SACRAMENTO DELTA
The fall striped bass fishing season is now under way with an array of small fish mixed with a few 18 to 22 inchers along with a larger bass 8 to 10 pounds, but not many according to field scouts. Most of the current action is coming out of the Sacramento River off Decker Island, Sherman Island and further west off Chain Island and Broad Slough. Bait fishermen can expect about 5 or 6 fish before hooking a legal 18 incher or better. King salmon are taken daily in the early mornings off the mouth of the old Sacramento River up into the Walnut Grove area. Most of the recent catches have been in the 12 to 17 pound range. The top lure continues to be the single or double bladed Silvertron spinners or the Mepp's Flying "C". As the surface water temperatures cool down the salmon fishing will only get better. Largemouth bass fishing is best in the early mornings and late evenings for top water plugs. During the midday fish Senkos and jigs. The average bass is going from 1 1/2 to 3 pounds, up to an occasional 6 pounder.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY
Recent minus tides moving better than 5 feet of water has slowed down to a crawl the halibut and striped bass. Look for conditions to improve with slower tidal action coming up this week. For salmon, head over to California City on the top of the high tides for bright chromers weighing up to 26 pounds. 10 to 15 fish taken this week which is an indicator the run is beginning to push up the Sacramento River.

OCEAN
Some big salmon showing outside the Gate in the 30 plus pound category. On a given day the average is 1 to 2 fish per rod. On the next day not much going on for your efforts. Most of the recent action is taking place from Duxbury up to Double Point and Arch Rock. Most of the fish are a good grade averaging from 12 to 26 pounds. Lying cod and rock fish fishing is excellent.
South of Monterey Bay, Pillar Point, Bodega Bay and the Farallon Islands. Ling cod have been averaging from 14 to 17 pounds as a rule lately.

WHALE WATCHING BONANZA
Whale watching charter boats have discovered a bonanza outside the Gate viewing upwards of 30 humpbacks, blue and finback whales per session, plus a collection of leatherback turtles and an assortment of pelagic birds. For reservations, call (415) 256-9604.

ALBACORE MAKING AN APPEARANCE
Charter boats out of Shelter Cove have been scoring on long fins in the 18 to 20 pound range. These are the first albacore reported in Northern California south of Eureka.

TAKE TIME TO GO OUR AND ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS. UNTIL NEXT TIDE STAY SAFE TO FISH ANOTHER DAY. CHECK WEATHER CONDITIONS BEFORE VENTURING OUT INTO THE BIG WATERS.

SHAVER LAKE KOKANEE POWER TEAM FISHING DERBY
September 10, 2016 - Kokanee Power presents it’s Shaver Lake team fishing derby offers anglers an opportunity to compete for cash and prizes. for information call Gary Coe at (888) 744-8150.

NATIONAL OPEN SKEET SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIP
September 8 thru 11, 2016 - The U.S. Open Skeet Championship is coming to the Stockton Trap and Skeet Club which will attract the finest shooters in the country for 4 days of competition. All of the events will be taking place at the Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club, 4343 North Ashley Lane in Stockton. There is no charge to observe and watch the finest shooters in the country. Information: (209) 931- 6803 or stocktongunclub.com.

HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES
The Stockton Sportsman’s Club has announced they will be conducting 4 hunter safety courses on October 1 and 8. Instructor Paul Sarstead stated that the courses will take place at the Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club, 4343 N. Ashley Lane in Stockton. Sessions are free to boys and girls, 16 years and younger with a small fee charged for adults. Information: (209) 204-0358.

RIO VISTA BASS DERBY & FESTIVAL
October 7 - 9, 2016 - The Rio Vista Bass Derby is one of the oldest fishing tournament in the U.S. Big prizes are up for grabs. if you love fishing the fabulous Delta waterways this is a must attend. For more information, call the Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce at (707) 374-2700.

WATERFOWL HUNTING SEASON
The California waterfowl hunting season will take place in most areas including the Central Valley and private properties in the Delta region from October 22 to January 29, 2017. The daily limit remains at 7, with no more than 2 mallard hens, 2 pintail, 2 canvasback and 3 scaup. The Central Valley can expect to see at least 7 million wintering ducks this season.

DUCKS UNLIMITED RECEIVES $13.7 MILLION
Recently Ducks Unlimited was awarded more than $13.7 million by the California State Coastal Conservancy to undertake 2 projects in the South Bay Salt Pond of San Francisco Bay, the largest tidal wetland restoration project on the West Coast. When completed, the project will restore 15,000 acres of industrial salt ponds to tidal wetlands. Included is public access for bird watching and hunting.

STRIPED BASS OFF THE HOOK, FOR NOW - Recordnet.com

Delta water exporters late Tuesday withdrew their request to weaken protections for striped bass, a popular sport fish in the estuary. No immediate explanation was given. The California Fish and Game Commission had been set to consider the request on Thursday.

The water users argue that nonnative stripers — as well as black bass, a prized tournament fish — eat native fish, whose precipitous decline has reduced the amount of water that can be shipped south. Fishermen, however, have protested any changes to the rules allowing more stripers to be caught. Nearly 3,500 comments were filed in opposition to the proposal.

Stripers were introduced to the Delta in the late 1800s. While they do indeed eat baby salmon and other endangered fish, some experts have said that attempting to reduce the striper population could backfire by allowing other invasive species to flourish.

Staff with the Fish and Game Commission had recommended that the water users’ request be rejected. Late Tuesday the commission announced that the request had been withdrawn.