As the song goes “school's out for summer!” I was so excited to get my boat out this past Monday. As always, before exiting my driveway I did a quick inspection of my boat and trailer, and noticed that one of the tires on my trailer was a little low on air. Not thinking of it as a big deal, I headed out to the lake anyway. As I entered the entrance to the lake, I was waved down by a motorist letting me know that one of my trailer tires had gone flat. Sure enough, that tire had gone completely flat, and off to the nearest tire shop I went.

Luckily for me it was only a $10 valve stem but it cost me time out on the water and it wasn’t exactly the start to my summer break that I was anticipating. The fishing was also extremely tough, adding insult to injury. I did, however, get my boat out and the weather was absolutely perfect. I’m looking forward to my next fishing trip, this time I’ll make sure to not ignore low tire pressure or any other sign.

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 spinnerbaits can be extremely effective fished on the outside weed edges during windy conditions. With the Bluegill spawn in full gear a large 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. All boat launching on the lake is on gravel out of Glory Hole Point, making having a vehicle equipped with four wheel drive necessary. There’s also not a courtesy dock making it a two person job for most boaters.

Don Pedro:

Kokanee are providing anglers trolling with steady action just as long as they are trolling at the correct depths and speeds. The depth fluctuates throughout the day as the schools of fish typically go deeper as the sun gets higher. Bass fishing is good right now for anglers fishing early in the day with top water baits and shaky head worms during the day. The bass like to school up during the summer around islands and main lake points. Fleming Meadows has the only paved launch ramp available on the lake.

Lake Camanche:

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

Catching trout right now are fishing as deep as 45 feet deep 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 Pardee:

There a lot of trout being caught by anglers fishing with bait right in the launch ramp cove. On the lake anglers are catching Kokanee while trolling between 40 and 50 feet deep early in the morning. Once the sun gets high the kokanee seem to be harder to find for most anglers. Bass fishing is good, there is a good top water bite in the morning. During the day anglers are having luck while fishing around the rocks with small jigs.

Lake Tulloch:      

Smallmouth bass have been providing excellent action for anglers fishing late and early with topwater 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:

With most of our lakes being lower that they’ve been in a long time, it’s more important now than ever to slow down. Water hazards are usually not marked until someone either runs aground or someone who works at the lake marks it. As the water levels are fluctuating daily, there are new water hazards every day, so be careful.