The striped bass fishing out on the Delta waterways has been in the dumps due to the colder water temperature.  The stripers are still in the system but getting them to strike your lure or getting them to take your bait of choice is something to reckon with my friend.  In the interim, the crappie fishing has been off the charts in Snodgrass Slough while working small swim baits in 18 to 24 feet of water.  Several anglers reported catching as many as 100 crappie in one day with most weighing almost a pound each.

Sturgeon fishing has been up and down the past few weeks due to the colder water temperatures, but those in who know are finding some success.  The current water temps are holding right at 49 degrees.  The best bait continues to be eel strips or salmon roe.

The 13th annual Diamond Classic Catch & Release Sturgeon Derby takes place on January 26.  As in the past, there will be a pre derby seminar at the La Tapatia Restaurant on Main Street in Martinez from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, January 25.  Once again Captain Steve Talmadge of Flash Fishing will chair the event.  The derby entry fee is $25 for adults with a 100% payback in cash prizes from 1st thru 7th place.  For additional information contact Talmadge at (510) 851-2500 or through his website at https://www.flashfishing.net/contact-us/.

The recent cold temperatures along with windy conditions have limited anglers.  Most of the local bait shops have stated that having fresh thread fin shad is over until this coming spring.