Water Temperature: 54° to 56°
Target Species: Bass
Fishing Method: Float and Fly
Leader Length: 6 to 9 feet
Fishing Overview: With spring storms rolling in and out, the bass are finally gearing up for their spawn, making this an exciting time on the lake. Over the next few weeks, the biggest fish will start showing up first, creating prime conditions for anglers. As the rain begins to ease up and the weather stabilizes, it’s shaping up to be a great spring fishing season!
Techniques & Gear:
- The Float and Fly method is my preferred technique on the lake.
- For fly selection, the Black Leech and Williams Wagasaki from North Valley Fly Fishing have been producing excellent results.
- A 6 to 9-foot leader is working best to keep your presentation in the strike zone at the proper depth.
Fishing Patterns & Tips:
- Focus on working the bank with bold steep rock structure and the outside of the flats around the 12 to 15 ft range.
- The second drop-off around 8 to 15 feet is a prime spot. These areas are often overlooked but can hold a lot of fish this time of year.
- I’ve been having most of my success inside the Markley and Pleasure Cove areas.
Bonus Species:
- This is also the time when you might encounter Trout while targeting Bass with the float and fly rig.
- The trout takes are subtle, make sure to set on everything!
- Attention all carp enthusiasts! The carp are starting to surface, so keep your eyes peeled!
Conservation Issues:
Golden Mussel Awareness Continues! Golden Mussels have started showing up in California’s reservoirs, and local water agencies are taking action. A quarantine has been put in place to try to slow their spread, with decontamination stations set up at Steel Park and Markley Cove. Please remember to clean your boat thoroughly, especially if you’re moving between different bodies of water, like from the Delta to any freshwater lake. It’s crucial to help prevent the spread of these invasive species.
Hot Tip:
Around this time, the fish become more active, so don’t hesitate to cast a bit farther from the points than you normally would. Think of it as targeting “no man’s land” – that’s often where you’ll find the bigger fish fattening up right now.
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