Five years ago I purchased a 75 gallon fish tank from someone selling it on Craigslist. I got a really good deal on it, my son was five at the time, and what kid doesn’t want a fish tank?

Since then, I’ve learned a lot from observing the fish in my tank. One of the many things that I’ve observed was their reaction to temperature change. If the temperature changes too much either higher or lower they tend to go into a state of shock as they become very lethargic until their bodies adjust to it. What I’ve also found interesting was how they reacted right after cleaning my tank. They become very active swimming around from end to end of the tank, their colors change from dull to bright, and for some it even seems to induce spawning like behavior.

In relation to fishing, it’s all starting to make sense to me why the fish become so active in our river systems when the tide is going in or out. Why it’s also a good idea to fish around areas in the lakes where water is flowing in from either run off or underwater springs. I’ve also learned the effects of drastic temperature change and how to seek out depths or areas that are the most stable.

Lastly, I’ve learned how they behave when all the lights are out. Never did I think about having a fish tank as a learning tool. I’ve had other fish tanks while growing up, just never had them long enough to really learn about the fish and their reactions to environmental changes.

Delta Report:

With the increase in temperature look for the bass to seek shade. Lots of small fish are being caught on reaction baits but the bigger bass are being caught by those throwing snag proof frogs and flipping brown jigs. This time of year it’s important to pay attention to the wind. Buzz baits and spinner baits can be extremely effective fished on the outside weed edges during windy conditions. Upon my last visit to my favorite tackle shop, wake baits were selling as fast as they could be stocked. With the Bluegill spawn in full gear a large bluegill wake bait may be the ticket right now.

New Melones Lake:

Kokanee are being caught by a lot of angers right now fishing near Rose Island, the dam, and near Glory Hole Point. The bass bite remains good for anglers throwing reaction baits Pop-R’s and Zara Spooks are providing nice bites during the low light hours of the day. During the day anglers are doing well in the backs of coves where there is wood present. The panfish bite is great right now as fish are being caught all over the lake but especially in the backs of coves with sunken brush.  

Lake Don Pedro:

Kokanee are still being caught between 50 -70 feet deep. Anglers fishing for them are reporting good action but it’s definitely getting a little tougher. Bass fishing is tough right now as anglers are struggling to catch them. One of the most consistent patterns right now seems to be fishing with top water lures. Zara Spooks along with other walking type baits are doing well for anglers that are willing to stay with the baits throughout the day.

Lake Camanche:

Trout fishing is starting to slow down as the water temperatures have risen. Those that are                

catching trout are fishing as deep as 45 feet to catch them. Bass fishing has also started to get tougher for anglers as bass have moved deeper. Those having success are focusing on suspending fish over off shore rock piles.

Lake Tulloch:     

Smallmouth Bass have been providing excellent action for anglers fishing late and early with top water lures. Once the sun is high try switching to small plastic baits fished deep, shaky head worms, darter heads, and drop shotted Robo Worms in either a craw or shad pattern should produce good results.

Tip of the Week:

For some anglers the mere mention of color selection can bring up fish story after fish story. Personally I prefer to stick to the basic colors, my favorite being water

melon red flake. There are times when a change is necessary though, in muddy water darker colors are going to be more visible and in clearer water something more natural is always a good choice. Also, if you ever find yourself getting short struck, a subtle change in color can make a world of difference.