Delta
Bank Fishing
by Roland “Innovate”
Aspiras
As we come closer to fall and the anticipation of the coming salmon season, many of you have e-mailed me asking about the season dates and bag limit details. So, I went out and searched the Department of Fish and Game’s labyrinth of a website and found details in this document: http://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=22586
According to the document, the Feather River from 1,000 feet below the Thermalito Afterbay to the mouth opens to fishing on July 31st. So, those of you that have been itching to get into some salmon have the chance to do so in just a few days. The daily bag limit is 2 salmon.
I’m eagerly waiting for the area between the Highway 113 Bridge and Carquinez Bridge to open. Between September 4th and October 3rd there is a daily limit of 2 salmon. We’ll get into gear and tackle as we get closer to the opener.
As far as other species around Sacramento…
Striped bass are currently a good bet in the American River. I can’t suggest any good spots to try, only because the fish are on the move daily. Topwater plugs in the early morning and late evening, and subsurface lures like swimbaits and jointed jerkbaits are good when the sun is up. Bait fisherman usually toss crawfish, live jumbo minnows, and cut frozen baits.
Shad are still available in the upper-most reaches of the river and are readily taking grubs and darts. Most of the fish have spawned and skinny, and some are possibly already making their way back to the ocean, dependent on what the water temps are holding at.
Catfish are readily available in the Old Sacramento River just about anywhere you can wet a line. Cut frozen baits, chicken liver, night crawlers and clams are all good for the catfish. This time of year you can literally catch cats by dropping your line straight down off the bank, depending on how deep the water is at your feet. Try a float too, you won’t be disappointed with the action if they’re around.
Bass fishing is a summertime favorite among anglers. I fished a couple of tributaries in the East Delta a few times last week from the bank, landing a couple of nice largemouth to 3 pounds. Punching mats with plastics was the ticket. Smallmouth fishing should be good on the Old Sacramento River – look for rocks and good current flow, along with some shade nearby and you’re golden. Try small 3 inch grubs on a darter head, spinnerbaits, and crawdad imitation crankbaits. Just keep in mind that smallmouth have a very slow growth rate. A 1-2 pound fish could be well over 3 years old. Practice catch and release so everyone can continue to enjoy this special fishery in the years to come.
To all, have a fun time on the banks and as always – make sure you pick up after yourself so the next person can enjoy the spot you just fished.
Roland
“Innovate”
Aspiras
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