Contra Costa County

Striped bass are still lingering in the Delta, but primarily just schoolies. The bite has been best early mornings and late evenings due to the heat. Topwater, jerkbaits, swimbaits, and glide baits are producing the most strikes.

Largemouth fishing is inconsistent, featuring abundant small fish and some larger ones on late beds. Recent tournaments saw 20 lb bags win out. Junk fishing with topwaters, chatterbaits, or bigger 6-7 inch Senkos was the top strategy. Once again, water temperatures are high, so early/late day fishing is obviously recommended.

Vaqueros is seeing a lot of striper action across the lake. A 10+-pounder was reportedly caught last week on the south end. Boaters are throwing jerkbaits, while shore-casters are soaking anchovies. Trout anglers are still finding action even though the last stock was almost 2 months ago. Target the deepest water possible with spoons or PowerBait. If fishing shallow, aim for early morning. Largemouth reports are minimal, but a few have been caught by anglers trolling for stripers.

The Delta's been a mixed bag lately, with wind playing spoilsport in some areas. North side's seeing decent largemouth action - chatterbaits and crawdad imitations are hot tickets in the quieter pockets. Expect the big boys to show up soon as the post-spawn feed kicks in. Stripers are still around, but you'll need to work for 'em.

Down south, it's summer madness with boats and skiers everywhere. Bass fishing's holding up though - try spinnerbaits or go topwater for some excitement in the morning. Stripers are playing hard to get, but bank anglers near Mossdale are hooking up using pile worms or 'chovies.

Hit the water early to beat the crowds and the wind.

The reaction bite for San Pablo bass is hot. Anglers are throwing crankbaits and spinnerbaits shallow with a lot of success. Plastic worm anglers are also getting bit, but more-so during midday. Trout stockings continue, although expected to end next week. Trollers are running spoons near Scow Canyon, and shore casters are launching powerbait near the marina. A sturgeon was caught in the last week of May, quite the rarity for this lake.

Plenty of trout are still biting after the latest stocking in early May. Many fish are holding on the outskirts of coves, with some pushing further inside. However, the warming water is keeping the trout deeper than usual. Power bait and sufficiently heavy spoons have been getting bit.

Bass fishing has been good with finesse soft plastics and square bill crankbaits thrown shallow. Stripers are being caught near the dam by trolling jerkbaits.