How to Fish California Delta: Best Patterns & Techniques

California Delta

Published: Nov 1, 2018

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on California Delta

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Bass are transitioning to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming water temperatures around 60°F. They are feeding opportunistically on both crawfish and bluegill while preparing for the spawn. Fish are showing moderate aggression levels, responding to moving baits like chatterbaits but may require slower presentations in colder pockets	Submerged vegetation edges near spawning flats, particularly areas with cleaner water Brush piles adjacent to spawning areas, especially during cold fronts Protected areas with warmer water temperatures	Bladed Jigs worked steadily through vegetation and around cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in heavy cover and vegetation Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along transition areas	Crawfish becoming active in warming waters Bluegill in and around vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Pre-spawn stripers are actively feeding and moving from deeper winter areas to staging areas near spawning grounds, following shad schools Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with increased surface feeding activity when baitfish are present Tidal influences affect positioning and feeding windows, with fish often more active during moving water	Main river channel edges and points where pre-spawn fish stage Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where baitfish schools gather Rip rap areas that warm quickly and attract baitfish	Umbrella Rigs worked through baitfish schools and along channel edges Hard Jerkbaits with moderate pauses to trigger reaction strikes Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) fished slowly near structure	Schooling shad moving into shallower water Various baitfish species gathering near warming structure	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Staging in pre-spawn locations near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving progressively shallower as water temperatures rise, particularly using vegetation edges and woody cover	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays Transition areas between deep and shallow water near spawning flats	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Finesse Hair Jigs	Small Minnows Young Bluegill Micro Invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are feeding opportunistically but not aggressively, focusing on slower-moving prey near structure	Rocky points and rip-rap areas that warm up first in spring Transition areas between deep winter holding areas and spawning flats Submerged brush piles adjacent to deeper water	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Ned Rigs fished with subtle movements near rocky structure Tubes dragged slowly across rocky areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Smaller bluegill in brush pile areas Shad schools in slightly deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	52-62	Chain pickerel are transitioning to pre-spawn patterns, becoming more active and aggressive as water temperatures rise, particularly in shallow vegetated areas Fish are moving from deeper wintering areas to shallow spawning locations, staging near emerging vegetation and woody cover	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and matted grass in 2-4 feet of water Flooded brush and woody cover near shoreline transitions Protected coves with warmer water temperatures	Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically near vegetation edges Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily through sparse cover Inline Spinners worked parallel to emerging weed edges	Bluegill concentrating in warming shallows Shad schools moving into tributary areas and shallow flats	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Actively seeking spawning areas in shallow water near reeds and lily pads, with females staging nearby Males aggressively defending nest sites and striking reactively at threats	Reed beds and lily pad areas in 2-4 feet of water Secondary points adjacent to spawning flats Protected shallow bays with matted vegetation	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting thick cover Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly along edges Shakey Heads for staging areas	Crawfish emerging in shallow areas Bluegill moving into spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Striped bass are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, making upstream movements towards river channels and tributaries. They're actively feeding to build energy for spawning. Fish are showing increased surface activity and schooling behavior, particularly during dawn and dusk periods when targeting shad.	River channel intersections and tributary mouths where spawning runs occur Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially those with rip rap Main lake points that funnel fish toward spawning areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along channel edges and through schools Hard Topwater (Walking) during low light periods when fish are surface feeding Umbrella Rigs to mimic schooling baitfish in more open water	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas Small baitfish moving into shallow areas with warming water	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie transitioning to spawning areas in shallow water (2-6 feet), becoming highly structure-oriented around vegetation and woody cover Males moving in first to establish nesting sites, followed by females staging nearby in slightly deeper water Aggressive territorial behavior around nests, with increased feeding activity during prime spawning conditions	Shallow coves and protected areas with mixed vegetation (reeds, lily pads) Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow wood structure near shoreline transitions	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) - Precise presentations to visible structure Bobbers - Suspended presentations around shallow cover Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) - Mimicking primary forage	Small Minnows - Primary forage based on fishing reports Juvenile Bluegill - Secondary forage option Small Invertebrates - Opportunistic feeding during spawn	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-65	Males actively scouting and preparing spawning beds on hard bottom areas near shoreline structure Females staging in slightly deeper water adjacent to spawning areas, moving shallow during peak spawn Increased aggression and territorial behavior around spawning sites	Rocky points and rip rap areas with pea gravel or small rock bottom in 2-6 feet Protected shoreline cuts with hard bottom composition Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water staging areas	Tubes worked slowly along bottom near spawning areas Ned Rigs with subtle presentations for pressured fish Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible structure	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill in shallow areas Young of year shad beginning to appear	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	58-65	Actively spawning in shallow vegetation and woody cover, typically in 2-4 feet of water, with males guarding nests Aggressive territorial behavior, striking at both food sources and potential threats to spawning areas	Matted grass and reed edges in 2-4 feet of water with nearby slightly deeper water access Flooded brush and woody cover areas in protected coves Shallow vegetation pockets along irregular shoreline points	Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically near spawning areas Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through shallow cover Spinnerbaits worked along grass edges and through scattered wood cover	Bluegill concentrating in similar spawning areas Shad moving into warmer shallow waters	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	63-77	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, showing willingness to chase bait as evidenced by reaction strikes on swim jigs and power baits Fish are relating heavily to vegetation and cover, with reports showing success around submerged vegetation, reeds, and brush piles Bass are demonstrating opportunistic feeding behavior, striking at both large profile baits and finesse presentations	Submerged vegetation patches in 3-8 feet of water, particularly with access to deeper water Reed lines and grass edges, especially during higher tides Brush piles near shoreline structure	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around vegetation edges Swim Jigs retrieved steadily through submerged vegetation Neko Rigs dragged slowly in turbid conditions	Crawfish actively moving in shallow areas Bluegill beginning to spawn near cover Shad schools in open water areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-72	Post-spawn stripers are actively feeding to recover energy, forming loose schools around bait concentrations Fish are making transitions between deeper wintering areas and shallow feeding zones, following shad movements	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where current concentrates baitfish Shallow flats (less than 5ft) with access to deeper water where shad are schooling Rip rap banks where current and structure create ambush points	Hard Topwater (Walking) during low light periods when shad are surface feeding Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked at various depths to match shad schools Umbrella Rigs to trigger reaction strikes from actively feeding schools	Shad schools gathering in post-winter concentrations Small baitfish utilizing shallow flats and structure edges	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding on bluegill and baitfish in slightly deeper water Forming loose schools around structure and baitfish concentrations, becoming more active during warmer parts of day	Transition areas between spawning bays and deeper water, especially near vegetation Areas with concentrated baitfish schools, particularly around diverse cover types Secondary points and creek channels with access to deeper water	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) - especially effective for targeting specific structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) - matches baitfish presence Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) - effective for covering water to locate active fish	Bluegill - primary forage as indicated in recent reports Small Baitfish - supported by lake profile showing strong baitfish population	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily relating to rocky structure and transition areas Fish are moving between shallow spawning areas and early summer feeding zones, often staging on points and breaks	Rocky points and rip-rap areas with access to deeper water Submerged brush piles near shoreline transitions Secondary points with mixed rock and vegetation	Bladed Jigs worked along rocky banks and through brush Tubes dragged and hopped on rocky points Swim Jigs around brush piles and vegetation edges	Crawfish emerging and active on rocky areas Bluegill beginning to spawn in protected areas Young shad becoming more active in warming water	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	58-72	Chain pickerel are highly active in spring post-spawn, aggressively patrolling shallow vegetation edges and woody cover for prey Fish are spread throughout the shallows, primarily in 2-6 foot depths, using the turbid water conditions for ambush opportunities	Edges of matted grass and reed beds in 2-4 feet of water Flooded brush and woody cover areas, especially those adjacent to slightly deeper water Wind-blown shorelines where baitfish are concentrated	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to vegetation edges Soft Jerkbaits with erratic retrieves around cover Inline Spinners near woody structure	Bluegill concentrating in shallow vegetation Shad schools moving along shorelines	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	65-87	Bass are showing a clear two-phase daily pattern: early morning/late evening surface activity near vegetation, transitioning to deeper cover during hot midday periods Fish are heavily structure-oriented, relating to matted grass, submerged vegetation, and riprap for shade and cooling during intense summer heat Feeding activity peaks during lower light conditions, with fish moving into heavy cover during bright, hot periods	Matted grass and heavy vegetation providing overhead cover Submerged vegetation edges near deeper water Riprap banks with adjacent vegetation Deep brush piles and submerged trees offering shade	Drop Shot with heavy gear for thick cover Buzzbaits and topwater props early morning Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in heavy cover Neko Rigs along vegetation edges	Bluegill in and around vegetation Crawfish near riprap and hard structure Small baitfish relating to submerged vegetation edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Striped Bass	72-76	Actively feeding on shad near surface and in shallow water (under 5ft), especially during tide changes Schooling behavior with aggressive surface strikes, particularly during optimal temperature range of 72-76°F Moving between submerged vegetation and points, following baitfish schools	Submerged vegetation in shallow water (less than 5ft) Points and ledges during tide transitions Isolated ledges in 8-10ft depth range	Hard Topwater (Walking) - work aggressively over shallow vegetation Hard Body Swimbaits - target ledges and points during tide changes Hard Topwater (Prop) - early morning and evening over vegetation	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Bluegill - secondary forage noted in shallow areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-84	Actively feeding on baitfish schools in summer patterns, showing pelagic feeding behavior Utilizing vegetation edges and cover for shade during warm periods while staying close to forage	Areas near baitfish schools in the delta region Vegetation edges with access to deeper water Shaded areas around matted grass and lily pads	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths to match baitfish movement Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) to cover water and locate active schools Hover/Mid-Strolling around baitfish concentrations	Minnows Bluegill Small baitfish schools	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-82	Actively feeding near rocky structures and rip rap during early morning and evening, with movement to slightly deeper adjacent areas during bright midday periods Relating heavily to physical structure due to turbid conditions (1.5m secchi), using lateral lines to detect prey movement and vibration	Rip rap banks and rocky points, especially where they transition to deeper water Submerged brush piles adjacent to shoreline structure Areas where rock structure meets submerged vegetation	Bladed Jigs worked along rocky structure, utilizing vibration to trigger strikes in turbid water Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked through brush piles and vegetation Spinnerbaits parallel to shoreline structure during low light periods	Crawfish in and around rocky structure Bluegill relating to brush piles and vegetation Shad in open water adjacent to structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Chain Pickerel	72-87	Chain pickerel are actively feeding in shallow, vegetated areas during summer, particularly during early morning and evening hours Fish are utilizing matted grass and woody cover as ambush points, striking aggressively at moving baits During mid-day heat, pickerel shift to slightly deeper edges of vegetation or shade from flooded brush	Edges of matted grass and reed beds in 2-4 feet of water Flooded brush and woody cover areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water Shaded pockets within vegetation where bluegill concentrate	Buzzbaits worked over and along vegetation edges during low light periods Soft Jerkbaits with erratic retrieves near cover Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges and through gaps in vegetation	Bluegill concentrating in and around vegetation Shad schools in slightly deeper water adjacent to vegetation Small panfish utilizing woody cover for protection	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for California Delta

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-78	Bass are actively feeding on shad and other baitfish, following bait schools and utilizing vegetation edges as ambush points Fish are transitioning between shallow and mid-depth zones, responding to dropping water temperatures (from high 70s to high 50s)	Edges of matted grass and lily pad fields where they meet deeper water Submerged vegetation in 5-10 foot depth range Brush piles adjacent to grass lines	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with soft plastics around heavy cover Hard Jerkbaits worked with longer pauses as water cools Wacky Rigs along grass edges during calmer conditions	Shad schools moving through the area Bluegill relating to vegetation	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	65-75	Actively schooling and feeding on shad in shallow water (2-5ft), particularly during optimal temperature periods around 68-73°F Surface feeding activity common, with fish responding well to topwater presentations and noise-making lures in turbid conditions Moving in seasonal migration patterns, concentrating in delta areas and showing aggressive feeding behavior	Shallow flats less than 5ft deep where bait schools concentrate Submerged vegetation edges in areas with current Open water areas where shad are schooling near the surface	Hard Topwater (Walking) with walking baits like Strike King Sexy Dawg Hard Topwater (Popping) with rattling poppers Lipless Crankbaits worked through submerged vegetation Hard Body Swimbaits like glide baits in shallow water	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports) Crawfish (secondary forage near structure)	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Crappie	55-68	Crappie are actively schooling and feeding on baitfish, following shad schools in the water column Fish are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, but still utilizing vegetation edges during prime feeding periods Schools become more concentrated and aggressive during favorable weather windows	Deep edges of vegetation where it meets deeper water Brush piles and submerged timber in 8-15 feet of water Creek channels and deeper depressions near shoreline structure	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad schools Small bluegill Young-of-year baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Actively feeding on crawfish and baitfish while transitioning to deeper structure as temperatures cool Utilizing brush piles and rocky areas as primary ambush points, especially during afternoon feeding periods	Deep brush piles adjacent to rocky structure Rock-laden points and cuts with access to deeper water Rip rap banks with nearby deep water access	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around brush piles Drop Shot with finesse presentations in deeper water Bladed Jigs near rocky structure for reaction strikes	Crawfish Bluegill Shad	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Chain Pickerel	58-72	Chain pickerel becoming more aggressive in cooling fall waters, actively pursuing baitfish schools in shallow vegetated areas and woody cover Fish staging near ambush points, particularly during morning and evening hours when baitfish are most active	Matted grass edges and submerged vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Flooded brush and woody cover near shoreline areas Shallow bays with concentrated baitfish schools	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and through gaps in vegetation Soft Jerkbaits with erratic retrieve near cover Inline Spinners near surface during low light conditions	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation Shad schools moving into shallower water	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Largemouth bass are exhibiting typical winter patterns, holding near vegetation edges and structure while feeding opportunistically on bluegill and crawfish Fish are responding best to slow, methodical presentations with limited movement, especially during cold fronts and temperature drops	Outside edges of submerged vegetation in areas protected from strong current Rip rap banks that hold heat and provide crawfish forage Deeper cuts and holes near flooded brush that offer winter refuge	Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure Texas Rigs (Worming) with subtle movements in vegetation Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') near rip rap on warmer days	Bluegill concentrated in remaining vegetation Crawfish active near rocky structure Shad schools in deeper water near structure	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	50-55	Stripers are actively feeding in moderately deep water, targeting shad and other baitfish with water temperatures ranging from 50-55°F Fish are showing both schooling behavior and structure-oriented patterns, with increased activity around rip rap and river channels	Rip rap banks and rocky areas, particularly where they intersect with deeper water River channel edges and deeper ledges where baitfish school Open water areas where shad schools are present	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses Hard Body Swimbaits retrieved slowly near structure Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along rock banks and ledges	Shad schools in open water and near structure Bluegill near submerged vegetation and structure	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are schooling tightly in deeper water, often suspending near structure or along depth changes Feeding periods are shorter but more intense, typically during dawn, dusk, and weather changes Fish are less active but will still chase slow-moving baits, especially when mimicking stressed baitfish	Deep creek channel bends with adjacent structure Deeper holes near standing timber or brush Deep water areas adjacent to dying vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Spider Rigging Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small, stressed baitfish in winter patterns Juvenile bluegill in deeper water Small minnows around structure	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	38-48	Smallmouth bass become more lethargic and concentrate in deeper water near steep breaks and rock structure Feeding windows are shorter and typically occur during warmer parts of the day, especially near temperature breaks	Deep rock piles and rip rap areas adjacent to steep breaks Submerged brush piles in 15-25 foot depths Sharp drop-offs near points with hard bottom composition	Blade Baits worked slowly with long pauses near bottom Drop Shot with subtle movements in deeper structure Tubes dragged slowly across rocky structure	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas Smaller bluegill in deeper brush piles Suspended shad schools near temperature breaks	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Chain Pickerel	52-62	Chain pickerel remain active in winter, using shallow vegetation and woody cover as ambush points Fish are maintaining opportunistic feeding patterns near baitfish schools in turbid conditions	Matted grass and reed edges in 2-4 feet of water Flooded brush and woody cover areas near shoreline Wind-swept shorelines with active baitfish	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through cover Inline Spinners retrieved steadily near vegetation Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses near structure	Bluegill concentrating in protected areas Shad schools in slightly deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in California Delta

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges near spawning flats, particularly areas with cleaner water	Brush piles adjacent to spawning areas, especially during cold fronts
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main river channel edges and points where pre-spawn fish stage	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where baitfish schools gather
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and rip-rap areas that warm up first in spring	Transition areas between deep winter holding areas and spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and matted grass in 2-4 feet of water	Flooded brush and woody cover near shoreline transitions
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds and lily pad areas in 2-4 feet of water	Secondary points adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	River channel intersections and tributary mouths where spawning runs occur	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially those with rip rap
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow coves and protected areas with mixed vegetation (reeds, lily pads)	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and rip rap areas with pea gravel or small rock bottom in 2-6 feet	Protected shoreline cuts with hard bottom composition
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Matted grass and reed edges in 2-4 feet of water with nearby slightly deeper water access	Flooded brush and woody cover areas in protected coves
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation patches in 3-8 feet of water, particularly with access to deeper water	Reed lines and grass edges, especially during higher tides
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where current concentrates baitfish	Shallow flats (less than 5ft) with access to deeper water where shad are schooling
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Transition areas between spawning bays and deeper water, especially near vegetation	Areas with concentrated baitfish schools, particularly around diverse cover types
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and rip-rap areas with access to deeper water	Submerged brush piles near shoreline transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Edges of matted grass and reed beds in 2-4 feet of water	Flooded brush and woody cover areas, especially those adjacent to slightly deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass and heavy vegetation providing overhead cover	Submerged vegetation edges near deeper water
Summer	Striped Bass	Submerged vegetation in shallow water (less than 5ft)	Points and ledges during tide transitions
Summer	Crappie	Areas near baitfish schools in the delta region	Vegetation edges with access to deeper water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rip rap banks and rocky points, especially where they transition to deeper water	Submerged brush piles adjacent to shoreline structure
Summer	Chain Pickerel	Edges of matted grass and reed beds in 2-4 feet of water	Flooded brush and woody cover areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Edges of matted grass and lily pad fields where they meet deeper water	Submerged vegetation in 5-10 foot depth range
Fall	Striped Bass	Shallow flats less than 5ft deep where bait schools concentrate	Submerged vegetation edges in areas with current
Fall	Crappie	Deep edges of vegetation where it meets deeper water	Brush piles and submerged timber in 8-15 feet of water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep brush piles adjacent to rocky structure	Rock-laden points and cuts with access to deeper water
Fall	Chain Pickerel	Matted grass edges and submerged vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Flooded brush and woody cover near shoreline areas
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Outside edges of submerged vegetation in areas protected from strong current	Rip rap banks that hold heat and provide crawfish forage
Winter	Striped Bass	Rip rap banks and rocky areas, particularly where they intersect with deeper water	River channel edges and deeper ledges where baitfish school
Winter	Crappie	Deep creek channel bends with adjacent structure	Deeper holes near standing timber or brush
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rock piles and rip rap areas adjacent to steep breaks	Submerged brush piles in 15-25 foot depths
Winter	Chain Pickerel	Matted grass and reed edges in 2-4 feet of water	Flooded brush and woody cover areas near shoreline

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish becoming active in warming waters	Bluegill in and around vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Schooling shad moving into shallower water	Various baitfish species gathering near warming structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small Minnows	Young Bluegill
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Smaller bluegill in brush pile areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Bluegill concentrating in warming shallows	Shad schools moving into tributary areas and shallow flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in shallow areas	Bluegill moving into spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas	Small baitfish moving into shallow areas with warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small Minnows - Primary forage based on fishing reports	Juvenile Bluegill - Secondary forage option
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Bluegill concentrating in similar spawning areas	Shad moving into warmer shallow waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving in shallow areas	Bluegill beginning to spawn near cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools gathering in post-winter concentrations	Small baitfish utilizing shallow flats and structure edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Bluegill - primary forage as indicated in recent reports	Small Baitfish - supported by lake profile showing strong baitfish population
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging and active on rocky areas	Bluegill beginning to spawn in protected areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Bluegill concentrating in shallow vegetation	Shad schools moving along shorelines
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around vegetation	Crawfish near riprap and hard structure
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Bluegill - secondary forage noted in shallow areas
Summer	Crappie	Minnows	Bluegill
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish in and around rocky structure	Bluegill relating to brush piles and vegetation
Summer	Chain Pickerel	Bluegill concentrating in and around vegetation	Shad schools in slightly deeper water adjacent to vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving through the area	Bluegill relating to vegetation
Fall	Striped Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Crawfish (secondary forage near structure)
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools	Small bluegill
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish	Bluegill
Fall	Chain Pickerel	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation	Shad schools moving into shallower water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated in remaining vegetation	Crawfish active near rocky structure
Winter	Striped Bass	Shad schools in open water and near structure	Bluegill near submerged vegetation and structure
Winter	Crappie	Small, stressed baitfish in winter patterns	Juvenile bluegill in deeper water
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas	Smaller bluegill in deeper brush piles
Winter	Chain Pickerel	Bluegill concentrating in protected areas	Shad schools in slightly deeper water

Bait Colors by Season for California Delta

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Chain Pickerel	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Chain Pickerel	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Chain Pickerel	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors