Fly fishing for striped bass on the San Francisco Bay and the Delta

Fly Fishing for Striped Bass on San Francisco Bay and the Delta

Part II: The Delta

By Bob Fabini

In my opinion, the Delta is a much more complex fishery than the Bay. I feel that I understand the Bay much better than the Delta. I will share an overview of my experiences; however, the two best resources are Fly-fishing the California Delta by Costello and Sherman, and the website: http://www.danblanton. com/

In addition to stripers the Delta contains largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass and pan fish. I usually launch either at the Antioch Marina, or at Sugar Barge Marina on Bethel Island. Both of these are in the Central Delta, and there are many more areas to explore—the Delta is huge.

Launching at Antioch puts you on a productive area of the San Joaquin River about 3 miles from its confluence with the Sacramento. This is pretty big water with fish holding deep, requiring fast sinking shooting heads, usually a T-14; however if you go into the Sherman Island area, you will find smaller, often shallower, more sheltered water. This is also largemouth country. If you head west from Antioch and turn north at Broad Slough, you will pass a back way into Sherman Island and, eventually, arrive at the Sacramento. At the confluence of the Sacramento and Broad Slough, I have never failed to encounter a large family of river otters.

Launching at Sugar Barge puts you in the Frank’s Tract area. I often start by heading south to Sandmound Slough and head east to Holland Cut. There are rock walls throughout this area which can be productive. I have caught both stripers and largemouth inches from these walls. Watch for structure and irrigation pipes draining from the levees. These can be productive. About a mile south on Holland cut will take you to Little Mandeville Island—a productive shallow water area. If you

Image by Scott & Michael Seviour-Owens from Pixabay

follow Old River around the east side of Frank’s Tract, you will hit the San Joaquin River. I usually head west, fishing the rock walls and tule berms. There are also some productive shoals in this area. I usually head west as far as Fisherman’s Cut, and then head south toward False River. Fisherman’s Cut can produce some nice largemouth. If you head back to Frank’s Tract when you hit False River, you will pass Little Frank’s Tract on your right. I have fished the tidal outlets in this area with some success. If you try to enter Little Frank’s or Little Mandeville, be careful. They are bordered by old rock walls that can damage your boat.

I have not fished from shore in the Delta, but I think it could be done along Sherman Island Road near Sherman Island County Park. I wouldn’t fish most of the Delta from a tube or pontoon boat because of the proliferation of fast boats and blind corners. Some folks are lacking in etiquette—I’ve had boats come between my boat and the shore at 40 mph when I was clearly casting to that shore. The Napa River—another possibility

The Napa is accessible to small boats, and is a good place to start. I’ve fished from Cutting Wharf or Kennedy Park up into the town of Napa. A couple of years ago we caught dozens of fish right in downtown Napa during the lunch hour. Tactics are similar to those employed on the Bay; however the water is much smaller and more intimate.

The Bay and Delta are amazing fisheries close to the East Bay. I have had 100 fish days on the Bay and close to that on the Delta, but the fish don’t always cooperate. I’ve been blanked on the Delta, especially in the winter.

When the fishing is off, you will still be out on the water, with a multitude of birds, marine mammals and fascinating sights. I’m always amazed at the number of fly-fishers who are unaware of these amazing resources. Give it a try. If you have questions, I would be happy to help.

Bob Fabini, bobflyguy@gmail.com

Gear and Flies

With all the different species and water types, there are lots of options. I usually take 3 rods with me. I have my 9wt set up with the T-14, and can switch to a floating shooting head for top water. I also carry 2 8wt rods with intermediate and Type III shooting heads. If I had to choose one rod, it would probably be the T-14 setup.

I generally go out with the intent to fish for stripers; however, I love catching largemouth and smallmouth bass. I have found that the usual striper flies will take largemouth; however, I always carry flies one would normally associate with largemouth. Slinky and black is usually good. Editor’s Note. Bob has been a member of GPFF for about 20 years and a Fly Tying Instructor at Fish First since 1993. Besides the Bay and Delta, he can be found on the Little Truckee, McCloud, Upper Sac, Hat Creek, East Carson, and on still waters like Manzanita Lake, Lake Berryessa, and some secret ponds. He is looking to spend more time on the East Walker, Trinity, American, and Eel Rivers, as well as Eagle Lake, Pyramid Lake, and a myriad of desert still waters. Prior to retirement he taught Physics and Chemistry at El Cerrito High School for 34 years.