California Delta
California Bass, Salmon, Sturgeon, Catfish, Bullhead
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California Delta Bite Meter

3 days ago
Largemouth Bass
Good
Striped Bass
Fair

California Delta Fishing Overview

Water Description

“The Delta”, as referred to by locals, contains over 1,100 miles of waterways and roughly 200 islands. The Sacramento River, San Joaquin River, and several other tributaries join to form the largest estuary on the West Coast. The Delta ultimately flows into San Francisco Bay. High numbers of striped bass enter the Delta, beginning in the fall. Many are in the 10-15 pound range, some reaching up to 50 pounds. They are present through the spring when they migrate into the upper stretches to spawn. Resident largemouth bass up to 15 pounds are also...

“The Delta”, as referred to by locals, contains over 1,100 miles of waterways and roughly 200 islands. The Sacramento River, San Joaquin River, and several other tributaries join to form the largest estuary on the West Coast. The Delta ultimately flows into San Francisco Bay.

High numbers of striped bass enter the Delta, beginning in the fall. Many are in the 10-15 pound range, some reaching up to 50 pounds. They are present through the spring when they migrate into the upper stretches to spawn.

Resident largemouth bass up to 15 pounds are also abundant in sheltered areas such as shoreline weeds and underneath docks. Largemouth are most active in the spring but will remain active through November.

Smallmouth bass, although only growing 1-2 pounds, are hard fighters in the Delta. Found within a few feet of the banks, they mostly inhabit the Sacramento River portion and are most active from June through August. Spotted bass in the 2-3 pound range are found in similar areas to the smallmouth but prefer cooler and more oxygenated water. Thus, they are more active at colder times of year.

Chinook salmon enter the Delta in multiple runs, with the fall run being the most prolific. Timing varies each year, although the fall run generally occurs from August to November.

Channel catfish, white catfish, bullheads, and some giant blue catfish exist in the Delta. They enter shallow water near the banks in the springtime.

White and green sturgeon averaging 25 pounds make a spawning migration in the winter months. Green sturgeon must be released immediately if caught.

Dozens of public parks, launch ramps, state fishing access sites, and campgrounds are present. It is important to bring a GPS when boating as it is easy to get lost in this massive water system.

Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, Spotted Bass, Channel Catfish, Steelhead, King Salmon, Bullhead, Crappie, Redear sunfish, Bluegill
Forage / Baitfish:
Smelt, Golden Shiner
Trophy Fish:
  • Largemouth Bass: 18.62 lb
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating, though see your launch areas regulations
Geography:
Surface Area: 738,000 acres
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Latest Fishing Reports

Good Largemouth Bass bite
Bass, Striped Bass
70°F Slightly Stained

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...

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.

4 anglers found this report useful
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Good Largemouth Bass bite
Bass, Striped Bass
68°F Slightly Stained

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...

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.

10 anglers found this report useful
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Other Nearby Reports

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...

Lake Berryessa is loaded right now... both with fish and boat traffic. Trout are the headline, especially Eagle Lake strain rainbows that are lighting up and slow-trolled...

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