The Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta contains two of the west's greatest game fish, the striped bass and the largemouth bass. Both these fish are great fighters and prime targets for the catch and release fly rodder.
 Stripers were introduced into California from the east coast in the late 1800's and soon thrived reaching populations so great that they were once a commercial fishery. The water wars have reduced their numbers and current estimates place the adult delta population at about 500,000. Stripers are an aggressive fish that take a fly willingly most days. Once found a school of stripers can produce multiple hookups for anglers on a consistent basis. Most fish are from 1 to 8 pounds but the opportunity exists to catch fish in the 9 to 12 pound class on almost every outing. Fish above 15 pounds are rarer but a number are landed each season. The largest fish, those above 30 pounds, are the ultimate reward for a season's fly fishing and are well worth the time and effort. A delta game fish that has been completely ignored by fly rodders is the largemouth bass. The numerous sloughs, bays and backwaters of the delta contain thousands of bass and they are definitely reachable with a fly rod. The techniques needed to land these fish are very delta specific. A good day's fishing can reward the persistent angler with well over 25 hookups. Delta large mouths have weighed in at over 15 pounds but the average sized fish is between one and four pounds. Come spend a day on the water with me. Let's "rip some lips," tell some tales, share the beauty of the delta and enjoy fishing from a truly great fishing platform, the "No Nonsense." |
