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California Delta Chambers and Visitors Bureau, Sacramento, CA (2026)

01/27/2026

My name is Ken Baccetti. I’m the President of the California Striped Bass Association (CSBA), Isleton-Delta Chapter. As a lifelong fisherman, fishing the California Delta, San Francisco Bay, and ocean waters, I am pleased to be your fishing reporter. Now on to the fish report for January 26, 2026.

The striper bite for trollers in the Delta below the Rio Vista Bridge has been pretty much a bust according to legendary striper fisherman Mark Wilson. Mark tells me the water has been very muddy with grass and debris coming down the river making fishing very difficult. Mark did say he was going to do some scouting this week to see what the current conditions are on the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. Mark did add that a few of his friends have been doing well at the Port of Sacramento trolling Yozuri deep diving and Berkley Dredger deep diving crankbaits (see the attached photo). They’ve been boating up to 15 keepers a day to 10 pounds in 12 to 15 feet of water, only keeping their limits.

Now for a sturgeon report. This past Saturday (1/24/2026), the 19th Annual Diamond Classic Catch and Release Sturgeon Derby was held out of the Pittsburg Yacht Club and the Pittsburg Marina. The derby was hosted by Captain Steve Talmadge of Flash Sportfishing. To qualify for the drawing, you would have had to catch and release a white sturgeon between 40 and 60 inches. That sturgeon must have been witnessed by the weighmaster at your boat. Once he/she verifies your catch, a ticket for the drawing was given to you qualifying you for the 1st to 5th place cash prize payout. I’m told that 205 anglers registered for the derby, with 19 slot sturgeon caught by those qualifying anglers. Captain Mike Funtanilla of Bend Ur Rod Sportfishing told me that he was targeting sturgeon with his clients, who entered the derby, at the Middle Grounds and Roe and Ryer Islands. He continued to say that he was anchored in approximately 20 feet of water using salmon roe to entice the sturgeon. Capt. Mike said that his customers did catch a few sturgeon including one sturgeon that qualified for the cash prize drawing that won 4th place (see the attached photo).

If you’re a sturgeon fisherman, this is a reminder to submit your 2025 “Sturgeon Report Card.” Anglers fishing for sturgeon are required by regulation to return your report card or submit a report online by January 31, 2026 (CCR-Title 14, Section 1.74). The data gathered from Sturgeon Report Cards supports fisheries management efforts that benefit sturgeon and sturgeon anglers in California. For more information on sturgeon management, please visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conserve-The-Sturg. For more information about the Sturgeon Report Card, email [email protected].

If you’d like to fish for rainbow trout on New Melones Lake, then call Captain Kyle Wise of HeadHunter Sportfishing. Capt. Kyle tells me that he’s been putting his clients on an excellent trout bite. Capt. Kyle further said that he’s been trolling Speedy Shiner lures and spoons in 20 feet of water for trout averaging 12 to 15 inches on up to 3 pounds. (see the attached photos). Capt. Kyle went on to say that Angels, Coyote and Mormon Creeks have been the most productive for him.

If fishing on Lake Berryessa for black bass is something you’d like to do then Guide Don Paganelli of Paganelli’s Bass Fishing Experience has an excellent report for you. Don told me that he’s putting his clients on a number of fish that is well above average for January (see the attached photos). Don went on to say that he’s been jigging on the main body of the lake in 20 to 25 feet of water looking for structure on either the East or West side for bass up to 6 ½ pounds. Don emphasized to watch your fish finder for a rock, wood, or a drop off, as that’s where the bass have been for his customers.

Now for a report from San Pablo Bay. Captain Craig Hansen of Argo Sportfishing tells me that he’s been anchoring on the west side of San Pablo Bay with his clients, bait fishing for striped bass, leopard sharks and rays. Capt. Craig went on to say that the outgoing tides have been productive for him on the stripers (see the attached photos) and the incoming tides caught the leopard sharks and rays. He’s been averaging a fish per rod on stripers, with occasional limits. Capt. Craig suggested that, with this winter bite, watch you’re rod and set the hook immediately if you see a bite.

If you would like to fish with any of these Captains or Guides, just do a search on the internet for their contact information.

If you would like more information about the California Striped Bass Association (CSBA), go to our website (www.striper-csba.org). You will be able to access all the information related to the 4 CSBA Chapters. New

members only pay $25, that includes a one-time $5 initiation fee. After the first year of membership the annual dues are only $20. Your membership helps to strengthen our mission to protect striped bass and our fisheries. Some Chapters will give you a free gift just for joining. The Isleton-Delta Chapter gives all new members two free Isleton Chapter decals and a Chapter hat as a thank you for joining our Chapter. Membership forms are available for each Chapter on the website. Just click on your Chapter of choice and go to the membership page, fill out the application, print it and send your application and payment to the address listed on the application. The Isleton Chapter accepts credit cards online on the website for new memberships, membership renewals as well as our Chapter’s events. The website also has Chapters’ newsletters, photos, interesting articles, and useful links that will help you plan your next fishing trip.

Until next month, wishing you tight lines and great fishing…..

12/26/2025

Fishing Report December 24, 2025
My name is Ken Baccetti. I’m the President of the California Striped Bass Association (CSBA), Isleton-Delta Chapter. As a lifelong fisherman, fishing the California Delta, San Francisco Bay, and ocean waters, I am pleased to be your fishing reporter. Now on to the fish report for December 24, 2025.

The striper bite for trollers in the Delta continues to be very slow according to legendary striper fisherman Mark Wilson. Mark tells me that this past week he, and another legendary fisherman Clyde Wands, decided to give bait fishing a try since trolling for stripers hasn’t been productive. Mark continued to tell me that they anchored in 21 feet off of Chain Island and then afterwards near channel marker 14 using sardines for bait. The water temperature was 48 degrees, but as Mark said it, it was colder than that all day sitting in a boat. Mark went on to say that they only caught 3 keepers to 8 pounds and a few shakers all day (see the attached photo). Mark did add that a few of his friends have been doing well at the Port of Sacramento drifting minnows and trolling Yozuri deep diving and Berkley Dredger deep diving crankbaits.

If chasing sturgeon on the Delta is what you’d like to pursue, then call Captain Mike Funtanilla of Bend Ur Rod Sportfishing. Capt. Mike told me that he’s been targeting sturgeon with his clients at Chain Island and in Honker Bay, both in approximately 18 to 25 feet of water. Capt. Mike shared that on a recent trip this week his customers boated 8 sturgeon and some bonus stripers to 8 pounds (see the attached photos). Capt. Mike continued to say that salmon roe enticed both the sturgeon and stripers.

If you’d like to fish for rainbow trout on New Melones Lake, then call Captain Kyle Wise of HeadHunter Sportfishing. Capt. Kyle tells me that he’s been putting his customers on a wide-open trout bite for some time. Capt. Kyle told me that he’s been trolling white spoons in the top 20 feet of water for trout averaging 18 inches (see the attached photos). The surface water temperature has been averaging 56 degrees.

If fishing on Lake Berryessa for rainbow trout is what you’d prefer, then Captain Nate Kelsch of Big Nate’s Guide Service has a report for you. Capt. Nate tells me that he’s been putting his customers on limits of rainbow trout for an incredible 120 straight days (see the attached photos). Capt. Nate went on to say that been trolling Trigger Spoons, Junior Trigger Spoons, and Trix Minnows all in shad patterns in the top 25 feet of water. Most of the trout are averaging 1 ½ pounds to his recent best of 5 ½ pounds.

Now for a couple of reports from San Pablo Bay and out the Golden Gate. Captain Craig Hansen of Argo Sportfishing tells me that he’s been navigating from his berth at Fisherman’s Wharf with his customers and anchoring on the west side of San Pablo Bay. With live bait no longer available, Capt. Craig is now soaking tray bait anchovies for a very good striper bite. Capt. Craig continued to say that his clients are also catching some flounders and leopard sharks as well (see the attached photos). Most of his best action has been on the incoming tides.

Meanwhile, Captain Ron Koyasako of Nautilus Excursions told me that when ocean conditions cooperate, he’s been travelling out the Golden Gate with his customers targeting rockfish and Dungeness crab. Capt. Ron tells me that he first navigates to the crab grounds and drops his hoop nets in 186 to 200 feet of water before heading to the Farallon Islands for an excellent rockfish and lingcod bite. After approximately 1 ½ hours at the Farallon’s, Capt. Ron returns to the crab grounds to pull the hoop nets for limits of Dungeness crab for his customers (see the attached photos).

J and P Bait is now closed for the winter at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. They will be returning in the spring, so keep an eye on this report for their spring opening date.

If you would like to fish with any of these Captains or Guides, just do a search on the internet for their contact information.

If you would like more information about the California Striped Bass Association (CSBA), go to our website (www.striper-csba.org). You will be able to access all the information related to the 4 CSBA Chapters. New members only pay $25, that includes a one-time $5 initiation fee. After the first year of membership the annual dues are only $20. Your membership helps to strengthen our mission to protect striped bass and our fisheries. Some Chapters will give you a free gift just for joining. The Isleton-Delta Chapter gives all new members two free Isleton Chapter decals and a Chapter hat as a thank you for joining our Chapter. Membership forms are available for each Chapter on the website. Just click on your Chapter of choice and go to the membership page, fill out the

application, print it and send your application and payment to the address listed on the application. The Isleton Chapter accepts credit cards online on the website for new memberships, membership renewals as well as our Chapter’s events. The website also has Chapters’ newsletters, photos, interesting articles, and useful links that will help you plan your next fishing trip.

Until next month, I would like to wish you and your families a very Happy Holiday season…

12/12/2025

Great evening at the Haggin Museum for the annual Diversity Mixer!!!

11/26/2025

Fishing Report for November 25, 2025:

My name is Ken Baccetti. I’m the President of the California Striped Bass Association (CSBA), Isleton-Delta Chapter. As a lifelong fisherman, fishing the California Delta, San Francisco Bay, and ocean waters, I am pleased to be your fishing reporter. Now on to the fish report for November 25, 2025.

The striper bite for trollers in the Delta continues to be very slow according to avid striper fisherman Mark Wilson. Mark tells me that his trolling friends have temporarily given up, and most have switched over to bait fishing at anchor for stripers and sturgeon. Mark continued to say that he’s been off the water lately with boat trailer issues, but his fishing buddies are doing well soaking shad for stripers on the anchor at Sherman Island and Broad Slough.

If you’d like to troll for stripers on the Napa River from Cuttings Wharf, then Captain Dennis Grossi of Grossi’s Guide Service has a great report for you. Capt. Dennis has been putting his customers on limits of stripers on all his trips (see the attached photos). Capt. Dennis continued to say that he’s putting his clients on constant action trolling for good size stripers to 27” on most trips. Capt. Dennis said that the big stripers have shown up the past couple of weeks, as he’s only catching a few undersized stripers now. One ounce Rat-L-Traps in silver and green colors trolled 120’ to 150’ behind the boat continues to be his lure of choice.

If you’d like to get out on the Delta chasing sturgeon, call Captain Mike Funtanilla of Bend Ur Rod Sportfishing. Capt. Mike told me that sturgeon can be found in most locations from Pittsburg, the Middle Grounds to Honker Bay, and they’re on the bite. Capt. Mike continued to say that he’s putting his clients on multiple sturgeon on each trip (see the attached photos). Roe continues to be the bait of choice in 16’ to 45-50’ of water depending on the tides and locations you’re fishing.

If you’d like to fish for rainbow and an occasional brown trout on New Melones Lake, then call Captain Kyle Wise of HeadHunter Sportfishing. Capt. Kyle tells me that he’s putting his customers on an excellent grade of trout (see the attached photos). Capt. Kyle said that he’s been trolling “Speedy Shiners” in red and gold colors as well as “Cleo Spoons” in blue and silver colors in 40 feet of water, trolling at 2.5 knots to entice the trout. Capt. Kyle said he’s been even catching a black bass or two on the troll.

If fishing on Lake Berryessa is what you’d prefer, then call Guide Don Paganelli of Paganelli’s Bass Fishing Experience. Don tells me that once he finds the bait on his fish finder, lately on the main body of the lake in 45’ to 50’ of water, he’s been having his clients spoon for some fast action (see the attached photos). Don went on to say that the spoons he’s using are a 1 ½ ounce and ¾ ounce “Blade Runner Spoons” in “Morning Dawn” and “Sierra” colors. His customers have been catching a mixed bag of smallmouth and spotted bass with some trout as well.

Now for a couple of reports from San Pablo Bay and out the Golden Gate. Captain Craig Hansen of Argo Sportfishing tells me that he’s been fishing with his customers at anchor in San Pablo Bay near China Camp for limits of stripers to 20 pounds, using what’s remaining of his supply of live anchovies (see the attached photos). Capt. Craig continued to tell me that his clients are also catching sharks and bat rays on the live anchovies as well.

Captain Ron Koyasako of Nautilus Excursions told me that he’s been doing striper/crab combo trips with his customers provided that ocean conditions are favorable. Capt. Ron shared that he is also fishing with his customers in San Pablo Bay on the anchor in the China Camp area for limits of stripers using live mudsuckers and dead anchovies. Capt. Ron continued to say that once he’s limited on stripers he’s been navigating out the Golden Gate off the Marin Coast in 170’ to 200’ for limits of Dungeness crab (see the attached photos).

J and P Bait is now closed for the winter at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. They will be returning in the spring, so keep an eye on this report for their spring opening date.

If you would like to fish with any of these Captains or Guides, just do a search on the internet for their contact information.

If you would like more information about the California Striped Bass Association (CSBA), go to our website (www.striper-csba.org). You will be able to access all the information related to the 4 CSBA Chapters. New members only pay $25, that includes a one-time $5 initiation fee. After the first year of membership the annual dues are only $20. Your membership helps to strengthen our mission to protect striped bass and our fisheries. Some Chapters will give you a free gift just for joining. The Isleton-Delta Chapter gives all new members two free

Isleton Chapter decals and a Chapter hat as a thank you for joining our Chapter. Membership forms are available for each Chapter on the website. Just click on your Chapter of choice and go to the membership page, fill out the application, print it and send your application and payment to the address listed on the application. The Isleton Chapter accepts credit cards online on the website for new memberships, membership renewals as well as our Chapter’s events. The website also has Chapters’ newsletters, photos, interesting articles, and useful links that will help you plan your next fishing trip.

Until next month, I would like to wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving….

11/25/2025

Our last mixer for the year is NEXT WEEK ! Don't miss out on our Holiday Mixer, in collaboration with local community Chambers, at the Haggin Museum!
Be sure to bring a new unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots Drive!

11/05/2025

Please join us in congratulating our Executive Director, Bill Wells on a well deserved retirement, and Karen Chandler as our new Executive Director!!

10/29/2025

My name is Ken Baccetti. I’m the President of the California Striped Bass Association (CSBA), Isleton-Delta Chapter. As a lifelong fisherman, fishing the California Delta, San Francisco Bay, and ocean waters, I am pleased to be your fishing reporter. Now on to the fish report for October 28, 2025.

The striper bite for trollers in the Delta has been very slow lately according to legendary trolling expert Mark Wilson. Mark tells me that he and his friends have been navigating all over the Delta trying to locate the now elusive stripers. Mark continued to say that he finally located a few in Montezuma Slough trolling from the “Glass House” to the “Birds Landing” areas, but he and his friends have only been able to get 3 to 6 keepers a trip trolling both deep diving and shallow running P-Line and Yozuri lures (see the attached photo). Mark went on to say that he has heard that those casting swim baits have been doing somewhat better. The areas producing for those casting are Sherman Island and in Broad Slough. Mark believes that it’s just a matter of time before the stripers arrive back in the Delta from San Francisco and San Pablo Bays.

If you’d like to troll for stripers on the Napa River from Cuttings Wharf, then Captain Dennis Grossi of Grossi’s Guide Service has a report for you. Unlike Mark Wilson’s report, Capt. Dennis tells me that he’s putting his customers on limit fishing. Capt. Dennis is averaging 25 hook-ups a trip, with stripers averaging 5 pounds up to 10 pounds (see the attached photos). One ounce Rat-L-Traps continue to be his lure of choice.

The sturgeon catch and release fishery opened again on October 1, 2025. If you’d like to get worn out catching these big dinosaurs then call Captain Mike Funtanilla of Bend Ur Rod Sportfishing. Capt. Mike told me that he has been putting his clients on multiple hookups on each trip. Capt. Mike went on to say that he’s been doing well from Pittsburg and the Middle Grounds in 25 feet of water, as well as in 55 to 75 feet of water in the deep-water channel (see the attached photos). Roe continues to be the bait of choice. Capt. Mike has also been soaking grass shrimp on these same trips for stripers, so his customers can enjoy catching a striper as well.

If you’d like to fish for trout, then call Captain Kyle Wise of HeadHunter Sportfishing. Capt. Kyle tells me that the kokanee bite is over at New Melones Lake, so he’s switched over to trolling for trout. He tells me that while the bite isn’t wide open, he’s catching a few trout for those customers wanting to chase them (see the attached photos). Capt. Kyle continued to tell me that he’s trolling T-Spoons and Speedy Shiners in 40 feet of water, trolling at 2.5 knots. Catfish are biting if you’d like to fish for them.

Now for a couple of reports from San Francisco Bay. Captain Craig Hansen of Argo Sportfishing tells me that he’s been drifting live bait with his clients for limits of stripers at both Angel Island and Raccoon Strait. Capt. Craig continued to tell me that once he limits out on stripers, he’s been navigating to the San Francisco side of the South Bay for a few keeper halibut (see the attached photos). Capt. Craig hasn’t been going out the Golden Gate chasing rockfish lately because of the large swells.

Meanwhile Captain Ron Koyasako of Nautilus Excursions told me that he’s been having his customers drift live bait and jig spoons for limits of striped bass at Red Rock, Raccoon Strait and at Angel Island (see the attached photos). Capt. Ron continued to say that stripers have been at most of all the popular locations in the bay lately.

The word on live bait is that J and P Bait will be open Fridays through Mondays 6am to 9am, and will be closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays until the season for them closes the second week on November.

If you would like to fish with any of these Captains or Guides, just do a search on the internet for their contact information.

If you would like more information about the California Striped Bass Association (CSBA), go to our website (www.striper-csba.org). You will be able to access all the information related to the 4 CSBA Chapters. New members only pay $25, that includes a one-time $5 initiation fee. After the first year of membership the annual dues are only $20. Your membership helps to strengthen our mission to protect striped bass and our fisheries. Some Chapters will give you a free gift just for joining. The Isleton-Delta Chapter gives all new members two free Isleton Chapter decals and a Chapter hat as a thank you for joining our Chapter. Membership forms are available for each Chapter on the website. Just click on your Chapter of choice and go to the membership page, fill out the application, print it and send your application and payment to the address listed on the application. The Isleton Chapter accepts credit cards online on the website for new memberships, membership renewals as well as our

Chapter’s events. The website also has Chapters’ newsletters, photos, interesting articles, and useful links that will help you plan your next fishing trip.

Until next month, I wish you tight lines and great fishing….

09/26/2025

My name is Ken Baccetti. I’m the President of the California Striped Bass Association (CSBA), Isleton-Delta Chapter. As a lifelong fisherman, fishing the California Delta, San Francisco Bay, and ocean waters, I am pleased to be your fishing reporter. Now on to the fish report for September 25, 2025.

The striper bite for trollers in the Delta continues to be good according to avid trolling expert Mark Wilson. Mark tells me that he and his friends have been trolling in a number of locations until they locate the fish. They’ve trolled from the West Bank below the Rio Vista Bridge on the outgoing tide to the bottom of the tide with deep diving Yozuri lures, and on the San Joaquin River from Eddo’s Marina to the Antioch Bridge and into Broad Slough using shallow running Yozuri’s on the incoming tide for their best action. Mark continued to tell me that on his last trip he and his friends caught 20 keepers, only retaining their limits. Green or pink colored Yozuri’s did the job on this trip (see the attached photo).

If you’d like to troll for stripers on the Napa River from Cuttings Wharf, then Guide Dennis Grossi of Grossi’s Guide Service is the person you need to call. Dennis continues to get limits of stripers for his clients on each trip (see the attached photo). Dennis tells me that he’s been trolling 1 ounce Rat-L-Traps in the sloughs and at the mouth of the sloughs. The last hour of the outgoing tide and on the turn to the incoming tide has been best. Dennis went on to say that the fish have been averaging about 5 pounds.

If you’d like to fish in a striped bass derby, then plan on fishing the Rio Vista Striped Bass Derby. This year the derby will be celebrating its 77th year. The fishing derby will be a 3-day tournament from Friday, October 10 beginning at 6am through Sunday, October 12th until 3pm. First prize is $4000, Second prize is $2000, and Third prize is $1000, with additional fishing related tackle from 4th prize on. Theres also an adult second chance fishing raffle and a children’s derby. For information and to register go to www.bassfestival.com.

There is no sturgeon report this month as sturgeon fishing closed on June 30th, but the good news is that sturgeon fishing will resume again on October 1, 2025 as a catch and release fishery, so look for a sturgeon report once again next month.

If you’d like to fish for limits of trout, then Captain Kyle Wise of HeadHunter Sportfishing is who you need to contact. Capt. Kyle has been getting limits and early limits of beautiful rainbow trout at New Melones Lake for his clients. He tells me that he’s trolling T-Spoons and Speedy Shiners smeared with Pautzke’s Garlic and Herring Fire Gel in 70 to 100 feet of water, trolling at 2.4 to 2.8 MPH (see the attached photos). Capt. Kyle further told me that he’s still catching an occasional Kokanee on each trip as well, and catfish are also biting if you’d like to fish for them.

If you’d prefer to fish a potluck trip at Lake Berryessa, then call Captain Nate Kelsch of Big Nates Guide Service. Capt. Nate tells me that he’s been putting his customers on big Kokanee and King Salmon lately (see the attached photo). Capt. Nate tells me that on his last trip the largest Kokanee caught was 20” and his largest King Salmon tipped the scale at 5 pounds. Capt. Nate continued by saying he’s been trolling .8 to 1.3 MPH in 35 to 91 feet of water with Catch America 6” Offset Dodger’s and T-Pexs’ from the Kokanee Kit tipped with Chrome Killer Corn.

Now for a report from San Francisco Bay and out the Golden Gate. Captain Craig Hansen of Argo Sportfishing tells me that he’s been drifting and fishing at anchor at Angel Island finding limits of stripers on both the incoming and outgoing tides. Capt. Craig continued to tell me that once he limits out on stripers, he tries to locate halibut or rockfish depending on what his clients would prefer. Capt. Craig shared that he’s still finding a few halibut at Angel Island, the front side of Alcatraz, and the Berkeley Flats on either tide. If his customers want rockfish, he’s been navigating out the Golden Gate and is locating a variety of rockfish at Bonita Cove (see the attached photos).

Meanwhile Captain Ron Koyasako of Nautilus Excursions told me that he’s been putting his clients on striped bass chumming with live bait at Angel Island. Capt. Ron continued to say that once he limits out on stripers he’s been heading out the Golden Gate and finding an excellent grade of rockfish off the Marin Coast for his customers (see the attached photos).

If you would like to fish with any of these Captains or Guides, just do a search on the internet for their contact information.

If you would like more information about the California Striped Bass Association (CSBA), go to our website (www.striper-csba.org). You will be able to access all the information related to the 4 CSBA Chapters. New members only pay $25, that includes a one-time $5 initiation fee. After the first year of membership the annual dues are only $20. Your membership helps to strengthen our mission to protect striped bass and our fisheries. Some Chapters will give you a free gift just for joining. The Isleton-Delta Chapter gives all new members two free Isleton Chapter decals and a Chapter hat as a thank you for joining our Chapter. Membership forms are available for each Chapter on the website. Just click on your Chapter of choice and go to the membership page, fill out the application, print it and send your application and payment to the address listed on the application. The Isleton Chapter accepts credit cards online on the website for new memberships, membership renewals as well as our chapter’s events. The website also has Chapters’ newsletters, photos, interesting articles, and useful links that will help you plan your next fishing trip.

Until next month, wishing you all the best on the water…..

California Delta Chambers and Visitors Bureau

01/27/2026

12/26/2025

12/12/2025

11/26/2025

11/25/2025

11/05/2025

10/29/2025

09/26/2025

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