California Delta Fish Report

Updated June 7, 2023
California Delta:
DELTA, Sacramento Side — Big minus tides and heavy inflow from the upper Sacramento River have muddied up the Sacramento side of the Delta, and striped bass action has become quite challenging. There are linesides in San Francisco Bay or in the upper river between Knight’s Landing and Tisdale, but the section of the Delta has been slim pickings. The upper river fish will be coming back downstream sometime within the next few weeks, and when the water clears, the troll bite on the West Bank should be back on. Sturgeon remain in numbers in Suisun Bay, but interest has been limited although the fish are there. Anglers are requested to release the large gravid females on their way to spawn in the upper river.
DELTA, San Joaquin side — Striped bass fishing has slowed considerably as the linesides have moved out either upriver to spawn or back to the bay to feed in post-spawn mode. The schools have disappeared for the most part, but there will be a bulk of fish coming down from the upper river within the next month. Largemouth bass fishing has been limited by high, cold water as the fish are holding on hard bottom from 4 to 7 feet. A slow presentation with the Berkley General or Hit Worm on a Zappa head is working best as the reaction bite has slowed. Limits over 20 pounds continue to be the exception. The south San Joaquin River below Mossdale remains high and muddy, and action is limited to cut bait for catfish and the occasional striper.