The striped bass and largemouth bass fishing has been solid on the San Joaquin River with two fish limits the rule for anglers on the troll. The best action is in 7 to 9 feet of water trolling with shallow running Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows and P-Line Predator Angry Eyes with a white worm trailer. Most to the fish are running from 5 to 8 pounds, up to an occasional fish hitting the 12 pound mark. Some of the schools located are big and cover a wide area. In some cases it has been observed that a few sea lions have appeared and they are spooking the fish. Striped bass fishing should remain pretty good throughout the month of May into June.

 

The striped bass fishing has been slow on the Sacramento River. This is due to the water still being somewhat stained. Water clarity is much better on the San Joaquin River presently. Sturgeon still chomping on your bait in Suisun Bay and Big and Little Cuts. Salmon roe and grass shrimp seem to be drawing an aggressive bite. Most of the recent catches have been target length with a few oversized in the mix.

 

How would you like to board your vessel for a day of fishing and find that some lousy thief stole all of your fishing tackle. Well, that is what happen to James Netzel of Tight Lines Guide Service whose operation is out of Korth’s Pirates Lair at the south of the Mokelumne River. James made a shocking discovery when he found 12 fishing rods, 13 reels and fishing tackle worth $5,800 missing from his boat. Note: Those who bait fish at anchor can purchase fresh thread fin shad at H&R Bait in Stockton where they are receiving up to 70 pounds on the weekends. The size of the shad range form medium to large.