Nteru Goodlookingstrippedsingers No Div%3E%3C A%3E%20%20%3Cform%3E%20%3Cinput%3E%20%3Cinput%3E%20%3C Form%3E%20%20%3Cdiv%3E%3C Div%3E%20%20%3Cul%20class Good Looking Stripped Singers California Delta Chambers and Visitor's Bureau - A Guide to the California Delta Waterways

Hello spring? This unusually dry weather is starting to concern me, as I would like to see more rain to hold us over through the summer. Regardless, mild days and cool nights have really opened up some great fishing opportunities in the Delta.

Two weeks ago on the 22nd of January, good ol’ Bernard Kim invited me out on a fishing spree which included striped bass and sturgeon in the morning, then crappie in the mid afternoon. We launched into a lumpy Sacramento River at Sherman Island early that morning, hitting some promising areas for stripers before searching out sturgeon in the Chain Island area. The stripers were no where to be found, and the sturgeon were sparse as well.

At around noon, we headed back for the ramp and trailed the boat out to 8 Mile Road, where we found some crappie willing to bite. We ended the afternoon with 10 crappie a piece, and some satisfaction knowing that a couple fish is always better than no fish. While crappie are usually targeted during the spring and summer months, you can catch them in the winter time if you’re willing to do a bit of searching with your electronics.

As far as sturgeon are concerned in the Sacramento Area, the fishing is still considered spotty; but I think a lot of that has to do with the Hood section of the river closing to access last month, therefore limiting the action. There are still areas south of Freeport that are open, but be weary of posted signs and make sure you pick up after yourself. I’m pretty sure one of the main reasons for its closing is due to trash.

I’m interested in steelhead fishing again; recently I dove into a plethora of online resources and print media looking at some of the new ways steelhead anglers are catching fish. It seems drift fishing is still an old standby on the American River along with tossing spinners and spoons (my old favorite method), but I’ve really been intrigued with the float/bobber application. Both yesterday and today I gave two different sections of the American River a try for only a few bumps and take downs on jigs and pink worms. On both days I witnessed some very nice fish landed by anglers wielding fly tackle. I’m determined, and will continue to fish the American until I figure out a pattern.

So, here we are – the beginning of February. Striped bass will begin showing in numbers here in the Sacramento area once the water temps warm a bit more, and of course sturgeon will be available until mid May. Other anglers are waiting for the coming of shad season; depending on our weather situation, we may see some shad around Freeport around the end of March.

To all, have a fun time on the banks. My pick locally is still sturgeon fishing. As always, make sure you pick up after yourself so the next person can enjoy the spot you just fished.