San Joaquin 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.

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.

Steve Cooper’s latest In Deep on the Delta report highlights hot striper action between Ladds and Prisoners Point, especially during the first two hours of outgoing tide. Big glide baits like the S-Waver 200 are doing the damage... fished fast when it’s windy and slower when it’s calm. Multiple fish over 10 pounds are being caught, including a few pushing 20. Don’t wait for birds or surface activity... just keep casting and work those glides all the way to the boat.

Largemouth are in all stages of the spawn and the bite’s picking up fast. Tournament weights are rising, with multiple events seeing 20+ pound bags and some 9-pound kickers. Crankbaits, chatterbaits, Senkos, and punching setups are all putting fish in the boat.Target breaks, rock, and flats, especially in the afternoons as temps rise. Big rods and heavy line are a must...too many anglers are getting smoked by Delta giants on light gear.

Check out the video for more details.