Winter bass fishing in the Sacramento Delta can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you have a successful outing:
Look for warmer areas: Just like in the videos, bass will seek out warmer areas during the winter. Look for areas that receive sunlight and have some protection from the wind. These areas can include shallow back pockets, back current areas, and areas with structure like submerged vegetation or fallen trees.
Fish deeper water: In lakes, bass tend to move to deeper water during the winter. Look for areas that were productive during the pre-spawn in the spring and fish slightly deeper near those areas. Start your search around 15 to 20 feet and go as deep as 55 feet. Look for structure such as long lake points, humps, and ridges.
Use your electronics: Your electronics can be a valuable tool during the winter. Learn how to interpret what you see on your fish finder. Look for changes in bottom composition, such as chunk rock or gravel, as well as contour changes. Use your electronics to watch your lure as it descends through the water column and observe how the bass react to it. Adjust your tactics accordingly.
Make multiple casts: If you believe there are fish in an area and you've seen baitfish or bass on your graph, don't give up after just a few casts. Make multiple casts to entice a reaction bite. Sometimes, it takes getting one fish to bite to trigger a feeding frenzy among the school. So be persistent and give it a try.
Dress warmly: The Sacramento Delta can get quite cold during the winter, so make sure to wear warm gear to keep yourself comfortable throughout the day. Staying warm will help you stay focused and make the most of your fishing trip.
Remember, winter bass fishing can be slower compared to other seasons, but the fish you do catch are likely to be larger. Good luck and tight lines!