Contra Costa County Fishing Reports

The Delta threw plenty of curveballs this week. Water temps hovered around 70 degrees with 3 to 8 feet of visibility, but consistent 15–20 mph winds made open areas tough to fish. The tides were mostly mid-day lows with short, late afternoon incoming cycles... leaving a tight bite window for both bass and stripers.

Striper action is fading as post-spawn fish trickle back toward the Bay. A few decent fish are still around, especially near deep edges and current breaks during the first hour of the incoming.

Largemouth reports were all over. Anglers covering water with chatterbaits and spinnerbaits in wind-blown cuts picked up decent numbers, but big fish were scarce unless you hit the right tide. Low tide frog bites are starting to fire in shallow grass, and drop shots are filling in when reaction baits stall. Most of the easy spawn fish are gone, but a few waves should trickle in with the next full moon.

San Pablo’s running hot with catfish… easy pickings off the docks and near Scow Canyon where they’re stacking up in the deeper slots. A second 3,000-pound catfish plant last week should keep the bite rolling into late spring. Look for tagged fish and grab discounts at the marina.

Bass are finally starting to wake up too. Spotted bass are hitting underspins and Keitechs near shad schools, which are starting to bunch up across the lake. Water’s sitting at 62°. Boaters are still benched with the launch closed to all private vessels (golden mussel prevention).

Bass are active and catchable all over the Delta… but don’t expect a foolproof pattern right now. Fish are coming on chatterbaits, frogs, drop shot, Senkos, and topwater… it’s more about being in the right spot than what’s tied on. Water temps are 68–70°F with visibility ranging up to 8 feet depending on wind. High tide has fish tight to mats, grass, and tule edges... especially near current.

Topwater is picking up early, especially in calm pockets. Punching and slow plastics are drawing strikes from both spawners and post-spawn fry guarders. The bite is solid… you just have to keep moving until you find them.

Striper action is still consistent in the central Delta… live bait is doing most of the damage, especially for boats drifting through deeper channels and current seams. Bass anglers are also picking off the occasional striper while working reaction baits. Most are schoolies, but a few better fish are mixed in.