Delta water holds in the mid-60s as fall bass pattern sets in

What's biting

What's next

Expect little change in the next two to three days, with water temperature likely holding in the mid-60s. That keeps Largemouth Bass in a steady fall feed. The New Moon tonight means dark nights, so the best windows are early morning and late afternoon when low light pushes bass shallow along cover.

Tactical Bassin advises that finesse presentations help on tough days, including small topwater baits, swimbaits and compact jigs. If the bite turns tentative, slow down and downsize. B.A.S.S. News notes that cool, rainy fall weather can move fish from deep summer haunts toward the shallows, so any cooler change this week would favor shallow cover and moving baits.

Plan around the slower, lower-flow gauges for the most predictable fishing. Heavy flow at the larger gauges makes current breaks, eddies and slack pockets the key targets. Fish tucked out of the main push tend to feed more readily.

Context

Mid-October in the Delta is typically the start of the fall transition. Water has cooled from summer highs and bass begin following baitfish toward shallower cover, with feeding picking up through the cooler months. Water temperatures in the mid-60s are on schedule for this time of year. Anglers often find the best action when weed beds thin and fish gather around remaining green cover and hard structure. Check current California regulations before keeping any fish.