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Patience is a virtue with top water lures
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Summer time is top water fishing time for bass. Catching bass on a top water lure is one of the most exciting experiences in fishing. As exciting as it is, it also can be very difficult hooking up with a fish once it strikes. A common mistake anglers make when fishing with top water lures is setting the hook too early. Experienced anglers will tell you to wait until you feel the fish, but that’s easier said than done. It took me several years and many hours on the water until I finally was able to wait on my hook set. I still every once in a while set the hook too early but for the most part I’ve managed to resist the urge to set the hook and my hook up to catch ratio has improved.

Delta Report:

Fishing for bass is good right now on the Delta, Senko’s, Spinner Baits, and Sweet Beavers are all catching fish right now. With the weather we have had lately look for shady spots along the bank, or spots closest to deeper water. Fish will either be looking for shade or proximity to deep moving water. If you can find shade next to a deep drop your chance of catching a big fish will be increased. Top water snag proof frogs are also accounting for a lot of nice sized bass. Some of the biggest fish are being caught right now while fishing open water with top water lures.

New Melones Lake:

Kokanee catches continue to keep anglers busy as Trout fishing has slowed down for the summer. Anglers catching Kokanee are fishing the dam area and can be found between 40-50 feet deep. Trout have been biting for those willing to fish through the night. Night fishermen are reporting catches while soaking Power Bait below a submersible light along the main lake channels. Bass fishing is still good for angler fishing Carolina rigged baby brush hogs. Most Bass are of the smaller version with a bigger fish mixed in occasionally. Morning and evening top water fish are being caught right now on poppers and spook type lures. The lake is 33% full making it extremely low. There are a lot of dangers navigating the lake right now so be very careful if you’re planning on fishing from a boat. Because of the lake being so low Glory Hole Launch Ramp is the only ramp open for launching.

Lake Don Pedro:

Fishing for Kokanee is great right now as anglers are catching limits while trolling between 80 and 120 feet deep for both Kokanee and Salmon. Anglers targeting Trout are also doing good while trolling around 40 feet deep. Bass fishing continues to be good in the morning hours on top water lures. During the day anglers are catching limits of bass while fishing with live minnows.

Lake Amador:

Night fishing for bass is a favorite summertime escape for me. Lake Amador in particular is a small safe lake which with any cast can produce a personal best. An hour before the sun starts to go down Bass habitually will bring schools of shad to the surface which can create some explosive top water action. The key to catching feeding fish on the surface is patience. With a top water lure in hand, wait for the fish to start exploding on the surface and then make your cast right into the middle of the attacking fish. This technique will surely produce some of the most explosive top water action. Once the sun goes down I either toss a half ounce black spinner bait or drag 10 inch Berkeley Power worms. Then, if fishing through the night as the morning sun starts to break once again fish will be feeding on the surface, get that top water lure out and repeat the previous pattern.  

Lake Pardee:      

Fishing for Kokanee and Trout is good right now on the lake. Anglers trolling for Kokanee are fishing from 50 to 70 feet deep. Some of the best actions that I have found was while trolling with pink wiggle hootchies behind a chrome dodger. Bass fishing is good in the mornings. Once the day breaks anglers are finding Smallmouth Bass hanging out around the shy side of large bounders or on the deeper side of main lake points.

Boaters Needed:

The 17th annual Conroy Oakley Pro Teen tournament will be held on July 20 out of Russo’s Marina on Bethel Island. The purpose of the event is to introduce teens 13 to 19 years old to fishing through a professional style tournament where they will be paired up with a boater for six hours. Currently they are in need of more boaters for the event, boater’s fish for free, for more information call (925) 684-9775.