Central California fishing report: McSwain trout limits still possible
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 sturgeon still hitting, Alan Fong reported. Don Pedro and McClure bass on solid bites, Ryan Denner said. McSwain trout limits possible, Dave Hurley reported. New Melones trout bite outstanding, Kyle Wise 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 2 Catfish 2
Omega Nguyen of Mega Bait and Tackle in Lathrop reported high flows in the northern section of the California Aqueduct have led to slow overall action as it takes over 6 ounces of lead to stay on the bottom. Flows from the south Delta have been increased, resulting in high flows and an increase in San Luis Reservoir. A few catfish or striped bass are possible on anchovies or pile worms, but it is a grind. Striperz Gone Wild Annual Memorial Aqueduct Tournament is tentatively scheduled for April 5 at Volta Road near Los Banos. In the southern section of the aqueduct, Cope’s Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported decent action for striped bass with lugworms, cut bait, or jumbo minnows after the check gates. When the gates were closed, anglers did better soaking baits along inside bends and near bridge pylons. Largemouth bass have been tight lipped but finesse baits in the eddies produced a few fish. Catfish were reliable for anglers using cut bait or chicken liver on a Carolina rig.
Aqueduct anglers are always advised to use caution as well as wearing a PFD as the water is swift, cold, and dangerous.
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; Bob’s Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657
Eastman Lake/Hensley Lake
Bass 2 Trout 2 Bluegill 2 Catfish 2 Crappie 2
“Eastman continues to kick out a few big fish on rainbow trout-patterned swimbait as there was an 11-pound largemouth reported last week, but you have to commit to throwing the lure for six to eight hours for even having a chance at a big fish,” Brandon Grimsley of Valley Rod and Gun in Clovis said. “The lake rose several feet, and the water is stained in the inlets. Large profile jigs, big plastic worms, or reaction baits with rattles or big blades continue to be the most consistent offerings.” There have been reports of crappie showing up at Hensley, but bass fishing remains slow with the occasional larger fish reported. Catfish and carp are other possibilities. Eastman rose 4 feet to 539.71 feet in elevation and 52% of capacity with Hensley rising 5 feet to 484.07 elevation and 26% of capacity. The only tournaments scheduled at Eastman and Hensley are single tournaments in March at both lakes by the Kerman Bass Club. A trout plant is scheduled at Eastman this week and Hensley next week.
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 3 Trout 2 Kokanee 1 King salmon 2 Crappie 2
Ryan Denner of Central Valley Bait and Tackle in Modesto reported continued solid bass action with Keitech’s tungsten jigs in brown/purple or green pumpkin at depths from 30 to 50 feet.
“Roboworm’s Hologram Shad on a drop-shot or Ned-rig along with green pumpkin Senko’s on a Neko-rig are also effective for numbers of bass,” he added. “Keitech swimbaits are picking up the occasional larger bass.”
For trout and king salmon, Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing said, “The recent storms have brought up the lake level as well as scattered the fish. We found excellent action in one area on Tuesday running small spoons on lead core at 3 to 5 colors, but the fish moved after the storms. We worked hard on Saturday for numbers of small king salmon along with rainbow trout. I was running a variety of gear including large profile spoons on lead core along with smaller Excel either with or without a dodger on side planers and even one line on the downrigger. We had a big fish right off the bat rip off line on a big spoon, but it came off after the initial run. The rising lake has brought grass and wood debris onto the surface, but it was easy to avoid for the most part.” Launch updates are posted at www.donpedrolake.com. The lake rose 6 feet to 782.60 feet in elevation and 73% of capacity. As the ongoing status of New Melones is uncertain, Pedro will be very busy in the coming months with nine more tournaments scheduled in February and five in March.
Call: Monte Smith, Gold Country Sport Fishing (209) 581-4734; Central Valley Bait and Tackle (209) 312-9417.
Lake Isabella/Bakersfield area
Bass 2 Trout 1 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Bluegill 2
The lake rose two feet to 2,560.92 feet in elevation and 30% with water releases at First Point up slightly to 326 cfs. Cope’s reported the annual Isabella Lake Fishing Derby is scheduled for April 12–14 and a CDFW trout plant is scheduled for this week. Bass anglers are having to put some work in to get quality bites, but Sonars or spinnerbaits and are plucking an occasional keeper size bass. Quality bites are coming on 3/8 or ½ ounce football black n’ blue jigs with Rapala’s black/blue Clean Up Craws or brown/purple jigs with Berkley’s Chigger Craws. Big swimbaits have produced the occasional larger bass, and the best overall action remains around Rocky, Engineer’s, or Piney Points. Catfish anglers continue to find some success with Triple S Dip Bait, cut bait, or nightcrawlers, but the overall bite has been tough. The crappie bite has tapered down a bit, but the slabs can be found around depths from 15 to 40 feet with natural-colored jigs or live shiners. In the upper Kern River, the recent storms have increased flows, and CDFW continues to stock trout along the 20-mile stretch. Anglers have been scoring trout with Get Bent Baits, salmon eggs, spinners, or trout jigs. Fly anglers have had luck with Nymphs and Steamers. This week the upper Kern River was stocked in Section 4, River side Park in Kernville to Powerhouse #3 and Section 5, Fairview Dam to Lazy River Lodge. In the lower Kern, the CDFW is scheduled to stock trout next week in all three sections; Section 1, Lower Richbar to Democrat Beach; Section 2, Democrat Beach to Sandy Flat; and Section 3, Sandy Flat to Isabella Dam. Trout can be found with salmon eggs, trout jigs, or Panther Martin spinners. The lower Kern River bass bite is fair on crankbaits, jigs, or spinners. Catfish can be found on dip baits, nightcrawlers and cut baits. The upper Kern River rose from 487 to 1072 cfs at Kernville.
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 rose 14 feet to 640.46 feet in elevation and 31% of capacity. Cope’s reported an overall tough bass bite with plastics on the drop-shot, Neko-rig, or darter head Hula Grubs in green pumpkin or brown colors worked for bites in 10 to 30 feet of water. Crankbaits are working early in the day, and deeper bass were reported by anglers working ice jigs over rocky structure. The largest bass during Saturday’s Central Valley Kayak Fishing tournament was 17 inches. Catfish went after cut bait or dip bait, but other species have been slow. The Kaweah River is rose from 175 to 789 cfs at Three Rivers.
Lake Success
Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2
Bass anglers reported decent winter fishing with numbers taken on finesse techniques with a slow retrieve, but a better grade can be found with deep diving crankbaits or spoons took a better grade of fish. Catfish anglers used dip bait or chicken liver. There are no bass tournaments scheduled in February, but three are scheduled in March.
McClure Reservoir
Bass 3 Trout 2 King salmon 0 Kokanee 0 Crappie 2 Catfish 2
Bass action remains strong as Alex Niapas of Catching California Guide Service took out Modesto’s Beyer High School students Noah Langarica, Cristian Jacquez, and Nathan Huynh for tremendous action with numbers found on umbrella rigs or Senkos. Niapas said, “We had 9 bass over 3 pounds to nearly 4½ working the clear 53-54-degree water with around 5 feet in visibility in the Horseshoe area.” Ryan Denner of Central Valley Bait confirmed the solid bite, saying, “Keitech tungsten jigs in brown/purple or green pumpkin are doing the job at 30 to 50 feet, and I can’t wait to get out there myself.” For trout trollers, shad-patterned spoons or F 5 Rapalas at depth from the surface to 20 feet are working once the schools are located. 1000 pounds of Calaveras Trout Farm rainbows planted three weeks ago. The Reel Deal Market and Barrett’s Cove Marina will only be open on Saturdays now from 10 am to 2 pm during the winter months. The lake is at 814.02 feet in elevation and 68% of capacity.
Call: Central Valley Bait and Tackle (209) 312-9417.
Lake McSwain
Trout 3
2000 pounds of Calaveras Trout Farm trout was planted on February 12, and the bite went off as expected for bank anglers with Power Bait from the Brush Pile, Handicapped Docks, or the peninsula near the marina. With the stained water, shortening up the leader length has been the ticket. Limits have been possible, and once the fish start biting, a 5-fish limit can be filled in quickly. Trolling is also effective in the clearer water in the river arm with red Wedding Rings tipped with a piece of nightcrawler behind a dodger, blade/’crawler combinations, or blue/chrome Kastmasters above the First Fence Line are picking up holdover rainbows. The lake is at 95 percent.
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 2 Crappie 2
Brandon Grimsley of Valley Rod and Gun reported continued slow bass action as the lake continues to rise rapidly. The bass remain as deep as 80 feet during the daytime before coming closer to the shorelines on warm afternoons. A fizzing needle is a must with the fish so deep along with a slow presentation. Plastics on the drop-shot or dart head along with small profile jigs on a football head remain the best bets. The lake rose 6 feet to 518.24 feet in elevation and 53 percent. The flows in the San Joaquin River at Friant rose to 561 cfs. Millerton will also be busy in the coming months with three more tournaments in February and one in March. Sycamore Island is reopened, and a trout plant is scheduled this week. The park is open every day from 6:00 am to 5:30 pm. The park is free Monday through Friday, and $9 per vehicle on Saturday and Sunday. Yearlong passes are available for $85. 2-person canoes and 1-person kayaks are available for rent on the ponds for $10 per hour with lifejackets and paddles included. The gate is at 39664 Ave 7 1/2 in Madera, or you can hike or bike in through the entrance across from the Valley Golf Center.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun 292-3474; 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle 515-6273.
New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch
Bass 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 2 Trout 3 Kokanee
Trout fishing remains outstanding with Kyle Wise of Head Hunter Guide Service consistently scoring three limits for his clients by 9:30 am. He said, “We are running Papa G’s or T-Bone Tackle spoons from the surface to 20 feet, and the action is incredible.” The storms kept most boats off of the lake during the past week, and with the inclement weather, the fish moved out into deep water. However, with the daytime temperatures in the 70’s over the next few weeks, the bass will be returning to the shallows. Plastics on the Ned-rig, dart head, or drop-shot along with tubes are working on light line on spinning rods. Only the Glory Hole launch ramp is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm to obtain a red tag to start a 30-day quarantine period. Boats must be off the water by 4:00 pm to receive a green tag to relaunch without quarantining or decontamination. Bank fishing is allowed. Non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and paddleboards, may also be subject to inspection. The lake rose 2½ feet to 1044.09 feet in elevation and 80 percent. Initially, there were two bass tournaments scheduled in February and another four in March, but these are being moved to other bodies of water.
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
Brandon Grimsley said, “The coming warm weather will be a boon to Pine Flat’s bass as they will be coming out of the deep. It’s been around the same action as last week with a swimbait bite early in the mornings before the bass back off into deep water by mid-morning as deep as 80 feet with small jigs or plastics on a Neko-rig.” 24 teams participated in the Golden Empire Bass Club’s tournament on Saturday, and once again the winning limit was over 13 pounds. Grimsley added, “There are still trollers working for king salmon and rainbow trout, but the bite has slowed down over the past few weeks.” A trout plant in the lake is scheduled this week, In the lower Kings River, the last trout plant was three weeks ago, and combined with the higher flows, action is limited to a fish or two in the stained water. Roostertails, Atomic Tubes, Joe’s Flies, small spinners, or nightcrawlers remain the top offerings. 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. Citations remain a common occurrence for fishing with barbed hooks or in possession of trout. The flows rose from 1296 to 1795 cfs at Trimmer. The lake rose 7 feet to 857.21 feet in elevation and 53 percent.
Call: Valley Rod & Gun 292-3474; 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle 515-6273.
San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay
Striper 2 Catfish 2 Bass 2 Crappie 2
Mickey Clements of Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill said, “Few boats were on the lake this week since it was difficult to keep a boat dry and clean during the heavy storms, but bank anglers are finding success with anchovies or jumbo minnows. The shorelines are stained from the rising water levels and the winds, but it has been a solid bite.
Roger George of Roger George Guide Service reported that boaters soaking minnows have been doing okay in 60’ of water back in Portuguese Cove. “ We scouted last week right before the storm and we released over 20 decent fish to 23” working both by trolling lures and using jigs in the 60-70’ range once we found a school. The water clarity has gone down to 5-7’ in some areas or less- which should help the bite. The warming forecast could kick things into gear!” George said.
The O’Neill Forebay remains the same with small stripers the rule with pile worms or jumbo minnows near Check 12.” The main lake continues to rise with increased exports out of the south Delta, and it is now 79% of capacity while the forebay also rising to 84% 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 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
The cold and snowy weather along with low water at the launch have limited trollers, but hardy bank anglers are finding decent action soaking Power Bait across from the Sheriff’s Tower. A trout plant is scheduled 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
Kaiser Pass Road is closed to vehicle traffic with only snowmobile access available. Edison is at 22% of capacity, Florence at 9% of capacity, and Mammoth Pool rose to 40% of capacity.
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 0
With freezing temperatures and stormy weather, few boats were on the lake this past week, but trout action remains the same story for trollers with an assortment of spinners or tubes tipped with crawler behind a bright dodger on the downrigger at depths from 10 to 20 feet along with similar tackle on weighted flashers on the side poles with a setback of 100 feet. Check the Sierra Marina webcam at http://www.sierramarina.com/webcam-weather-page.html for conditions prior to arriving at the lake. At Huntington, fishing interest is left to the most dedicated brown trout trollers. Shaver rose to 65 with Huntington holding at 46% of capacity.
Call: Tom Oliveira, Tom Oliveira Fishing 802-8072; Todd Wittwer, Kokanee.net Guide Service 288-8100.
Wishon/Courtright
Trout 0
McKinley Grove Road is closed, limiting access to both reservoirs. McKinley Grove Road will remain closed until the regularly scheduled reopening on Memorial Day 2025 Weekend, depending upon weather.
Road conditions – Sierra National Forest Ranger Station 297-0706.
Call: Wishon RV Park 865-5361
Ocean
Half Moon Bay
Striper 2 Halibut 2 White seabass 1 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3 crab 3
Limits of Dungeness crab are possible, but there Boat-based fishing is over until at least April except for Dungeness crab which is open until June 30. Boat maintenance for party boats takes center stage while rock crab and rockfish are possible from the North or South Jetty with surf perch from the beaches. The Pacific Pier has partially reopened after several weeks of closure.
Call: Captain Melynda Dodds, New Captain Pete (512) 825- 8225; Captain Chris Chang, Ankeny Street (650) 279-8819;
Monterey/Santa Cruz
Halibut 2 Striper 2 White seabass 1 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3
From the beaches, Mickey Clements of Coyote Bait and Tackle reported continued solid perch action in the Watsonville Salinas area with Honey Badger grubs in motor oil/red flake. The mouth of the Salinas River has been the hotspot for striped bass with ripbaits such as Lucky Craft’s Flash Minnows. The big event soon is the sold-out Sand Crab Surf Perch Classic on March 8.
“In general, the fishing scene is slow. Fairly normal for this time of year. Boats are still getting out in between storms and big wave events, and they are doing pretty well with wintertime fare,” Allen Bushnell of Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing and Surf Casting Guide Service reported.
Chris Arcoleo from Chris’ Fishing and Whale Watching in Monterey reported “Lots of sand dabs and lots of mackerel” plus 20 Petrale sole for anglers aboard the Caroline this week. The big charter boats continue to make multiple trips per week, with light loads and plenty of fish being brought in. Last Saturday’s medium sized load on the Chubasco for J&M Sportfishing did pretty well. Sixteen anglers brought in 127 Dungeness Crab, 603 sand dabs, 50 mackerel, and eight Petrale sole. There are as many sand dabs out there as any angler is willing to take. Using a # 6 Sabiki rig tipped with squid, the little flatfish are coming over the rail in doubles, tripes and quadruples. From Monterey, private boaters are finding Dungeness crab in 180-200 feet of water north of the Harbor, but shy of the Moss Landing Submarine Canyon. Crabbers from Moss Landing are working the sand flats for Dungeness crab at 180 feet on both sides of the Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon, with slightly higher counts coming from south of the canyon. Crabbers are traveling more towards the middle of the Bay on their hunt for Dungeness. Depths vary from 140 feet to 200. Crab counts are lower than most years for this month, and repositioning pots seems to be key. The sand flats near Pajaro and Soquel Canyons are still the best bet, though some are finding success straight out of Santa Cruz Harbor and even slightly north of town. Frequent checking on soaking pots is a must, as the crab are on the move. Here today, gone tomorrow. Plus, during any of these big swells, crab pots will “walk,” dragged from their original position, some to be lost forever. Savvy craters will pull their pots before the big waves hit. Santa Cruz anglers are finding sand dabs blanketing the flats in 120-300 feet of water, with a decent mix of Petrale Sole as a bonus. In a very positive sign for future fishing later in spring, offshore crabbers and dabbers are reporting plenty of bait out in the deep, with big schools of anchovies and plenty of mackerel to catch for those inclined. Another huge swell, hosted by the latest atmospheric river storm is due to hit our coast on Thursday, and will take several days to subside. Torrential rains and gale-force winds are also in the forecast through the weekend. Be smart, stay safe and get back out there once conditions settle down.”
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 Leopard shark 2 Sturgeon 3
The California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife’s annual Salmon Information meeting via webinar at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26. The meeting should provide an idea of the possibility for a 2025 ocean salmon season. Instructions on how to attend and other informational material will be published in advance on the CDFW’s Ocean Salmon webpage.
This is the first in a series of events to allow public involvement into the process, marking the beginning of a two month long public process used to develop annual sport and commercial ocean salmon fishing regulations and informing the development of inland salmon fishing regulations later in the spring. Salmon season has been closed in California for the past two years although dedicated Salmon Disaster Relief funds for 2023 have yet to be dispersed, putting commercial and recreational charter boat operators in jeopardy. A third season of salmon closure could prove to the final nail in the coffins of California’s commercial salmon fishermen who are still awaiting the release of the allocated $20.6 million 2023 Salmon Disaster Relief funds, not to mention 2024’s. The recreational salmon industry and coastal communities are also severely affected by salmon closures to the point of party boat operators and tackle shops holding on to life support. Inside the bay, private and party boats are gearing up for halibut season, and Captain James Smith of the California Dawn will start his trolling operations toward the end of March. Captain Steve Gutierrez of Deadliest Kast out of Oyster Point has been averaging from three to seven sturgeon hookups per trip soaking ghost shrimp or mud shrimp near the Dumbarton Bridge. Leopard shark are the best option for action, and there are several locations throughout the bay where the sharks can be found. There is a seasonal sturgeon closure from Jan. 1 through March 15 within the following boundaries in San Francisco Bay: A direct line between Pt. Chauncy (National Marine Fisheries Laboratory) and Pt. Richmond, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and a direct line between Pt. Lobos and Pt. Bonita. Leopard shark and striped bass from the shorelines are the constant while sturgeon action has improved in the south bay.
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
Surf perch 2
Virg’s Landing in Morro Bay is hosting a surf perch clinic on Thursday, Feb. 20 with the following focus: How to read the ocean & pick the best fishing spots; Choosing baits and tackle; Mastering rigging setups; and improving your casting technique. Rental rods available at the tackle shop, and kids 16 and under fish for free.
Spaces are limited, so sign up via virgslanding.com/sportfishing or call the tackle shop at 805-772-1222 to reserve your spot. 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 2 Striper 2 Sturgeon 3 Catfish 2 Bluegill 2
Largemouth bass fishing remains a grind, but there have been some quality bass landed within the past week. Alan Fong of Alan Fong Outdoors topped the 9.17-pound largemouth last week with an 11.75-pound female bass with a fanned tail.
“The water temperature is only in the 50-degree range, but these females are in two feet of water, and their tails are fanned. They seem to be getting ready for a spawn, even in the cold water,” he said. “Double-bladed spinnerbaits in white/chartreuse with Colorado blades in the shallows have been the key, and I have been working the clearer waters of the Mokelumne River. This fish was landed the day before the big storm on Thursday.”
An 8.30-pound largemouth was the kicker of a 25-pound plus limit during Saturday’s Best Bass Tournament’s Golden Mussel Event out of Russo’s Marina, but the limits dropped quickly after the big first-place limit. Randy Pringle, the Fishing Instructor and tournament director, said, “The winning team had 7 bites for 25 pounds, but half the field didn’t weigh in. The cold really shut down the bite as the females pushed out. The males did bite, and small swimbaits were the trick in the shallows. With the stained water, chatterbaits or squarebilled crankbaits have been working, particularly with increased water clarity on the high tide.” Striped bass action remains slow overall, and once again the key is to find clear water.
Johnny Wang, manager of Turner’s Outdoorsman in Stockton, said, “The Port of Stockton is loaded with threadfin shad, terns, and striped bass as the water is slightly warmer and a bit clearer. Spoons on the bottom have been working for linesides up to 30 inches. Most stripers are small, but there are some larger fish in the mix. Crappie continue to be found in Whiskey Slough or the first bridge off Eight Mile Road, but it is a few fish per rod.” Captain Steve Mitchell of Hook’d Up Sport Fishing continues to find good action for sturgeon despite the cold water temperatures, but the grass has been particularly challenging on the outgoing tide. The heavy inflows from upstream have been breaking the grass off the banks, and it is difficult to keep your lines clean. With the arrival of warmer weather, the sturgeon bite is expected to be phenomenal within the next few weeks. It’s good now, but once the water temperature arrives around 54 degrees, the opportunity to catch-and-release multiple sturgeon per trip will arrive.
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:
Feb. 9
McClure – Best Bass Tournament’s Teen Tournaments
1st Tie– Lucas Sebastian – 11.79/Matthew McKeough – 11.79; 3rd – Wyatt Goerdt – 11.11.
Feb. 15
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Best Bass Tournament’s Golden Mussel Open
1st – Robert Jones/Brent Potter – 25.38 (Big Fish – 8.30); 2nd –Brent Zieska/Jim LaRosa – 19.44; 3rd –Mike Saso/Larry Vignolo – 16.69.
Pine Flat – Golden Empire Bass Club
1st –Nathan Towes/David Childress – 13.56; 2nd – Wyatt Moore/Chandler Donovan – 12.24 (Big Fish – 5.00); 3rd- Justin Neal/Jerry Waldrip – 11.72.
Kaweah – Central Valley Kayak Fishing
1st – Chushizonh Lord; 2nd – San Saechao; 3rd- Eric Maciel.
Nacimiento – Best Bass Tournaments Coastal Division
1st –Tim and TJ Sharpe – 14.15; 2nd – Brian Ducan/Danny Smith – 13.44; 3rd –Jason and Geno Lazzerini – 12.29.
Feb. 16
Delta/Russo’s Marina – The Bass Hole Inc.
1st –Tom Fereria/Ed Ortman – 21.97 (Big Fish – 8.51); 2nd – Hunter Schlander/Christian Ostrander – 17.37; 3rd – Tony Vaughn/John Garrett – 14.02.
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.
Feb. 22
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Nor Cal Bass
Amador – Manteca Bassin’ Buddies
Tulloch – Outlaw Bass Club
Don Pedro – Christian Bass League
McClure – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments
Millerton – Sierra Bass Club
Pine Flat – Kern County Bassmasters
Nacimiento – San Luis Obispo Bass Ambushers
Feb. 23
Don Pedro – Riverbank Bass Anglers
Pine Flat – Fresno Bass Club
Feb. 28-March 2
Don Pedro – Bass Angler Inc.
March 1
Eastman – Kerman Bass Club
March 2
Hensley – Kerman Bass Club
Millerton – Bass 101
March 8
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Best Bass Tournaments
Don Pedro – Best Bass Tournaments
Santa Cruz – Sand Crab Classic Perch Derby
Success – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments
Lopez – American Bass Association
March 9
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – American Bass Association
Success – Cen Cal Elite Bass Tournaments
March 15-16
Clear Lake – Sierra Bass Club
March 15
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Angler’s Press
Salt Springs – Tri Valley Bass Masters
Pardee – Kid’s Fishing Derby
Don Pedro – Best Bass Tournaments
Bass Lake – Kings River Bass Club
Murry Park Pond – City of Porterville Fishing Derby
Kaweah – Lahu Bass Club
Nacimiento – Kern County Bass Masters
Santa Margarita – Best Bass Tournaments
March 16
McClure – Fresno Bass Club
March 22
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Christian Bass League
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Bass Anglers of Northern California
Don Pedro – Kerman Bass Club
Success – Lahu Bass Club
Santa Margarita – San Luis Obispo Bass Ambushers
March 23
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Nor Cal Bass
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Bass Hole Inc.
March 28-30
Don Pedro – Bass Angler Magazine
March 29
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Best Bass Tournaments
Amador – 17/90 Bass Club
McClure – California Bass Federation
San Antonio- Golden Empire Bass Club
Santa Margarita – Bakersfield Bass Club
March 30
Delta/Ladd’s Marina – Modesto Ambassadors
Delta/Russo’s Marina – Bass Hole Inc.
For more go to fresnobee.com/fishing.
This story was originally published February 18, 2025 at 12:00 PM with the headline "Central California fishing report: McSwain trout limits still possible."