California Bay/Delta
There are eight guide listings on this page


*Guide Service

     Captains Doug Lovell and Leo Siren
Fully licensed and insured

 

Come enjoy a day of striped bass fishing with us on the historic Sacramento San Joaquin Delta.  Arguably the west coast’s best fall, winter and spring fly and light tackle angling for striped bass.

 The striped bass is an aggressive predator, a species which loves to smash baitfish in shallow water, making them a perfect fly-rod quarry.  Although most fly-caught stripers are school-sized, ranging from 2 to 8 pounds - tackle-busting stripers exceeding 20 pounds are caught by our clients every year.

 Our guide service has operated since 1995 and we were one of the very first to offer guide service on these waters.  We have logged more hours than most of the competition and offer what is arguably the finest guide service available.  Our base of operation is a vacation home on Bethel Island, in the heart of the Delta.

Peak months are October, November, December, and March. Good to excellent fishing is also available during January and February, as long as winter storms have not muddied the water.

 In addition to striped bass, the Delta offers Florida-Strain largemouth bass, with an occasional 10-pound or larger fish taken on fly during the spring spawning season.

 Busting bait and diving birds are occasionally encountered and we love to fish top water flies (such as poppers or Gurglers) at these times. The majority of this fishing, however, consists of blind casting large streamers to known productive areas.  We typically fish with 7- to 9-weight rods fitted with shooting heads or sink-tip fly lines.  Casts of at least 60 feet are needed for reasonable success, with 80 or more feet preferred.  Proficient casters can expect to hook one to two fish per hour.  We pride ourselves on taking our clients to less pressured water and getting away from the crowds.  We practice catch-and-release.

 Fishing is from 18- and 19-foot, wide-beam, center-console skiffs outfitted with fast outboard motors, remote-controlled trolling motors, and bottom-scan sonar.  Two people can fly-fish simultaneously. We offer full day trips with lunch included.  As needed, top quality rod/reel set-ups are provided and we  can also coordinate transportation. Our fly shop also stocks the most complete selection of striper flies and gear on the West Coast.

 All trips are scheduled on a weather-permitting basis. Relatively calm conditions are required for a safe and enjoyable experience.

 For those who live near or are just visiting the Bay and Sacramento areas, our guide service provides a unique opportunity for strong ocean-run fish within a from 2 hours to a day’s drive.

 Contact us with any questions, or to request our flyer and handout which provides further information.

Fish First!
1404 Solano Avenue
Albany CA 94707

 Phone: 510-526-1937

 Fax: 510-526-1938

 Email: info@fishfirst.com

 Web: www.FishFirst.com
 


* PACIFIC ADVENTURES OUTFITTERS
GUIDE - MIKE COSTELLO

Pacific Adventures has established itself as one of the premier guide services throughout Northern California, specializing in fly fishing for STRIPERS in the rich waters of the Delta.
We offer full and half day trips for one and two people. Beginners to expert are welcome, equipment and flies are provided on all trips. A good lunch is provided on full day trips.
At Pacific Adventures we fish out of a nineteen foot boat with casting platforms in both the bow and stern. The boat is equipped with captain chairs and a windshield to offer more protection from the wind and cold while traveling to and from the many sloughs and flooded tracts that make up the Delta.
Because stripers are found throughout the Delta on a year around basis, we fish for them January through December. Spring through Summer can be an excellent time to catch smaller fish on surface poppers. We encourage catch and release so that future generations may enjoy this wonderful fishery.
Pacific Adventures guides on many other waters throughout the state, please check out our website at: www.fishtrips.net or call for a free brochure.

Tight Lines, Mike Costello

PACIFIC ADVENTURES OUTFITTERS
Mike Costello
502 Yellowstone Street
Woodbridge, CA 95258

Office: (209) 367-5997
Cell: (209) 327-6153
e-mail: fishtrips@earthlink.net


* ED MARCILLAC GUIDE SERVICE
Lic. # 704247-03
Based at: Fairfield, CA
Phone: (707) 422-5300
Email:
Marcillac@comcast.net

FLY FISHING FOR STRIPERS & SHAD

Fly-fishing from an 18 foot roomy Jetcraft boat with an experienced fisherman who has been fly fishing since the 1960's for both stripers and shad.

Stripers: Mid-September to end of January. Striper fishing in the San Joaquin Delta and other areas as fish availability dictate. The casting of lead-core or fast-sinking shooting heads from the boat; casting experience is recommended. The better the casting ability, the better the success of the trip. Stripers average from 2 to 10 pounds with some larger fish.

Shad: May and June on the Sacramento River. May fishing from the boat in the Sacramento area; casting is not a priority at this time. Good for beginners as well experienced fishermen. June fishing will be done from gravel bars on the Sacramento River between Colusa and Woodson Bridge; casting shooting heads 50 feet and farther is a must. Shad average from 2 to 4 pounds.

Stripers - two persons/1 day* $300
Stripers - one person/1 day* $175
Stripers - two persons/1/2 day* $175
Shad - three persons max/1 day* $100 per rod
Shad - one person/1 day* $150

*Rods, reels and flies will be supplied, along with sodas and water.

E-mail: Marcillac@comcast.net



Captain Dan Blanton
U.S.C.G. License 1132623
 California DFG License # 003706
Insured and bonded

Prime Time on the Fly Guide Service is available to those wishing to fly-fish for striped bass in the Sacramento/San Joaquin river delta system and for trophy striped bass in world famous San Luis Reservoir/O'Neill Forebay.

Guiding in the Delta is offered from October 1st through March 31st, with October, November, December and March,  comprising the peak season. Fly fishing for San Luis Reservoir's huge stripers begins in April and runs through early July and resumes in September.  All trips are scheduled on a weather-permitting basis. Relatively calm conditions are required. 

Delta: Most fly-caught fish are schoolies, ranging from two to eight pounds, with excellent opportunity for double digit fish, with some exceeding 20 pounds and larger. We use 8- to 10-weight weight rods set up with very fast sinking shooting heads, including LC-13 lead core heads, T-14 heads and Rio DC 26 Cold Water Striper lines or SA Streamer Express sink tips in weights 350 and 400 and fairly large, weighted flies. Top-water action can be experienced in Oct/Nov and again in Spring when the water temperature warms above 55 degrees.

Casts of at least 60 feet are needed, with 80 or more feet preferred.  The delta is not a place to learn how to cast these heavy lines and flies and it's very helpful to know how to double haul.  Dan Blanton is a certified casting instructor and will offer help to anyone who wants to improve their casting performance.

San Luis Reservoir/O'Neill Forebay: This is one of the most famous of all landlocked striped bass fisheries.  Literally every line tippet class world record comes from either of these two impoundments.  While the majority of fish will range from 2 to 5 pounds, trophy fish exceeding 20 or more pounds are possible.  The same flies and tackle used for the delta and bay are used here.  Each season, fly-fishers score with fish exceeding 30 pounds.  This is truly a place to target a trophy striper on fly.

You’ll be fishing out of my 18-foot Western Eagle, center console skiff, powered by a Yamaha F100 4-stroke engine - quiet, fast and efficient the boat is equipped with down/side-scanning depth/fish finders, GPS and VHS radio. Two people can fly-fish simultaneously.

Only full day trips are offered. If needed, flies and equipment are provided. For those who live in or are just visiting the Bay area, Prime Time on the Fly Guide Service provides a unique opportunity to catch strong ocean-run fish on fly, within close proximity of the San Francisco Bay area. Hotel and restaurants recommendations upon request. Ask about the delta rental house available exclusively to my clients.  Anglers meet me at the dock. Lunch not provided but drinks are.

Rates:  

San Francisco bay/delta/San Luis Reservoir: One or two anglers @ $550 full day

Tackle & Flies: Top of the line tackle and flies provided if needed

Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to hold a booking date.

Cancellations: Cancellations within 30 days or less of booking, deposit will not be returned.  Cancellations more than 30 days before trip, deposit will be refunded.  If Prime Time on the Fly Guide Service cancels due to bad weather, sickness or other valid reason, the trip will be re-scheduled or a credit will be issued to the client, deposit will not be returned.  Emergency cancellations: deposit will be returned at the discretion of Prime Time on the Fly guide Service.

To book a trip:

1. Call, e-mail or write to book a date

2. Send deposit check to (make check to Dan Blanton):

14720 Amberwood Lane

Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Phone: 408-778-0602 - office

Cell phone: 408-398-6143

e-mail danblanton@danblanton.com 

website: www.danblanton.com

Prime Time on the Fly Guide Service - With Captain Dan Blanton...


*Fall Run ~ Guide Service

                       

Fly Fishing for Striped Bass  
on San Francisco Bay

USCG & DFG Licensed & Insured

 Capt. John Quigley

Phone:   415-272-4541

E-mail: FallRunStripers@comcast.net

www.FallRun.com 

Fish the “Middle Grounds” of San Francisco Bay, an area with some of the best fly fishing for stripers on the West Coast.

When?

Fishing is good May through October, some years into November.  The best months rank in this order … October, September, June, & May.

Where?

All these spots are within a 10 to 15 minute run … Red Rock, the Brothers, the Sisters, Marin Islands, China Camp, San Quentin, Richmond Bridge, Paradise Cove, and California City.

This area encompasses the heart of the best striper fishing San Francisco Bay has to offer.

 

Boat:  A 22’ Boston Whaler Dauntless with a 200 hp Evinrude.  Rigged specially for fly fishing, it has two stern mounted electrics for precise maneuvering and control.  Fast and comfortable.  Docked on Corte Madera Creek … right in the center of the best fishing areas of the bay!

Equipment: 
We fish with 8 and 9 weight fly rods, usually with fast sinking lines.    Bring your own outfit or use the top-of-the-line outfits I provide.  Primarily Sage rods and quality large arbor reels.  Flies and leaders are supplied.  Top water outfits with floating lines are available if an opportunity presents itself!  A cooler with ice, water, and soft drinks will be on board.  Bring sandwiches and/or snacks if you like.
 

Catch and Release is encouraged and the use of barbless hooks is easier on the fish and safer for the caster.

For full details...

www.FallRun.com


*Captain Bill Hutchinson's

Pacific Fly Fishing Guide Service

Let Experience Be Your Guide

USCG License #110557

California DF&G License #7040072-03

Take - Teach - Explore - Learn

Fly-rodding and light tackle professional guide service for Northern California

Main Bay/Delta Schedule:

San Francisco Bay - Stripers: March, September, October

California Delta - Stripers: November, December, Janury, February

By Special Arrangement:

Tomales/Bodega Bay - Halibut & King Salmon: July-August

See website for more details & photos: www.pacificflyfishing.net

Bill@pacificflyfishing.net

bill@fishinginternational.com

Phone: 707-480-7715

All Tackle Provided

2 Anglers Only

Half and Full Day Trips Available 


*KD's Delta Adventures with 

Captain Kevin Doran

The Delta

Experience the thrill & excitement of a big Striped Bass grab! You'll be the one hooked! Or ... how about the heart stopping "blow-up" of a huge Largemouth Bass taking your surface bug, utilizing unique Delta top-water techniques we've pioneered with the fly rod ...

Or ... try the ultimate Delta challenge, being push-poled into casting position for a shot at monster Carp on the fly. This will humble the most experienced angler.

Or ... maybe panfish are your passion. Try a nice casual afternoon casting light rods and a dry fly to hungry Bluegill with a youngster ...

This is what the Delta has to offer the fly fisher ... Let us show you the many Delta fishery opportunities.

The Rivers

Walk/Wade or Float one of the Delta's tributaries. Our local rivers offer many options in season. Trout, Steelhead, Stripers, Shad and Smallmouth Bass. Experience dry fly, nymphing, and wet fly swing techniques.

If you're looking to expand your skills base and want to explore more of what fly-fishing has to offer we can help you develop those skills. We'll help you to become a more confident and accomplished angler.

Whether you're a beginner or seasoned veteran, we can provide an enjoyable outing with your interests in mind, be it the Delta or one of our local rivers.

We live here ... we fish here ... "year round" for almost 20 yrs.

KD's Delta Adventures
#33-154, 4555 N. Pershing Ave.
Stockton, Ca. 95207

Contact: Kevin Doran
Phone: 209/465-6093
E-Mail:
 Capt.Kev@deltaadventures.com

www.deltaadventures.com


* *

 

Inshore Angling Guide Service is dedicated to providing an enjoyable and knowledgeable experience for both beginner and advanced Striped Bass fisherman. Fishing from a well equipped center console boat we cover the vast rivers and sloughs of the California Delta in pursuit of one of North America's greatest fly rod gamefish - Striped Bass!!

As a 10 year veteran striped bass guide Captain Greg Nault will instruct on casting shooting heads, fish holding patterns, tides influence, baitfish, fly movement, fly selection and much more.

Come join me Oct.-May  for a day on the water that I will enjoy as much as you!

 
1st to last light /one or two anglers/                   $375
1st light 6hr./ one or two anglers/                       $250
Noon till last light/ one or two anglers/             $250
Inshore/Offshore ocean adventure /July-Sept.  $450
 
Please feel free to contact me anytime with any questions.

Captain Greg Nault

Cell (603) 216-7653
     E-mail: inshrangler@aol.com

QUALITY FLY FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STRIPED BASS

 STEVE SANTUCCI GUIDE SERVICE

 YEAR ROUND BOOKINGS

Steve Santucci has been fishing the California Delta and San Luis Reservoir steadily over the past 20 years.  He has caught many trophy size stripers over the past 2 decades including two line class world records on the fly.  Experienced in fish holding locations, moon phase, tides, and water conditions, he maximizes your chances for a great striper experience and is now fishing the Sacramento River in the Colusa area during the spring and early summer.

 Steve fishes out of a 20’ North River.  The boat is wide and stable and has a walk-through windshield.  Equipped with plenty of horsepower to get to fishing spots quickly and comfortably, it also has GPS mapping, sonar, Hummingbird side-scanning, and a Minn Kota auto pilot electronic trolling motor.  The North River has a Yamaha 9.9 auxiliary motor and a full top for the wet days.  You can also enjoy a heater on cold, winter days.

 

Steve is fully licensed with the US Coast Guard and Department of Fish and Game, certified by the Red Cross for CPR and First Aid.

 For full details, please contact:

 Capt. Steve Santucci

Email steve.santucci@yahoo.com

Cell Phone650-333-4704



All those listings preceded by and asterisk (*) are guides personally endorsed by Dan Blanton.


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