04/05/24
Well spring sprung for a few days, but winter weather has returned. Hopefully with the snow on the dogwoods we are done with it. Waking up to 6” of snow while packing up to fish the Kokaneepower Bullards Bar Derby did not bode well. Next week we will see a return of spring with high 70s weather bringing back spring like fishing opportunities.
STRIPER: Take your pick, Delta or valley rivers, both are producing. The minnow bite on the Feather has been producing and trollers on the west bank of the Sacramento in the Delta are having a great time when the weather permits. It’s only going to get better from here on out. It is time to go out and get you some.
LANDLOCK KINGS: To everyone’s delight, both Folsom and Oroville are producing decent Landlock Kings right now. A few 4 to 5 pounders have come out of Folsom and a smaller but respectable grade of Kings is coming out of Oroville. Go big with 8” flashers and smaller anchovies or go small with 4” glow dodgers and anchovy tipped pearl hoochies to get your bites. Depths are all over the place this time of year so
trust your sonar and target fish on bait.
TROUT: All the put and take lakes are fishing reasonably well for planter rainbows. Think Collins, Pardee, Amador, and Camanche for the top spots. Water levels and temperatures are perfect right now for trolling fast or slow. Fast troll Speedy Shiners and/or F7 to F9 Rapalas or slow down and troll naked grubs in pearl and firetiger to get those large stockers to go. I always try to fit in a day at one of these lakes to get a nice limit of trout for the smoker. Don’t forget the boat inspections at some of these lakes.
HALIBUT: The SF Bay is starting to produce limit style halibut fishing. Nothing like fresh halibut for a great meal. Try trolling frozen bait behind a flasher for this early season bite. Rig is similar to a river flasher cutplug setup with a 4.5” hoochie over a frozen herring in place of the cut plug.
BLUEFIN TUNA: There are already signs of life around the Farallon Islands for BFT. Same as last year, fast troll long lined Nomad MadMacs through foamers. Make sure you are not under gunned, these are not your north coast albacore. A 30 size lever drag loaded with 100 lb spectra and 100’ of 150 lb mono on a 60 -100 trolling rod is the minimum setup for these beasts. I don’t know how many stories I heard last year about anglers getting bit and immediately spooled. If you are trying to check BFT off your bucket list, bring the big sticks.
KOKANEE: The season to start Kokanee fishing is upon us. Lower elevation lake are available to us now and have been producing. I am partial to Bullards Bar this time of years as it is fairly accessible, and the Kokanee are plentiful. New Melones has already produced some quality fish so if you haven’t tried it, give it a shot. There are beautiful rainbows there as well. Early indications is that Berryessa might be making a come back with quality trout there as well. With the recent winter/spring snows it will be a
while before we can get to our upper elevation Kokanee spots. Time to plan your next Kokanee trip with lot’s of options open to explore.
