Fishing is a beloved pastime for many, and the California outdoors is a treasure trove for anglers. This week, we dive into the top fishing spots, as curated by the esteemed Dave Hurley, a member of the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. But beyond the rankings and reports, I'll offer my own insights and commentary, exploring the trends, the challenges, and the hidden gems that make this sport so captivating. So, let's reel in the details and cast a line into the exciting world of fishing in California.
The Top Spots
Eastman Lake/Hensley Lake
Eastman Lake and Hensley Lake are a angler's paradise, especially for bass enthusiasts. Damian Thao's recent trip yielded impressive results, with a 37-pound total for five fish, showcasing the lake's potential for big catches. Tas Moua noted that the best action occurs in the morning, and some anglers are experimenting with jigs at depths of 8-25 feet. The variety of fish species, including bass, trout, bluegill, catfish, and crappie, makes these lakes a versatile destination for anglers of all preferences.
New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch
New Melones Reservoir and Tulloch offer a different experience, with bass and trout taking center stage. Aaron Jones shared that the bass bite deepens as the sun rises, providing topwater action early and late. Working jigs at 40-60 feet is another effective tactic. However, boaters must be aware of the quarantine and decontamination requirements for their vessels.
Pine Flat Reservoir/Kings River
Pine Flat Reservoir and the Kings River are known for their king salmon and trout, but the heat has impacted the fishing. King salmon and trout bites have been slow, with anglers focusing on kokanee and tournaments. The Fresno Bass Club tournament on July 26 is the only one scheduled, highlighting the competitive spirit among anglers.
Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake
Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake are renowned for their kokanee and trout fishing. Shaver guide Dick Nichols reported that the water level drop may have affected kokanee fishing, but the fish are still there. Bob Hatmaker's success with orange Mountain Tube's and Silver Tiger Trout Busters at 37 feet deep is a testament to the lake's potential. Huntington Lake continues to offer consistent kokanee and trout fishing, with smaller kokanee and planters-sized trout.
Wishon/Courtright
Wishon and Courtright Lakes are known for their trout fishing, with Kelly Brewer noting that anglers pulling lures at 3-4 colors depth range are consistently catching limits. Worms and power bait are also effective. The lakes are still holding at full capacity, providing ample space for anglers to explore.
Valley/Westside Waterways
The Valley and Westside waterways are a haven for striped bass and catfish. Tas Moua reported that the bite remains steady, with working spillways and canal bends being the best strategy. Some catfish are also showing up on bait, adding variety to the catch.
Lake Don Pedro
Lake Don Pedro offers a mix of bass, trout, kokanee, and king salmon. Aaron Jones shared that the bite is decent for early and late fish, with choppo's and topwater baits working during lower light times. Deep cranks have also been effective. The lake's drop in elevation and the Blue Oaks Upper Launch Ramp's accessibility make it an attractive destination for anglers.
Monte Smith's Insights
Monte Smith provided valuable insights into the Kokanee bite, noting that it has been off and that the Kokanee tournament was won by Justin Ross with 3 fish weighing 5.5 lbs. Many anglers struggled to locate and catch any fish, highlighting the challenge of finding the right spots.
San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay
San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay are attracting shore anglers with their bait and casted flukes and lures. Tas Moua noted that there is some topwater action on Duo Realis baits from shore. Roger George, a guide, shared that heavy winds and finding active schools of stripers are the biggest challenges for boaters. The lake's slow drop in elevation and water temperatures around 67 degrees create a dynamic fishing environment.
High Sierra
Bass Lake, located in the High Sierra, has been slow after the Fourth of July, but Mike Beighey, a local guide, expects it to pick up in a week or so. He shared his favorite techniques, including using Dicks Mountain tube spinners in orange or pink, tipped with corn, and Dicks Silver tiger in green. The lake's potential for large trout is a draw for anglers.
Monterey/Santa Cruz
Monterey and Santa Cruz are a haven for salmon, rockfish, halibut, striped bass, white seabass, sand dabs, and surf perch. Allen Bushnell reported that high winds offshore are keeping tuna hunters inside, but big bluefin are out there. The bay is alive with bait, and salmon anglers are finding their fish near deep submarine canyons. Rockfishing remains strong, with limits of rockfish and the occasional lingcod. Halibut and surfcasting are also decent, with the best fishing grounds teeming with life.
Golden Gate/San Francisco Bay/Half Moon Bay
The Bay Area is offering excellent salmon fishing, with limits of bigger salmon showing up this week. Trolling along the coast and just outside the gate has been successful. Striper bass and halibut bites are steady, and leopard sharks are also biting. The area is a haven for various fish species, providing anglers with diverse opportunities.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay is known for its rockfish and surf perch, with the best fishing grounds located a few miles offshore. The deep reefs provide abundant and larger fish, while inshore limits are possible with big blue rockfish and the occasional big vermilion or lingcod. Local charter operations continue to report limits of rockfish for clients.
Delta/Stockton
Delta and Stockton are experiencing a frog bite, with anglers targeting calmer waters out of the wind. Randy Pringle, 'The Fishing Instructor', advised looking for weeds waving in the water, as they indicate a current that keeps the water cooler for bass. The punch bite has also been good, with rip rap and small weeds as the best structures to fish. Stripers are entering the system, and walk-the-dog, swimbaits, Bubba Shad, and P-Lune Lazer Minnows are effective choices. Avoiding strong winds is crucial for a successful outing.
Personal Reflections
As an avid angler, I find the diversity of fishing spots in California truly remarkable. From the serene lakes to the dynamic reservoirs, and from the vibrant bay areas to the challenging rivers, each spot offers a unique experience. The variety of fish species and the ever-changing conditions keep the sport exciting and engaging. The personal stories and insights shared by guides and anglers alike add a layer of connection and community to the sport.
In my opinion, the key to a successful fishing trip is adaptability. Anglers must be willing to adjust their tactics based on the conditions and the behavior of the fish. The color orange in tackle choices, as mentioned by several guides, is a subtle yet effective strategy. It's a reminder that sometimes the smallest details can make a big difference.
Furthermore, the social aspect of fishing cannot be overlooked. The camaraderie among anglers, the sharing of stories and techniques, and the sense of community that forms around the sport are what make it so special. Whether it's a solo trip or a group outing, fishing connects people to nature and to each other in meaningful ways.
In conclusion, the top fishing spots in California this week offer a wealth of opportunities for anglers of all levels. From the thrill of catching a large bass to the satisfaction of landing a limit of trout, each spot has its own unique charm. As an angler, I encourage everyone to explore these destinations, embrace the challenges, and create their own memorable fishing experiences.
