Delta bass and catfish settle into fall pattern as water cools

What's biting

What's next

Expect conditions to stay stable over the next two to three days, with water temperatures holding in the low to mid 60s. Flow at the Sacramento-side gauge reads 7,800 cfs, while the San Joaquin-side reading sits at 21,900 cfs. A negative flow of 118 cfs at one gauge reflects tidal influence on the lower Delta, so current direction there will swing with the tides.

Plan around low-light windows. Early morning and the last hour before dark are typically the best times for bass to push baitfish toward the banks, and that is when topwater and swimbaits make the most sense. Midday, slow down with jigs or a soft jerkbait around cover. Fishing the Midwest notes that fall fish often relocate to living green weeds as other beds die off, so look for remaining green vegetation or any stable, clear water. The First Quarter moon puts moonlight in the evening sky, which can extend the evening feeding period slightly.

For catfish, expect bottom presentations with cut bait to keep working as the water cools, since Channel Catfish are still feeding at these temperatures. Check local conditions and state regulations before heading out.

Context

Mid-October in the Delta is typically the middle of the fall transition. Summer heat has broken, water temperatures are easing out of the 70s, and bass begin trading deep summer haunts for shallow flats, points and creek mouths where bait gathers. Compared with a typical year, this looks right on schedule. The 64 to 67°F readings are what we would expect heading into late October, and the stretch before water temperatures fall into the 50s is usually among the more productive for fall bass.