish 3 Halibut 2 Striper 3 White seabass 1 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 2
The action from the surf continues to be hot for both surf perch and striped bass. Josh Mesa from Coyote Bait in Morgan Hill reported solid fishing along the beaches from Sea Cliff to Rio Del Mar with. Gulp! Sand Worms or motor oil/red flake grubs from Mekini Baitz or Lucky 13. Striped bass fishing remains best at night with Duo Realis Tide Minnows in Midnight or topwater lures like Yo-Zuri Pencil Poppers, orCotton Cordell’s in red head/white got linesides up to 15 pounds.
Allen Bushnell of Santa Cruz Kayak and Surf Fishing Guide Service reported, “Monterey Bay anglers are enjoying an all too brief limited open salmon fishing period this weekend. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife allowed a brief opener in June during which the 7,000 Chinook harvest guideline was met. Meeting that limit meant the remaining open windows In July and August were closed. The salmon window began Thursday Sept. 4 and will run through Sunday Sept. 7 in our area. The fall season harvest guideline is 7,500 Chinook salmon. Depending upon whether that harvest guideline is met will determine whether we have any additional salmon fishing windows this year. CDFW states they will “compile and review data collected at launch ramps, marinas, and from charter trips to determine how many salmon were caught. The catch estimate is expected to take about two weeks to calculate.”
The six pack charter operation Go Fish Santa Cruz got an early start on Thursday morning for this short salmon fishing window in the central management area. it was a beautiful day for salmon fishing with very low winds in the morning, semi glassy conditions and a negligible swell. The overcast skies were also a benefit for chasing kings. When the sun is shining brightly, the fish often go deep. Thursday mornings catches were made mostly from the 50- to 120-foot depth while fishing in 200 to 280 feet of water.
Skipper JT Thomas reported they had five fish in the box before 10 AM. “We are scratching. Just picking them off. We have one bigger fish, but the rest and the rest are perfect charter boat salmon size. Eight to 10 pounds, great fighters and some fantastic dinner fare.“ JT also reported quite a few boats in the area near Pajaro and Soquel holes with a scattering of radio fish reported caught, but also a good number of boats drawing blanks. Quite a few very experienced local Santa Cruz anglers were still stuck at zero fish at 10 AM. Reports from later in the day still told of some blanks, but most experienced laical salmon fishers came home with limits. All beautiful, fat, shiny sheeny Chinook salmon. As the weekend progressed, the salmon scattered somewhat. Anglers found the kings south by Mulligan Hill and Fort Ord, and a few were reported caught outside and north of Santa Cruz proper. Depths for success ranged a bit more as well, with more fish caught in 175-180 feet of water. A higher percentage of boats blanked or missed limits, but plenty of the die-hards caught limits every day of this four-day salmon fishing period.
Fishing for other species is going strong both inshore and offshore for Monterey Bay anglers. Rockfish, plus an increasing number of big lingcod were reported from both ends of the bay this week. Monterey boats heading south past Carmel and Santa Cruz boats going north towards Davenport found bigger fish.”
Call: Chris’s Fishing and Whale Watching (831) 375-5951; Allen Bushnell, Santa Cruz Kayak and Surf Casting (831) 251-9732
Golden Gate/San Francisco Bay
Halibut 2 Striper 2 Rockfish 3 Leopard shark 2
Every possible floating vessel went outside the Golden Gate during the second window for ocean salmon with a 7,500-fish quota from Sept. 4-7 from Point Reyes. The harbors of Monterey, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, and San Francisco Bay were bustling with boats, and it looked like a jailbreak at the Golden Gate with so many vessels breaking through the chop on the opening day. Every party boat was sold out well in advance, and when Captain Steve Mitchell of Hook’d Up Sport Fishing had three open seats due to a last-minute cancellation, he filled the spots within 10 minutes after fielding dozens of phone calls. Salmon has that kind of effect on northern California saltwater anglers, and it has been a long 2½ years for recreational anglers. Captain James Smith of California Dawn Sport Fishing described the impact of salmon, “Salmon our lifeblood.”As anticipated, the action was fast and furious out of the San Francisco Bay harbors on the opener with the Codfather out of Alameda putting in 10 quality salmon within 20 minutes of dropping gear. The California Dawn 1 and 2, Happy Hooker, and Pacific Dream, all out of Berkeley Marina, posted 195 salmon to 31 pounds, one fish shy of a combined 98 limits. James Smith added, “We witnessed epic salmon fishing today with some of the largest grade of salmon I could ever remember on a single trip. There were lots of heartbreak for many people with broken lines and fish escaping, but at the end of the day, we finished up with the fish box stuffed to the top with no room left to spare. Captain Trent Slate of Bite Me Charters out of Paradise Cay was back in early on Friday after experiencing chaos on the deck with double- and triple-hook ups for 8 limits ranging from 12 to 20 pounds.
Slate put his clients onto limits the final two days of the short season as well despite the bite slowing down to around a fish to a fish and a half per rod on Saturday and Sunday. 14-year-old Axel Veerkamp of Placerville landed the largest salmon reported at 38 pounds on Sunday with Slate. Captain Jerad Davis of the Salty Lady out of Sausalito eloquently described the effect of ocean salmon, stating, “It’s hard to describe what salmon means…The most exhilarating fish to hook, fight and catch, fantastic table fare, and by far the most popular fish for putting people on my boat, and much needed income for charter and commercial fishermen who depend on it to feed themselves & their families. But to myself and many others it means more. It is an integral part of our lives. It is a big part of who we are. You’d have to be there. The atmosphere in our harbor, even with mere crumbs of a token Salmon season, is nothing short of electric, like being near a lightning strike. Pins and needles, and the hairs on your arms are standing up. I will never again take for granted this fishery that I have considered standard for most of my life.” Albacore is still on the menu, and the conditions look good mid-week for a tuna run. The opening of new state waters for rockfishing have been a boon for party and private boats, and Captain James Smith of the California Dawn 2 out of Berkeley followed up four days of great salmon action with full limits of rockfish and lingcod to 27 pounds for 30 passengers on Monday at the Farallon Islands. Most boats will be heading to the Farallons due to the August 28 change in regulations. Although every available party and private boat was outside the Golden Gate for the four-day salmon season, but there are still striped bass to be found inside the Central Bay near Alcatraz and Angel Island. Halibut action is limited, but there is hope for a strong showing of white seabass in the coming months. As always, leopard sharks provide plenty of action from the shorelines and on the anchor. Call: Captain Trent Slate – Bite Me Charters, (415) 307-8582; Captain Ron Koyasako, Nautilus Excursions (916) 704-4169; 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
Rockfish 3 Surf perch 3
Rockfishing remains the story out of the San Luis Obispo County ports. On Sunday, the Black Pearl out of Morro Bay put in 28 limits of rockfish including 180 assorted rockfish to 10 pounds, 40 vermilion to 8 pounds, 26 lingcod to 16 pounds, and a 4-pound rock sole. Also on Monday, two boats went out from Morro Bay Landing with 50 anglers for 394 assorted rockfish, 42 vermilion, 42 Boccaccio, 20 copper, and 18 lingcod to 18 pounds. Out Patriot Sport Fishing in Port San Luis, two boats were out on Monday with 47 passengers for 211 assorted rockfish, 208 Bolina, 18 Boccaccio to 10 pounds, 14 cabezon, 12 vermilion, 7 copper, and 16lingcod to 20 pounds.
Call: Virg’s Landing (800) 762-5263; Patriot Sport Fishing (805) 595-4100; Morro Bay Landing
Others
Delta/Stockton
Bass 2 Striper 3 Catfish 2 Bluegill 3
Striped bass continue to move into the Sacramento side of the Delta from Rio Vista to Collinsville, and trolling either shallow- or deep-diving lures has been the ticket when the tides are small and the winds are down. Denise Loo of Alan Fong Outdoors found great action in Broad Slough spooning with 2-ounce Blade Runner Spoons in shad patterns. The best is yet to come as October and November are traditionally the best striped bass months for the fall run. Alan Fong reported largemouth bass fishing is best in the north Delta with flipping in shallow water along with chatterbaits and crankbaits. Sturgeon catch-and-release fishing is closed until Oct. 1. Striped bass are also moving into the western edge of the San Joaquin side from the Antioch Bridge to the mouth of Three Mile Slough. Casting swimbaits on the flats outside Eddo’s or trolling along the stretch from the bridge along Sherman Island are producing schoolie striped bass. For largemouth bass, Randy Pringle, the Fishing Instructor, said, “I was out twice this past week, and the numbers are there, but there aren’t a lot of big ones. There is a topwater bite with ima Little Stick or Poppers in shad patterns, but you must pause the lure and let it set. Walk it a little and let it sit again as pausing the bait is a must. Frogs are producing larger fish, but the number of opportunities are limited. We have also been scoring in moving water in the breaks of the islands with the ima Squarebilled crankbait or the Berkley Slopperknocker swimjig on outside edge of the weed line with current.
A proposed 18- to 30-inch striped bass slot limit will be discussed and potentially voted upon during the Oct. 8 meeting of the Fish and Game Commission.
The public may submit written comments on or before 5:00 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2025, at the address given below, or by email to FGC@fgc.ca.gov. Written comments mailed, or emailed to the Commission office, must be received before 12:00 noon on Oct. 3. If you would like copies of any modifications to this proposal, please include your name and mailing address. Mailed comments should be addressed to Fish and Game Commission, PO Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090.
Call: Steve Mitchell, Hook’d Up Sport Fishing (707) 655-6736; Vince Borges, Vince Borges Outdoors (209) 918-0828. Soo Hoo Sport Fishing (925) 899-4045.
Events
Sept. 13
Roosevelt High School’s Bass Fishing Club annual tackle sale at the southwest corner of Huntington Blvd. and 6th from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. There will be bass tackle, fly-fishing tackle, rods, reels, tackle boxes. Prices are bargain basement like $5 for a pound of plastics.
Oct. 4
Striperz Gone Wild 5th Year Anniversary Fishing Tournament – 6 a.m.-2 p.m. – California Aqueduct at the Volta Road Bridge. Free registration. Vendors, bounce house, and food trucks on site.
Tournament Results Sept. 6
Shaver Lake – Kokanee Power Team Tournament Adult Division (3 Fish Weighin)
1st: Joe Smith/Danielle Limme – 5.03 pounds (Big Fish – 2.10); 2nd – Justin and Jerry Ross/Tim Farnham – 4.36; 3rd – Logan and Jacob Noble/Dennis Young – 2.99.
Shaver Lake – Kokanee Power Team Tournament Youth Division (1 Fish Weighin)
1st: Deegan Tartaglia – 0.94 pounds); 2nd – Hudson Claver – 0.84; 3rd – Bearett Gill – 0.84.
Upcoming tournaments (dates and locations subject to change)
Note – tournaments scheduled for New Melones, Camanche, Tulloch, or Pardee are subject to change and will not be listed
Sept. 13-14
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Best Bass Tournaments
Sept. 13
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – American Bass Association
New Hogan – Manteca Bassin’ Buddies
Don Pedro – Christian Bass League
Pine Flat – Bass 101
San Antonio – San Luis Obispo Bass Ambushers
Nacimiento – Bakersfield Bass Club
Sept. 14
Bass Lake – Kings VIII Bass Club
Sept. 20-21
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Sierra Bass Club
Sept. 20
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Nor Cal Bass
Don Pedro – Tri Valley Bass Masters/All American Bass Club
McClure – Stanislaus County Sheriff’s
Kaweah – Golden Empire Bass Club
Isabella – American Bass Club
Sept. 21
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Riverbank Bass Anglers
McClure – Fresno Bass Club
Sept. 27-28
Delta/B and W Resort – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments
Sept. 27
Eastman – 17/90 Bass Club
Sept. 28
McClure – Valley Backlashers
For more go to fresnobee.com/fishing.
This story was originally published September 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM with the headline "Central California fishing report: New Melones trout a best bet."