The Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta—commonly known as the California Delta—is a vast watershed covering over 1,200 square miles. The Delta has existed for approximately 10,000 years and was originally composed primarily of marshlands where the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers converge before meeting the Pacific Ocean. Since the mid-19th century, much of the region has been developed for agriculture and shipping, but fishing remains a hidden gem on the California Delta.
Consistently ranked among the top 10 bass fisheries in the U.S., the Delta supports a variety of fish species. This article focuses on two of the most exciting: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. Originally introduced from Illinois in the late 1800s, these bass have flourished throughout the Delta and provide an absolute blast on a fly rod!
Bass on a fly rod are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps, making them a thrilling target for fly anglers. Fly fishing for bass is both accessible and enjoyable, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass are ideal for beginners, as we typically use light 4–5 wt rods, floating lines, 10 lb 7’ leaders, and size #6–10 poppers and jig flies. One of the best things about targeting Smallmouth is that I can take someone who has never touched a fly rod and still have a 99% chance of getting them into fish. I’ve seen 6-year-old grandkids land 30 fish on their very first day fly fishing! We fish open rock walls, casting 15–20 feet and giving the flies a twitch here and there, waiting for that telltale strike. This is a fantastic fishery for getting kids or newcomers excited about fly fishing.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass offer an equally exciting experience and are better suited for intermediate anglers. We use 7–8 wt rods, floating lines, 7’ 20 lb leaders, and larger 1/0–4/0 poppers and streamers. Largemouth fishing requires more precise casting, as you’re often targeting specific spots where these fish hide. It’s truly a hunting game—working weed beds, tulle banks, and rocky, weed-lined walls, all while looking for explosive surface strikes. When that explosion happens, you need to set the hook hard, strip quickly, and pull that golden beauty out of the cover fast. This high-energy style of fishing is a favorite among seasoned fly anglers.
The Boat & The Experience
Whether you’re chasing Smallmouth with light gear or Largemouth with heavier tackle, you’ll be doing it in style aboard my new 19’ Ranger Reata. This boat is ideal for the Delta, offering a stable platform with front and back casting decks so two anglers can fish comfortably at the same time. A solid, comfortable fishing platform can make all the difference in your success and enjoyment on the water.
From June 15 to September 15, I offer extended half-day (5-hour) guided fly fishing trips targeting both Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass on the Delta. Launch points are around the Isleton, CA area, just about an hour from Sacramento or San Francisco. After the trip, I can recommend local lunch spots so you can make a full day of the adventure and still get home before rush hour. We even have the option to stop for ice cream, coffee, sandwiches, and more during your time on the water.
I provide all necessary fly fishing gear, water, sodas, and snacks. All you need to bring is appropriate clothing, a valid fishing license (for anglers 16 and older), sunglasses, sunblock, and a sense of adventure!
Let’s Go Fly Fishing
Fly fishing for bass is an underappreciated sport that I’m deeply passionate about. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new anglers to the sport or to sharpen your skills in a unique environment. Bass are a special fish—one that’s willing to come out of their watery world and explode into ours!
The California Delta is a rare and beautiful fishery right in our backyard, offering an unforgettable opportunity to chase topwater bass on a fly rod. If you’re curious about fly fishing or know someone who is, let me show you what the Delta has to offer.
Let’s go chase some bass!
