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Bay sturgeon still the best bet

Fishing and hunting

Fishing options tend to shrink a bit this time of year, and while local lakes and streams are not producing much, there is still good action on sturgeon in San Pablo Bay’s sturgeon triangle, which is bounded by China Camp, the Pump House and Buoy Five.

Keith Fraser, at Loch Lomond Bait Shop, said that sturgeon fishing has been excellent in that location and will get better with good tides starting Sunday and running through next week. Anglers are also picking up a few keeper stripers while fishing for sturgeon. Keith also books party boats for Bay fishing. Call him at 415-456-0321.

Joel Sinkay, at Leonard's Bait Shop at Port Sonoma, is less enthusiastic about the sturgeon bite, but has heard some reports of action in the triangle area. He also had a client who landed an 80-inch sturgeon near the mothball fleet at Benicia this week. Joel has plenty of bait and is anticipating this current high-pressure system to improve the bite.

The best freshwater fishing this week will be on the Trinity and Klamath rivers and the lower Sacramento River. Steelhead fishing in the Trinity and Klamath should be excellent, and the lower Sac is clearing from recent rains and is always a good winter trout spot.

Remember, you need a 2013 fishing license. You can buy them locally at Brocco's Old Barn on Arnold Drive.

Look for the Rogue River to start coming into play soon. Call Jim Andras at Andras Outfitters to book a trip there this winter at 530-227-4837.

The annual International Sportsman’s Expo at the Cal Expo State Fairgrounds in Sacramento starts next Thursday, Jan. 10, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 13. Tickets are $15 an adult; while kids under 16 years old, as well as active military personnel, get in free. This is a great way to spend a day or two if you love fishing, hunting or camping. There are seminars, events, exhibits, outfitters, lodge operators and more. For more information, go to sportsexpos.com.