The California Delta

The California Delta is considered one of the best bass fisheries in the world. Made up of 5 river's converging and flowing in the San Francisco Bay you have 100 plus miles of water to fish. The area is lush green with vegetation and has lots of sloughs to navigate through.


The main type of vegetation to fish in the area is Tules, Hydrilla, Water milfoil, and Giant Salvinia. There are 54 types of fish species in the Delta but most anglers focus is on Largemouth and Stripper bass.

Although most people wouldln't consider the Delta a Kayak Friendly area I would disagree. There are two main access point I would suggest Bethel Island and Big Break. Both of these area's have good marina's that are accustom to people fishing in Kayaks. Big Break marina is my favorite access point because it has a nice launch, easy access to restrooms, and the price to launch is the cheapest in the area at 8 dollars.


Both Big Break and Bethel Island are loaded with Tules and grass mats. Using a specific type of bait is difficult depending on conditions and the tide. Topwater works early morning most often but has been a tuff bite this summer. Punching mats is a favorite but I had more success drop shotting against the Tules with soft plastics like Robo Worms and Senko's.

Topwater Frogs are a favorite here and they will work well if the conditions are right. There is a big advantage fishing from a kayak because you can wedge into area's between the Tules that have open pools of water with some giant bass in them. A good Largemouth at the Delta is 10 plus pounds.

The sunken iron ship off of the Big Break also is good are to start depending the time of year you can catch Largemouth or Strippers. Although area's like Discovery Bay are deeper and have a better Stripper population especially during the winter time.


The last good hot spot I would like to mention for Kayaks is the Woodward ISL. This area is load with Tules and there are shadows casting on either side depending on the time of day. Topwater works really well try something you through up in the Tules for the best results.

Safety is always a concern in the Delta because of the amount of traffic and crossing sloughs. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and cautious of other boaters. The tide can also be a concern make sure you check with the marina before heading. The Delta is a large area it is important you take the proper safety precautions to assure a fun and safe trip.


I would rank the Delta an 8 out of 10 for kayak friendliness. You often run into others kayak anglers and they are always willing to give you some good tips on fishing the delta.