SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: Clear Evening Gives Up Single Channel Cat

4mph breezes and clear water greeted our fishing group on July 1, 2025. Fishing pressure stays modest on weeknights, and the fence line near the El Pollo Loco sign offers easy casting room starting around 5 p.m.

Cisco soaked a Carolina rig which included a 1oz egg sinker, one-foot mono leader, and 2/0 circle hook, baited with fresh cut mackerel. He lobbed the setup fifteen to twenty feet off the bank. At 8 p.m. the rod loaded up, and a two-pound channel cat came ashore after a short burst toward deeper water. No additional bites followed before lines-out at 11 p.m.

Expect the bite to rise as July heat pushes water temps higher. Bring plenty of mackerel or shrimp, refresh baits every twenty minutes, and keep casts short to shoreline cover once the sun drops.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY – Hot Rockfish and Lingcod; Halibut Inconsistent; Stripers Wide Open

Report from July 25 to August 4, with trips starting at 5:30 a.m. and fishing until limits or 2:30 p.m.

I have been fishing in San Francisco Bay between the San Rafael-Richmond Bridge and Bay Bridge for stripers and halibut. For halibut, we've also been targeting the north and south bars outside the Golden Gate Bridge. Rockfish and lingcod trips have been focused around Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, and Duxbury Reef.

Rockfish and lingcod fishing has been hot, with limits on both species achieved on most trips. Rockfish have ranged in various sizes and species. Lingcod have been particularly active, with days when we've limited out on lingcod even before reaching our rockfish limits. Lingcod have consistently been nice in size.

Halibut fishing has become more inconsistent recently. It's best to target smaller tides. Most keeper-size halibut seem to be in the ocean or near the Golden Gate Bridge. In the bay and ocean, we are catching many small halibut, ranging from 6 to 15 inches, indicating a positive outlook for future years. Most trips end with slightly more than one halibut per angler, with several nice fish measuring between 30 and 35 inches.

Striper fishing on most days has been wide open in certain spots. Most stripers caught are between 20 and 22 inches, with a few larger fish mixed in. Limits can be achieved quickly if you're in the right area. Slowly cruising around the islands and using sonar to locate schools has proven effective. When the fish are stacked up, they will bite just about anything presented.

Some months the fish make you fight for every bite, and July 2025 has been one of those grind-it-out months for NorCal striped bass. I’ve been fishing my whole life thanks to my dad, Manuel, who put me on my first striped bass from the surf in Pacifica, CA. My name’s Joel, founder of Vivid Snares & Fishing LLC, born and raised in the SF Bay Area, and I’ve been fishing these waters for two decades.

This summer, the bite’s been slow, but trust me—they’re still out there if you know where and when to look.

During June’s More Than Fishing Striped Bass Surf Fishing Tournament, even the OG surfcasters from Montauk back to San Mateo and up through San Francisco coastlines had a hard time matching last year’s numbers. But one angler, P-nut Khammao, showed everyone that persistence pays off. His trick? He chased diving birds on his e-bike, cast wherever the action popped, and when the birds stopped diving, he went to different beaches and stacked more than a handful of stripers while most stayed put and went home empty-handed.

The fish of the month for July? Jorge Barrera’s monster 37-inch striper, landed on a simple pink metal trout lure during low to incoming tide—proof that even in slow months, the big ones still chew. Sure, there are bigger numbers outside of NorCal, but here, they’re big.

While my dad and I skunked in the tourney, we’ve been hammering giant red rock crabs with my original lead-free Vivid Snares (vividsnares.com). From SF’s Crissy Field to Torpedo Wharf, the rock crab bite is straight fire since Dungeness crab season closed. Just bait up the crab snare with raw chicken, fish, or squid, cast with your fishing rod, and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Then set hard—if...

Salmon groups, Tribes respond to State Water Board updates to Bay-Delta Plan with deep alarm

SACRAMENTO — The State Water Resources Control Board has just released its controversial proposed updates to the Sacramento Delta portions of the Bay-Delta Plan.

The proposal includes both the Big Ag-backed voluntary agreements on water, strongly opposed by Tribes, environmental groups, fishing organizations and environmental justice organizations, and a “regulatory pathway.”

Governor Gavin Newsom gushed about the release of the update proposal — and, as usual, announced proposed legislation gutting the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to fast-track the implementation of the process.

"I am proud to see the healthy rivers and landscapes program represented in this plan update — it’s a testament to California’s commitment of a collaborative, science-driven approach to managing our water for the benefit of our communities, economy and fish and wildlife," claimed Newsom in a statement. "However, our work is not yet done — I have proposed legislation to create a CEQA exemption for all water quality control plans that would accelerate the time it takes to get these critical plans done by removing unnecessary and redundant process requirements."

"We’re done with barriers and obstacles to our state’s success. We must work together to protect our natural resources for the benefits of the habitats and people of our state," Newsom gushed.

Two salmon groups, Save California Salmon and the Golden State Salmon Association, blasted the inclusion of the voluntary agreements in the update.

"The Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan (Bay-Delta Plan) update is necessary to protect the water quality in the Bay-Delta and Sacramento River watershed," said Regina Chichizola, Executive Director of Save California Salmon. "This watershed is critically important to salmon, Tribes, and the tens of millions of Californians that get their drinking water from, or live in, the...

Summer All-Nighters: A Fishing Rite of Passage

by Jack Naves

Some memories never fade. A cool breeze. Waves lapping against the side of the boat. That river smell. The sound of the clicker going off.

I’ll never forget spending nights on the Sacramento River near Clarksburg with my dad back in the eighties. In search of striped bass, we’d anchor out on the flats and spend the night enjoying great food, watching wildlife, and waiting for that lunker to come along.

Those memories never fade; they are recalled anytime I am lucky enough to spend a night on the boat. Those opportunities are rare these days, but when they do happen, it takes me back to those nights on the river.

I recently had the chance to introduce a couple of kids to all-night fishing at New Melones Lake in Angel’s Camp. On back-to-back weekends, I hauled the boat up the hill packed with sleeping bags, lanterns, and enough propane to grill up some delectable delights. The first outing was on Friday, July 25, with my son Adam.

After launching the boat in the late afternoon sun, Adam and I trolled east in search of kokanee salmon. It started off slowly, but once we found the fish at 80-90 feet down, it was wide open. We limited out quickly on 15 to 17-inch footballs, incredible quality indeed! Next up, we ran to a cove on the west side of the lake and set up for all-night catfishing.

We enjoyed grilled hot dogs and chips while soaking chicken livers for catfish. As the sun disappeared over the hills, a noisy flock on Canada Geese swam by. I think they were trying to let us know that we were not at the catfish hotspot. Before it was totally dark, I ran east...

Lake Berryessa

Trollers Catch Kokanee Limits, Bass Respond to Top Water Baits

SACRAMENTO – Kokanee salmon fishing and black bass action are both sizzling on Lake Berryessa.

"I had a father/son duo of Leroy and Don out on Berryessa and they absolutely crushed ‘em," said Nate Kelsch of Big Nate’s Guide Service after a recent trip. "They landed limits of big, beautiful Kokanee, with a couple of donkeys in the mix, and 2 beautiful rainbow trout by 9 a.m."

"We used 4 different color Tpex lures behind 6 in. Catch America Offset Dodgers, tipped with Chrome Killer Corn," Kelsch observed. "The fish still cannot resist it! If you are not using these setups or the corn, you are truly missing out."

"We caught fish from 50 to 90 ft, but 75 to 90 ft was best. If you’re interested in booking a trip, please don’t hesitate to call, as we have now opened up the books for October as well. Berryessa is fishing as good as I’ve ever seen it, for all species, and shows no sign of slowing down. We haven’t even started our king salmon trips yet."

On his next trip, Kelsch reported similar fishing success. "This morning I had Miguel, Christine, and Rio out on Berryessa and they scored 3 limits by 10 a.m. of some big Kokanee and a bonus trout! We were cracking jokes the entire time, and had non-stop action," said Kelsch.

"We dropped a handful of fish, which extended our morning, and then they invited me to join them at Turtle Rock for some great egg roll," Kelsch noted.

"We trolled with the same Catch America 6 in. Offset Dodgers and Tpexs as the past few months, with Chrome Killer Corn. The only thing that is changing is the depths. These kokanee are...

Bullards Bar / Englebright Lakes

Go Deep for Late Season Kokanee

DOBBINS – The kokanee salmon season at Bullards Bar Reservoir is at its tail end as the fish move into their fall spawning mode.

"Bullards Bar is slowing down. The fish are going deep and turning gray," advised Brett Brady of Bare Bones Guide. "This is your last chance of the season if you want to chase them."

"We got 40 fish on Bullards Bar today, but it got a little rough after 9 a.m. We ended up throwing the kitchen sink at them," Brady advised after his most recent trip to the reservoir. "It was like they wanted something different all the time. We trolled at 70 to 80 feet deep."

Anglers interested in catching some kokanee should troll with Tpex lures, spinners and hoochies, tipped with white corn.

Bullards Bar is holding 775,376 acre-feet of water, 80 percent of capacity and 106 percent of average.

Few anglers have been on the water at Englebright Reservoir fishing for trout. However, this is generally a decent time of year to hook rainbows and an occasional brown while trolling with Rapalas, Needlefish, Cripplures and nightcrawlers behind dodgers. Expect to hook holdover rainbows in the 12 to 18 inch range.

Englebright is holding 68,050 acre feet of water, 97 percent of capacity and 103 percent of average.

• Dan Bacher

Collins Lake

Catfish, Crappie and Trout Lead Late Summer Angling Parade

OREGON HOUSE – Last month was one of the mildest California Julys in recent memory with highs just brushing above the 90s for two or three days mid-month. It’s been a fantastic summer here at Collins Lake.

If you’ve been looking for a time to camp without the crowds, you don’t have to wait till after Labor Day. Reserved weekday occupancy in the third and fourth weeks of August is currently 25% of the same weeks in July. Weekends are still fairly busy but weekdays in August look to be a treat.

The lake is currently about 17′ below spill – normal for this point in the irrigation season. The lake surface temperature is about 79°F.

As we start to see it drop more and more we’re preparing a trout planting schedule – tentatively starting mid-October. In the meantime we’ve seen a few big summer catfish, crappie, redear sunfish and even a limit of trout in July.

Emma, Sara, Toto and Millie took advantage of the beautiful weather and warmer summer water to catch a chunky 10-pound catfish down by the main marina using a worm.

The Usme family caught a pair of catfish with a total weight of 11 pounds around the same place using the same bait… so if you’re looking to catch a catfish, yeah.

Nick, Jason and Rick of Sacramento caught 21 good-sized crappie using a classic crappie bait – minnows! Years ago we used to keep and sell minnows at the Collins Lake store, but now you’ve got to bring your own – apparently it’s well worth the effort!

Amara caught her first fish, a nice redear, on a redworm – great catch, Amara! Declan caught a beautiful lightning trout down below campsite #202....

Don Pedro Lake

Trollers Lay Into King Salmon

LA GRANGE – The king salmon and rainbow trout fishing continues to be very good on Don Pedro Reservoir, though the kokanee fishing has tapered off as it normally does this time of year.

"Yet another great outing at Don Pedro Reservoir today for king salmon and rainbow trout," reported Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing after his latest fishing adventure. "This grandfather and grandson had a great time. The fish were a little smaller grade of fish, but we had pretty steady action until about 11 o’clock when we were done."

"The fishing has been really good so if you’re interested in catching some of these acrobatic fish please reach out to me and call or text me at 209-581-4734 for your trip. All necessary gear is supplied on a beautiful comfortable 24-foot Willie boat; you can literally watch on live scope the fish come up to your lure and attack the lure," he noted.

On his previous trip to the lake, Smith reported, "Another fantastic outing at Don Pedro. The king salmon are on the bite and we have been able to capitalize on it. We ended up with 9 kings, 3 rainbow trout and 3 spotted bass."

Anglers have been trolling at 60–75 feet deep with pink glow Apex lures.

Don Pedro Lake is holding 1,902,345 acre feet of water, 94 percent of capacity and 114 percent of average. The lake level is 819.64 feet elevation.

• Dan Bacher

East Bay Lakes Roundup

Del Valle Smallmouth Bass and Catfish Lead East Bay Fishing Scene

ALAMEDA COUNTY – I’ve been out of town for the past couple of weeks and was a bit worried that when I returned, the summer action would have slowed. I wasn’t surprised to see that the cats are out, especially following the recent plants, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that largemouth bass action is still going strong, and the smallmouth bite at Lake Del Valle is starting to get good.

Lake Del Valle – I want to give a special call-out to Paul Clouse and Dr. Al Hurwitz who continue to provide me with near-weekly reports and help keep me tuned to the local action, especially when I can’t get out myself. Dr. Al and Paul are both pretty fishy. The two tend to follow the bite, moving from one species and body of water as the seasons progress, and if they tell me that the bite is good, you can generally count on seeing some similar action.

This past week they caught and released eight smallies. The fish ranged from one to two pounds and were hitting very aggressively and oftentimes going airborne. All fish were caught on their “go-to” trolling lure, the 1/4 oz. Roxstar spinner with silver blade and brown/yellow feathers. The productive areas were the points in Heron Bay, the western shoreline through the Narrows, and Swallow Bay. The fish were down 15 to 18 feet in the 20-to-30-foot column.

The water surface temperature was up from last week, ranging from 74° to 76°. Water clarity was best from Swallow Bay to the dam. In addition to the rapidly improving smallmouth bite, largemouth bass continue to hit spinners, surface baits and plastics, with several fish taken over three pounds...

Folsom Lake

Trout Bite Improves, Salmon Bite Challenging

FOLSOM – The rainbow trout bite has been much better at Folsom Lake than the salmon action lately.

"This week has been challenging, but has rewarded patience," reported Wes Ward of Angling Wes Guide Service. "The salmon have been hard to find, but the trout bite has picked up substantially since early July."

"The water level is dropping daily and the fish are on the move. I started the week chasing trout between Folsom Point and Mormon Island early and moving out to open water in the afternoons. Hoochies tipped with herring were consistent with an occasional spoon fish in the mix," Ward stated.

"As the week progressed, the fish scattered to open water. By Wednesday, most of my fish were caught between Beal’s and the dam. Spoons trolled fast, covering water were the most effective."

"By Friday, I had moved up the North Fork near Anderson Island to find pockets of trout. Slow plastic presentations were the only offering I could get bit on. The bass were way more active than the trout," Ward noted.

"Saturday morning, the North Fork was totally dead. I had one really solid hit on a spoon that didn’t stick. We moved out to the peninsula and moved into the shallows. My one and only salmon of the week came on a green hoochie in 30 feet of water. Soon after the salmon, we picked up a very nice trout on the same hoochie," he explained.

"Surface temperatures were 77+ by the end of the week with most of our bites coming between 45–65 feet."

"I have a few dates available in August if you want to get out on summer Folsom fishing. It’s a great time to get the kids out on some mixed bag...

Lake Almanor

Good Fishing in beautiful conditions on the lake.

Pleasant summertime conditions have made for some great fishing out on Lake Almanor. Below average temps and an occasional thunder shower have been the weather headlines as of late. The water level continues its slow decline currently sitting at 4488.4 A drop of about a foot in the last several weeks. Flows on all the lake’s tributaries are at seasonal norms. Water temperatures are currently running in the low 70’s ticking up into the mid 70’s during the days. Bug hatches continue in many areas of the lake, even a few hearty Hex Flies continue to pop at various locations around the lake, with fish in those areas still keying in on them as evidenced by the stomach contents of several Rainbows. Some fish including trout and Smallies have shifted their attention back to the lake’s pond smelt population. The trout are now widely spread throughout the entire lake. Action for trollers is happening at many locations around the lake, from the dam to Big Springs as well as the area around the mouth of Hamilton Branch. Both sides of the peninsula have also been giving up fish as are the deeper pockets of the west shore like Rocky Point giving anglers plenty of locations to visit. Trout have been caught on a wide variety of offerings recently. Slow trolled worms and plastics along with fast trolled spoons in bright as well as bait fish patterns have both produced fish this week. 35 to 45 feet seems to be holding the bulk of the active fish. The catch continues to be a mix Rainbows and Browns along with a few salmon. Bait fishermen have been netting a few fish at several locations including the dam and east shore. Suspended baits...

Los Vaqueros Reservoir

Catfish Plants Boost Summer Fishing Success

LIVERMORE – There have been five plants of catfish in Los Vaqueros Reservoir so far this summer. The latest plant by Tsai Enterprises was on August 5 when 1,000 pounds of catfish were stocked in the reservoir. They also stocked 1,000 pounds of channel cats on July 15.

For those targeting catfish, chicken liver and anchovies are the best choices of bait. There has been a steady number of catfish being caught around the reservoir. South Cove, Cowboy Cove and Oak Point are some of the popular spots, according to the Los Vaqueros Marina. Expect to catch channel cats averaging 2 to 5 pounds, along with some bigger fish.

"Striper fishing is mixed with both shakers and legal sized fish being caught from around the reservoir," the marina reported. "Cut anchovies or shad are the baits of choice, either from shore or a boat. Cowboy Cove and Howden Cove seem to be the hot spots for stripers. Just a reminder: stripers need to be 18 inches or more to be legal. Please release the small fish as quickly and carefully as possible. They are the future of our striped bass fishery."

Although trout plants are suspended until the fall, there are still plenty of rainbow trout out in the lake for anglers to catch. The last plant of the spring of 2,000 pounds of Mt. Lassen trout went into the lake on May 14.

"Shore anglers have the most success using garlic scented PowerBait followed by night crawlers. Trolling is doing fairly well, especially in the backs of coves. Light tackle is important for catching trout. 4-6-pound test is plenty. Fishing has been good. On days the winds allow boats we have seen a number of limits as well as anglers...

Lake Oroville

King Salmon and Rainbow Trout Bite Sizzles!

OROVILLE – Lake Oroville is “on fire” right now for landlocked king salmon and rainbow trout, reported Bret Brady of Bare Bones Guide Service.

"Most bites are happening 55–85 ft deep," Brady said. "Morning’s the best time, but you can score late morning too."

Brady has been trolling Uncle Larry's hoochies in white or green. He recommended adding scent, anchovy, or sardine for extra strike.

"Oroville today produced an insane bite," Brady reported on a recent trip to the reservoir. "We went 19 fish landed for 24 hook-ups. We pulled a great double hook-up in our first few minutes of fishing this morning and it never stopped."

"We trolled 45 to 85 feet deep – the bait was everywhere. Our big rainbows went up to 4.5 lbs. We also had a king that went 4.5 pounds. What a morning," Brady advised.

"Track those bait schools on Oroville—they’re the hot spot," he added.

Ron Rickman reported top-notch king salmon and rainbow trout action on the Lake Oroville Fishing Reports Facebook Page.

"My Buddy Richard Kowski, Ron, John and I had a great day fishing on the Fish Machine," said Rickman. "We landed 6 kings and 6 rainbows to 18 inches."

DWR’s mussel inspection program in Oroville continues to protect State Water Project (SWP) infrastructure, according to the California Department of Water Resources.

Mandatory watercraft inspections are required prior to launching at the Oroville Facilities (Lake Oroville, Thermalito Forebay, Thermalito Afterbay). Watercraft that pass the inspection will receive a seal and can launch during designated ramp hours.

Watercraft Inspection Location/Decontamination Services are only available at the North Thermalito Forebay at Garden Drive and HWY 70 in Oroville. Hours of operation are daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Watercraft inspections and decontamination services...

Russian River

Lower River Yields Quality Largemouths

GUERNEVILLE – While smallmouth bass have drawn many anglers to fish the Russian River during the summer over the years, the lower stretch of river has been producing beautiful, chunky largemouth bass lately. King’s Sport and Tackle reported a memorable day of largemouth fishing during his latest trip:

“I took out a client, Shawn, today. It was a birthday present from his mother-in-law, the owner of the wonderful ‘Inn on the Russian River’ in Monte Rio. And it was very much like fishing with one of my buddies growing up.”

“Shawn grew up in Alaska fishing and lives in Washington. That fishing lineage scares me every single time but I had nothing to worry about. Shawn was totally happy fishing for bass, relaxing on the Russian.

“It started slow with one hookup. The morning fish bite just hasn’t happened often this summer. But in the end he reeled in around eight plus bass and lost two bigger bass, one due to a smart fish and the other due to the guide’s knot tying ability (Palomar knots rarely fail me. I still think it’s the strongest and easiest knot to tie). I was bummed.

“But Shawn’s last fish of the day, just 100 yards from his dock, ended up being 4 lbs 12 ounces, beating the previous largest bass of the season so far by one ounce!

“Good trip. Good company. I could do with a little better morning bite but overall, I call it Russian River successful!”

During a previous trip, King’s Sport and Tackle reported:

“Steve, the current record holder for biggest bass this season from a week ago, asked me to take him and his old fishing buddy Dave out on Tuesday. What a blast those two were, with a game...

Trinity River

Community Unites for River Clean Up As Flows Threatened by Water Plan

GUERNEVILLE – Hoopa Valley — On Saturday, July 26, a Trinity River Clean-Up organized by Save California Salmon and the Hoopa Valley Tribe brought together over 50 community members, Tribal leaders, youth, and environmental advocates.

“The day began at the Hoopa Tribal Office with a morning ground clean-up, followed by a rafting clean-up on the Trinity River and a community lunch,” reported a press statement from Save California Salmon (SCS). “Volunteers removed bags of trash and debris from the riverbanks and waterways, helping restore critical salmon habitat in one of California’s most important and endangered rivers. Organizers said they are finding less trash every year.”

Joe Davis, Hoopa Tribal Chairman, said, “On behalf of the Hoopa Valley Tribe, I would like to thank Save California Salmon and everyone who contributed to this year’s ever-important clean up. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue our strong role as Hupa People to be the stewards of the Trinity River.”

The event centered Indigenous leadership and stewardship, bringing youth and families together to care for the river while educating participants on the deep cultural and ecological significance of the Trinity River, along with current threats to the river’s flows from the Trump administration, according to SCS.

“I’m proud to support the Trinity River Clean-Up,” said Hoopa Valley Tribal council member and local raft guide Joseph Marshall. “It’s important to keep our riverways clean and take pride in our homelands. The youth and community are involved in this cleanup so future generations will learn to keep our valley and river clean. It is our responsibility to take care of our home.”

The organizers said the clean-up was “part of a larger effort to protect salmon populations and honor Tribal stewardship...

TWIN LAKES                  

The Twins are still producing pretty well lately with some good reports coming in from trollers fishing lead core and getting out 6 or 7 colors, they’re getting into a lots of kokanee as well as some good rainbows. The kokanee seem to be running a little on the small side this season but there seems to be plenty of them. Needlefish, Rapalas and Thomas Bouyants have all been doing well for the trolling. Bait anglers have been bending some rods wth power bait, mice tails, pinched crawlers and inflated crawlers. We haven’t heard much from the fly anglers but mini leeches, soft hackles and wooly buggers should all do well up there, especially if you’re running a sinking line. 

Report courtesy of Kens Sporting goods

WEST WALKER RIVER             

We’ve still been getting quite a few good reports from the West this past week with anglers reporting the best action in the Canyon along Hwy 395 up closer to the town of Walker and some decent action in the Pickle Meadows area off of Hwy 108. Bait anglers are using eggs, mini crawlers and power eggs, lure anglers are doing the best early and late in the day with Panther Martins and Roostertails. Fly anglers can fish throughout the day with hopper dropper rigs and have good action as long as they’re sneaky enough.    

Report courtesy of Kens Sporting Goods

Fisherman’s Wharf/Berkeley

Take Your Pick of Stripers, Halibut or Rockfish

SAN FRANCISCO – Captain Craig Hansen of Argo Sportfishing reports navigating from his berth at Fisherman’s Wharf and drifting live bait with customers at various bay and ocean locations depending on tides and weather. Capt. Craig has been finding stripers at Racoon Strait, and boating halibut at F-Buoy on the Berkeley Flats and on the North or South Bars outside the Golden Gate.

Meanwhile, Captain Ron Koyasako of Nautilus Excursions has been putting customers on striped bass at Angel Island and Red Rock in the bay while drifting live bait. He has also been heading outside the Gate to drift live bait at Seal Rock near the Cliff House and the North and South Bars for halibut. Weather and tides dictate his fishing spots.

This author also spent two special days on the water recently thanks to the Roger Thomas Grant. Roger Thomas, former owner and captain of the fishing vessel Salty Lady out of Sausalito, left a trust that funds trips to take children fishing. The Golden State Salmon Association (GSSA) manages these funds, which are available to children’s organizations to take youngsters—many for the first time—out on the water. As a board member of the Salesian Boys’ and Girls’ Club (SBGC) in San Francisco’s North Beach for more than 22 years, I’ve been arranging trips for the SBGC for the past five years.

This month I assisted Captain Don Franklin of SoleMan Sportfishing on two trips. We fished live bait—another first for the children—in San Francisco Bay for halibut, striped bass, and rockfish. The excitement on the children’s faces as they reeled in fish and saw them netted aboard was priceless. These outings were truly special thanks to the late Captain Roger Thomas.

Meanwhile, rockfish and lingcod action...

Monterey Bay

Halibut, Rockfish and Lingcod Hit the Decks

SANTA CRUZ – There are halibut limits being reported in the Monterey Bay Area. The halibut were caught up the coast near 4 Mile and down the coast near Moss Landing, reported Todd Fraser of Bayside Marine on August 9. The halibut are hitting drifted live bait and trolled baits and lures.

The Capitola area is producing some nice halibut and a few seabass, he noted.

“The rock fishing was great up the coast near Davenport. The swell was smaller and the winds were calm all morning,” said Fraser.

“There are people talking about looking for tuna Sunday and Monday. There is a boat from Half Moon Bay who has one albacore about 60 miles out,” Fraser said.

Boats out of Chris’ Fishing Trips in Monterey continue to focus on rockfish and lingcod in shallow water. The boats are returning with daily limits of rockfish, along with a few lingcod. Anglers are using shrimp flies baited with squid strips, jigs, bars, swimbaits, and other offerings to nail the bottomfish.

On August 9, the Checkmate checked in with limits of rockfish (200) and 12 lingcod for 20 anglers, while the Caroline came back with limits of rockfish (170) for 17 anglers. On the previous day, the Checkmate tied up at the dock with limits of rockfish (90) and 6 lingcod for 9 anglers.

The rockfish season will continue to run through Dec. 30, 2025. Here are the depth restrictions now in place:

• May 1 – Sept. 30: 20 fathoms inshore fishery

• Oct. 1 – Oct. 31: 50 fathoms offshore only fishery

• Nov. 1 – Nov. 30: 20 fathoms inshore only fishery

• Dec. 1 – Dec. 31: 50 fathoms offshore only fishery

• Dan Bacher

Captain Bobby shows off a huge 14.51 Lake Trout caught on July 5th