Thermalito Afterbay bass fishing season has arrived. Reports of several 12-20 pound limits have been coming into Fins, Fur and Feather Sports (FFF) in Paradise. The Afterbay is a miniature California Delta in more ways than one, including both the structure available and the largemouth hogs it produces. February through April is the prime time for some excellent bass angling.

As mentioned in a previous article, this impoundment, a warming basin for irrigation waters, has all the characteristics in which big bass thrive. Right now, the locals heading out are equipped with two main baits; jigs with big trailers for the vegetation and blades for the more open rip-rap banks.

The jig bite can be phenomenal so go prepared with heavy action rods tipped with black/red half ounce jigs trailed with a Kinky Beaver or some other Havoc creature bait. This equates with combat fishing where bites aren’t necessarily plentiful, but they can be heart-stopping. Patience is the name of this game and it usually pays off with a football size jackpot.

Spinnerbaits, this time of year, are another option for the restless bass fisherman who likes to patrol the rock walls with trolling motor on low for the entire length of the west side. Stay out from shore about 50 feet in 10-15 feet of water and throw out your half-ounce blade setup, burning it all the way back to the boat. This can be some incredible visual fishing watching those slick rockets appear from nowhere attacking your lure. It is critical to run it all the back to the boat.

These same rock wall haunts are also great for throwing wacky-rigged Senkos. Natural Shad and Purple-pearl laminate are just two of the colors that should produce a bite. Remember to keep it slow and, as with the blades, fish it all the way back to the boat.

Last week Bobby Larson, Paradise bass angler extraordinaire, bagged a beauty of a nine pounder. Like I said, this is a great largemouth fishery.

The Thermalito Afterbay is located on Highway 162 at the junction of Highway 99, west of Oroville. For more information call FFF in Paradise 530-876-8800 or stop by the intersection of Skyway and Clark Road.