Central California fishing report: Delta bass and striper bites good
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.
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Delta bass and striper bites good, Vince Borges said. San Luis stripers busting, Josh Mesa reported. Don Pedro trout still active, Ryan Denner said. Shaver trout hitting, Dick Nichols reported.
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
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.
Valley/Westside waterways
Striper 3 Catfish 3
Omega Nguyen reported that the northern California Aqueduct is perking up for better numbers of shaker striped bass, and catfishing is best with cut bait or chicken liver.
In the southern aqueduct, Michael Crayne reported a good striper bite with schools of striped bass on the move- with the best location around the moving water around the check gates on lures and bait. . Anchovies, lugworms, chicken liver, Flukes, swimbaits, top water walking baits, or small jerkbaits are all effective. Triple S Dip Bait or cut baits are best for catfish.
A map of the 16 designated fishing locations on the California Aqueduct can be accessed through this link: https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-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; 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 and Gun in Clovis reported Eastman has been on and off lately. “Anglers working structure with jigs, , shakey heads and jerk baits are picking up quality largemouth bass as the cooler weather creating more active conditions for the bass. Hensley has rebounded some lately , with crank baits providing the better fish,” he said.
At Eastman, no tournaments are scheduled for the remainder of the year with only one in mid-November at Hensley.
Call: Eastman Lake 689-3255; Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474; 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle 515-6273. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hensley Lake Hidden Dam 673-5151
Lake Don Pedro
Bass 2 Trout 3 Kokanee 2 King salmon 2 Crappie 2
Ryan Denner reported that there is a decent bass bite on jigs, underspins tipped with Keitech swim baits and Arigs . Rainbow trout trolling remains good for bigger fish and the crappie action is also good. updates are posted at www.donpedrolake.com. Launch updates are posted at www.donpedrolake.com. The lake continues to recede, and it dropped this week to 774.73 feet in elevation.
Call: Monte Smith, Gold Country Sport Fishing (209) 581-4734; Central Valley Bait and Tackle (209) 312-9417.
McClure Reservoir
Bass 2 Trout 2 King salmon 0 Kokanee 0 Crappie 2 Catfish 3
Bill Kunz, who got second in Sundays Fresno Bass Club tournament with 12lbs , reported that it took 16 lbs to win the Christian Bass League tournament held this weekend on Saturday.
“The bite was really good Thursday-Saturday- but it took a turn for the worse during our Sunday tournament. Lots of 2-2½ pound bass before Sunday on jigs, under spins, worms and rip baits.”
Ryan Denner reported that the bite and the size of the bass is improved for anglers using jigs, Arigs and glide baits. “Anglers are getting a better grade of fish , with some larger bass showing up. The jig bite at the 30-50’ depths has been the best overall technique lately.” he said.
Catfishing has been solid with live minnows in the coves. The Reel Deal Market and Barrett’s Cove Marina will only be open on Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm during the winter months.
The Reel Deal Market and Barrett’s Cove Marina will only be open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the winter months.
Call: Central Valley Bait and Tackle (209) 312-9417.
Lake McSwain
Trout 2
Omega Nguyen said that the trout bite has slowed to a crawl. The holdover rainbows have moved into the cooler waters of the river arm up to the Exchequer Dam.
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 2
Michael Crayne of Valley Rod and Gun in Clovis reported not much has changed here , as the bass bite remains very slow . A crappie bite near the dam seems to be going, if you can find the slab schools.
The lake fell to 496.84 and 40% of capacity. Sycamore Island is open once daily from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. One remaining tournament is scheduled in November along with one in December.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun 292-3474; 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle 515-6273.
New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch
Bass 2 Crappie 3 Catfish 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 1
Omega Nguyen reported that Tulloch has been producing a good crappie and trout bite at New Melones. “ I’m getting trout working the 40-60’ depths since they have moved up shallower in the cooler water temps. ” he said. Ryan Denner said that the bass bite has been tough, but echoed that there’s a good crappie bite going on now.
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
Jim Tartaglia reported that “the trout bite has slowed down considerably. The weather changes early in the week are probably the cause. The King Salmon bite has also slowed. Although not as bad as the trout bite. Kings can still be caught. Windy gap area and near the power lines. 45 to 65 feet down seems to work. Rolling shad early works, cut plugs and spin fish work also. Near the Dam is loaded with bait fish. There are Salmon there but they are hard to get to bite.” He said.
Michael Crayne said the bass are chasing deeper holding Shad ( 30-50’) that are harder to target right now. He also reported that trout anglers are trolling upriver with Needlefish for a decent bite , and that the trout plants over the past two weeks in the lower Kings River have led to a much-improved bite near the bridge below the dam or at Winton Park with a good bite on Power Bait, salmon eggs, nightcrawlers, spinners, or spoons. The lake rose around to 825.60 feet in elevation and about 40% of capacity.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun 292-3474; 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle 515-6273.
San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay
Striper 3 Catfish 2 Bass 2 Crappie 2
Josh Mesa of Coyote Bait and Tackle reported a good striper bite at both the big lake and the Forebay for trollers, reaction anglers and bait fishermen. “ There are boiling fish early at both places right now providing good numbers of school fish.” he said.
Roger George of Roger George Guide Service said that the bite in the main lake has been up and down from day to day for trollers, but more consistent for anglers working the banks with flukes and ripbaits. There are boils some days in the coves for topwater anglers on the big lake depending on the wind. Getting past the full moon will help.
In the O’Neill Forebay, Michael Crayne said that the bite is “ on fire” right now.” The main lake held at 52% of capacity balanced between water imports and exports . 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 recently 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.
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
Captain Mike Beighy, of Bass Lake Sport Fishing said, “ The lake is down in the water column making it difficult to launch, but those going out are picking up nice trout from the shore and boat. A DF&W trout plant is scheduled for this week.”
A live webcam is available at https://www.basslakeca.com/bass-lake-webcam-1.
Call: Mike Beighey, Bass Lake Fishing 676-8133
Edison/Florence/Mammoth Pool
Few anglers heading up Kaiser Pass as the fall months continue to advance. Road conditions are available at the High Sierra Ranger Station – 855-5355 or https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra. Despite the light snow and rain, extreme fire danger remains in the high country.
Road conditions 297-0706.
Call: Vermilion Valley Resort at Edison Lake 259-4000.
Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake
Trout 3 Kokanee 1
“A few fishermen are still taking advantage of good trout fishing despite cool conditions,” Dick Nichols said.
This week may be the best opportunity to fish Shaver as a week of rain and snow is in the forecast. Multiple limits of trout continue to be the norm. DF&W made a plant last week and should keep the action going. Rainbow, brown, and golden are often in the mix, along with trophy sized bows.
The majority of trollers are targeting the island, Black Rock, and the Fishing Club. Fishing in the upper 30 feet of water with Texas Tea Trout Busters , tipped with crawler or corn behind Dick’s Mountain Flashers with a setback of 100 feet on the side poles and Texas Tea or Trophy Trout Busters with a tip of crawler or corn behind Mountain Dodgers have been the most productive tackle for the anglers I have talked to.
A few second year kokanee in the 14-inch category have been taken supporting the theory that there was a successful kokanee spawn two years ago.
The Edison ramp is out of water, but the Sierra ramp is doable. Both marinas are closed, but ample supplies can be found in Shaver. Check the Sierra Marina web cam for conditions.
Check ramp conditions at the Sierra Marina via their webcam at http://www.sierramarina.com/webcam-weather-page.html.
At Huntington, a few anglers are trying for rainbows with Power Bait or nightcrawlers in the shallows. Shaver held at 54% of capacity with Huntington also dropping to 62% of capacity.
Call: Tom Oliveira, Tom Oliveira Fishing 802-8072; Todd Wittwer, Kokanee.net Guide Service 288-8100;
Wishon/Courtright
Trout 2
Few anglers are heading up to Wishon, but there are still rainbows to be had. The dock may or may not be in the lake, so boaters must be prepared to get wet while launching from the banks or ramp. Courtright is all but drained to allow work on Helms Powerhouse Intake and discharge gates. The gate Courtright Way just past the turnoff for McKinley Grove Road will remain closed until the regularly scheduled reopening on Memorial Day weekend, depending upon weather. The Wishon RV Park and Store has closed for the season so anglers will have to come prepared with supplies.
Road conditions – Sierra National Forest Ranger Station 297-0706.
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 Crabs 3
November’s rockfish regulations require less than 20 fathoms before finishing off the season during the month of December over 50 fathoms.
Call: Captain Melynda Dodds, New Captain Pete (512) 825- 8225; 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
Rockfish 3 Halibut 2 Striper 2 White seabass 1 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3
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 3 Rockfish 3 Leopard shark 3 Crab 3
The ports of Monterey, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, San Francisco Bay, and Bodega Bay are limited to using hoops or snares as the use of traps is temporarily prohibited between the Sonoma/Mendocino County line and Lopez Point, Monterey County in Fishing Zones 3 and 4.
The ports north of the Sonoma/Mendocino County Line: Fort Bragg, Shelter Cove, Eureka, and Trinidad along with southern port Morro will be allowed to used recreational crab traps in Fishing Zones 1, 2, and 5. However, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has delayed the season opener between the California/Oregon border (42° 0.00’ N latitude) and the southern boundary of the Reading Rock State Marine Reserve and State Marine Conservation Area (41° 17.6’ N latitude) due to unhealthy levels of domoic acid in the crab. Dungeness crab may not be taken recreationally by any method in that area. This affects the port of Crescent City, and Trinidad boats will have to set pots south of the Reading Rock line. As a reminder, crab traps cannot be used south of Point Arguello. In addition, a Fleet Advisory has been issued for all Fishing Zones for the recreational fishery. The commercial Dungeness crab fishery south of the Sonoma/Mendocino County line was scheduled to open on Nov. 15, in Fishing Zones 3, 4, 5 and 6, but the season opener has been delayed.
CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place on or around Nov. 15, and this is expected to inform the potential for a statewide commercial fishery opener on Dec. 1 along with the potential to modify the recreational trap restriction.
In California, the minimum size for Dungeness crabs that can be kept is 5 3/4 inches measured from the edge of the shell to the edge of the shell directly in front, excluding lateral spines, Private boaters are advised to review the Best Practices Guide available at the CDFW website: www.wildlife.ca.gov/crab.
J and P Bait in San Francisco remains open 6-9 a.m. Friday through Monday.
Call: 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
The regulations for rockfishing below Point Lopez are from 50 fathoms offshore from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, Webcams of many of the coastal locations are available at https://805webcams.com/.
Call: Virg’s Landing (800) 762-5263; Patriot Sport Fishing (805) 595-4100; Morro Bay Landing.
Others
Delta/Stockton
Bass 3 Striper 3 Sturgeon 3 Catfish 2 Bluegill 3
“The striper bite is now wide open for numbers of fish, and I’ve heard of fish over 20 pounds too,” Ryan Denner said. “Topwater, ripbaits and swim baits are all working as well as the regular bait fishing options.”
Vince Borges of Vince Borges Outdoors reported that the bass bite continues to be good for mostly mid sized bass up to 5 lbs on reaction baits in pearl white colors. .” There is so much bait in the system right now it’s almost too much because the fish are so filled up. We just had a 50-60 fish day , but the bigger fish are hard to find right now. Underspins, Arigs and finesse baits are all working. There are lots of small stripers that are have flooded into the delta because the water has cooled down to 53 degrees or so. The bite and size of the stripers should continue to improve.”
As the water continues to cool down, striped bass are migrating out of San Francisco Bay into the Delta as the fall run has begun in earnest.
With all of the salmon in the Sacramento and San Joaquin River sections of the Delta, the fish must be released while in the water. White sturgeon must also be released, but the action remains tremendous in Suisun Bay for the few anglers trying. Six-pack operators continue to catch-and-release up to a dozen diamondbacks per trip. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has released a video demonstrating proper release techniques for white sturgeon at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6XluYMW_vA.
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
Tournament results
Nov. 17
Fresno Bass Club Results from Lake McClure 11/17/24
1. Kyle Reynolds 13.13 BF 4.55
2. Bill Kunz 12.0
3. Timmy Wells 11.66
Upcoming tournaments (dates and locations subject to change )
Nov 20
New Melones- Stanislaus County Employees
Millerton – Big Valley High School Bass
Nov. 23
Delta/Russo’s Marina – East County Student Anglers
Nacimiento – 805 Bass Addicts
Nov. 29
Pine Flat – California Bass Nation
Dec. 14
California Aqueduct/Volta Road – Striperz Gone Wild annual ‘Toys for Tots’ Tournaments
For more go to fresnobee.com/fishing.
This story was originally published November 19, 2024 at 12:00 PM with the headline "Central California fishing report: Delta bass and striper bites good."