Fishing with Jolly Jay Sorensen, courtesy of Cecile Giacoma and the River News Herald
DELTA
Due to the drop in the water temperatures from 54 to 46 degrees the striped bass bite is almost non existent leaving most of the action to those targeting sturgeon. Expect a rise in water levels in the next few days due to water releases from Folsom Lake and Nimbus Dam to the tune of 15,000 to 20,000 cubic feet per second into the American River. The Delta waterways will be stained and downright dirty along with heavy debris floating on the surface. Boaters are advised to be alert to avoid having an encounter with some heavy logs, trees or other debris. The sturgeon are in the system in good numbers but getting them to bite has been a problem. Most think they are on the move and just not feeding presently. Some of the six pack charters have been taking a few slot limit diamondbacks for their clients, but most still awaiting the action to kick into high gear, especially with the perfect water conditions. The best baits continue to be salmon roe, eel strips along with either ghost or grass shrimp. The best water depths range from 35 to 50 feet. For striped bass you might want to head back into some of the sloughs and look for better water clarity.
AMERICAN RIVER
With increased water flows on the American River anglers continue to take a few steelhead casting Little Cleo’s and by plunking. The waters are stained and some cases downright dirty.
LAKE AMADOR
Trout plants continue with two separate placements of 500 pounds split between the Blue Docks and the spillway/Mountain Springs area. This included a few tagged trout for the derby. Most of the action is coming from near the shoreline in shallow water. The water is stained with white lures working best. The lake is now 2 feet from spilling. Both launch ramps and docks are open. The lakes annual trout derby ends on March 3.
CAMANCHE LAKE
1200 pounds of Mt. Lassen Hatchery trout have been placed between the North Shore and the South Shore Marina. Anglers continue to score on limits of rainbows to 5 pounds by noon with grubs on a long set with light weights in the Narrows. The lake has risen to 77 percent of capacity.
PARDEE LAKE
The lake is open to camping on Thursday, February 14 with fishing access starting on Friday, February 15 at 5:00 am. 10,000 pounds of rainbow trout will be released into the lake prior to the opening weekend. Shoreline anglers are expected to line the banks in the “Mud Hole” to Rainbow Point on the opening weekend. The lake is now at 90 percent capacity.
SAN LUIS RESERVOIR
The weather has been the only limiting factor, but the striped bass bite remains solid for both shoreline anglers and boaters. The best bite has been using topwater lures such as Pencil Poppers or Spooks along with the big River2Sea Whopper Ploppers, Jerkbaits with Ivory Halo color pattern working best. Most of the fish being caught weight from 7 to 12 pounds. The lake is now 89 percent due to the increased pumping from the south Delta.
SAN PABLO BAY
The striped bass and sturgeon bite remains solid in the San Pablo Bay along with some quality flounder. The striped bass have been averaging from 5 to 12 pounds, up to an occasional fish weighing 15 pounds along with some slot limit sturgeon. Check weather conditions before venturing out to the bay. Take plenty of extra bait with you because the stealing juvenile crab will eat you alive in certain locations and tides.
OCEAN
Good numbers of sand dabs and Dungeness crab are taken by charter party boats. Reports of a few salmon being caught and released during the trip. The best crab pot pulling is taking place in 150 feet of water.
Take time to enjoy the great outdoors. Stay safe to fish another day.
JAY’S BEST BETS
Broad Slough – (striped bass, sturgeon);
Sacramento River – (sturgeon);
American River – (steelhead);
Amador Lake – (trout, catfish, largemouth bass);
Camanche Lake – (trout, largemouth bass);
Suisun Bay – (sturgeon, striped bass)
San Pablo Bay – (sturgeon, striped bass);
Ocean – (sand dabs, Dungeness crab).
San Luis Réservoir (striped bass)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“There is no better way to establish hope
For the future than to enlighten young minds.”
…… Ronald Reagan
UPCOMING EVENTS
SANTA ROSA FISHING TACKLE & DUCK DECOY SHOW
March 8 – 9, 2019. At this annual event there will be an array of antiques, collectibles, new and used fishing tackle and much more. This event will take place at 1351 Maple Ave. in Santa Rosa. For more
information call (707) 888-7935.
SACRAMENTO BOAT SHOW
March 7 – 10, 2019 at Cal Expo. Opens on Thursday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, contact sacramentoboatshow.comor call (916) 372-4239.
RENO RV, BOAT &
RECREATION SHOW
March 14 – 17, 2019.
If you enjoy outdoor sports
and recreation you will want to attend the Reno Boat & Recreation Show. This event boasts the latest outdoor gear and accessories, adventure and travel, boats, RV’s, camp trailers and much more. The event will be held at the Reno Convention Center. For more information call (775) 882-2222.
NTAC TROUT ANGLERS CHALLENGE AT COLLINS LATE
Saturday, April 13, 2019 – The Norcal Trout Anglers Challenge Tournament Tour will visit Collins Lake and if you love to fish for trout you’ll want to participate in this low cost event. Boaters and bank anglers are welcome. The event will feature cash prizes, gear raffles and a lot of family fun. For more information or to sign up call (916) 768-0938.
FUTURE PRO CLEAR LAKE BASS TOURNAMENT
April 20, 2019 – Be part of this west coast bass tournament by signing up for this Future Pro event. For more information, call Vince harris at (916) 768-0938.
KOKANEE POWER LAKE SHASTA TEAM CLASSIC
May 4-5, 2019 – You are invited to fish the Kokanee Power Lake Shasta Team Classic where you have the chance of hooking up with big trout and landlocked salmon. Participants can win some awesome prizes along with a free dinner. For more information, call Gary Coe at (916) 985-4943.