Fishing reports for Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

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.

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.

Spring largemouth action is here. Central delta anglers have reported 30-40 fish days, as the fish move shallower into prespawn mode. Not many beds spotted yet. Lure choice has been hit and miss. Some days reaction baits (chatterbaits) have been best. Other days only finesse and drop-shots are getting bit. Mix up your lure choice and presentation, but the fish are there.

Striper action is good across the delta, as long as you avoid muddy water (which can be tougher towards Sacramento). Glidebaits and swimbaits are working best.

The striper bite is in full effect. Anchovies and sardines are getting numbers, while swimbaits are pulling in size. Water clarity is improving, although recent rains may cloud things up again. Sturgeon fishing was very good earlier in March, but has tapered off slightly. Ghost shrimp is the bait. Largemouth are in prespawn mode, try chatterbaits and big jigs shallow.