Rain will pay dividends for local fishermen

While the rain is putting a temporary damper on some fishing, it will benefit us all later in the year. With that in mind let’s look at local water conditions.

San Francisco/San Pablo Bay — These two bodies of water are where you will find the best results for sturgeon fishing. Target the south bay waters of San Francisco bay and the Shallow waters near and around the pump house for San Pablo Bay. Primary baits should be shrimp baits combed with blood or pile worms.

Delta — Pretty much blown out by high water and debris. Stripers are few and far in between, use bait for best results. Sturgeon can be found on incoming tides in Pittsburg and west delta waters. Shrimp, Roe, eel are your top baits. Black Bass can be found in the back waters of sloughs, fish slow using soft worms and plastic baits. Watch your wakes and boat safely, it’s a critical time on the water ways with the levees.

Mother Lode lakes — Amador: a muddy mess tough fishing.

Don Pedro: high water slow bite, Heavy Debris.

Melones: rising water watch for surface debris, Troll on top 5 to 12 feet for trout. First Kokanee caught fishing at a depth of 25 feet.

Camanche: water has continued to rise putting the fish on a slow bite. Troll with speedy shiners with cop car and gold color. Once the lake stabilizes fishing will be great again. Target crappie at 25-30 feet trolling grubs.

Pardee: February 16. is the opening day, expect bank fishing to be the top fodder with powerbait. Kokanee will be a mystery bite, with dodgers and micro baits as your best choice.