The topwater bite in the Delta is the main game right now. Bass are crushing poppers and smaller topwater baits early, especially in slack water near fast-moving current. Protected coves, behind islands, and along weed edges with current breaks are the key zones. The topwater bite usually fades after 9-10 a.m., where chatterbaits, crankbaits, and worms start picking up fish. Senkos are working too, but smaller fish are the norm. Big females are guarding thick groups of fry, often swiping at baits, but hooking them has been tough with a lot of short strikes.

Striper fishing is very slow in the central Delta… mostly small schoolies. Bigger stripers are holding from Liberty Island to Pittsburgh in the Sacramento side.

Water temps range from 68 to 75 degrees depending on location.