How to Fish for Striped Bass in the California Delta

Casting large crankbaits is a great way to cover water and find actively-feeding striped bass in the delta. Because these oversized bass have been feeding on anchovies and other baitfish in the Pacific Ocean, the desire to take advantage of an easy meal is never out of reach. Look for current breaks off the river mouths as these areas offer a resting place and ambush point for big stripers.

Jigging with large soft plastic lures, such as a Storm Wild Eye Swim Shad, can also produce great catches. Cast the lures out, let them sink to the bottom and then jig them back to the boat. Stripers will often follow these lures and strike them on the drop, so be ready to pick up the slack to set the hook hard.

Fly casting with large baitfish streamers like a Deceiver can be another good approach to catching delta striped bass. Be sure to use a stout 9 to 10 weight fly rod with a shooting head and sink tip for long casts that will get your fly down in the strike zone. A quick retrieve with short strips often works best, but be sure to vary the retrieve throughout the day as stripers may want the fly presented in a different manner.