fishing planet san joaquin delta unique steelhead peak times

They’re an East Coast fish, but the California Delta and San Francisco Bay bear a strong resemblance to native habitats like the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Striped bass are not native to California. Here’s what you need to know to start catching the Delta’s most prized game fish species. It’s a twisting labyrinth of rivers, channels and sloughs, and finding fish is only half as challenging as finding your way through the maze that is the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Delta. With so many options, there are great fishing opportunities in the California Delta year-round.īut the Delta can also be intimidating to newcomers. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass have all been introduced in the Delta, and all three species have come to thrive here. Giant catfish and sturgeon haunt its depths. Salmon and stripers both make annual spawning runs into the California Delta.

Often referred to as the California Delta, and known among locals simply as “the Delta,” this is without a doubt one of California’s finest fishing waters.Ĭentered around the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers-along with numerous smaller tributaries-the Delta is where many different waters meet before ultimately flowing into San Francisco Bay, and on through to the Pacific. A vast inland river delta and estuary, it encompasses nearly 200 islands and more than 1,100 miles of waterways.

The Sacramento and San Joaquin River Delta is truly a fishing destination like no other.

Anglers should expect significant closures and check for regulation updates before fishing for salmon here and elsewhere in the state. Editor’s Note: Officials are forecasting extremely low salmon returns to the Sacramento River in 2023.

Fishing planet san joaquin delta unique steelhead peak times