Billy Lynch: Sturgeon in Bay waters

With this break between rain storms, anglers who like to fish for sturgeon in San Pablo Bay will be out in force.|

With this break between rain storms, anglers who like to fish for sturgeon in San Pablo Bay will be out in force. The freshwater runoff and cooler temperatures always seems to stimulate the sturgeon bite. This week should be no exception.

Various theories are offered, including the fact that while sturgeon can thrive in both fresh and saltwater, some of the other critters that occupy Bay waters can’t, or won’t. Those include the crabs, sharks and rays that are the primary bait thieves when the water is saltier. They leave for saltier environs when the rivers start adding fresh water to Bay brackish water. The sturgeon get a more opportunity to find your bait.

In any case, the “sturgeon triangle,” bounded by the Pump House, China Camp and Buoy 5 in North Bay waters, should be good now. If you don’t have a boat, you can book a bay fishing party boat through Keith Fraser at Loch Lomond Bait Shop in San Rafael, 415-456-0321. You can also fish from shore at China Camp and at McNear Beach Park along the Marin Shoreline.

I haven’t heard much from Capt. Rick Powers at Bodega Bay Sportsfishing recently. The rock and lingcod season is closed, and crabbing seems to be in a lull. He normally would do combo trips for crab and sand dabs now, but the weather may be keeping him close to the dock.

We are in one of those periods when only the hardiest of anglers heads out on local waters. And most of the rivers are too muddy to fish. Sometimes it’s better to find something interesting to do indoors, which means looking east toward Sacramento where the annual Sportsmen’s Expo starts next Thursday, Jan. 18, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 21, at the Cal Expo grounds.

It is a huge show and will provide avid outdoors folks with many hours of entertainment, conversation and education

There are more than 600 exhibiting companies packed into five buildings and various outdoor spaces, plus more than 200 free seminars in eight theaters and demonstration areas.

New features have been added this year, including an archery contest, a new Wilderness Camp featuring all kind of new gear and gadgets for campers, a new outdoor product showcase and adventure theater seminars.

There is an off-road vehicle test track, and a giant weekend Youth Outdoor Fair, aquarium demonstration tank, Kayak Theater, sporting-dog arena, and a fly-fishing theater.

Tickets are $16 for adults, active duty military and children 15 and under are free.

Expo hours are Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to sportsexpos.com.

From Sonoma Valley heat east to Interstate 80 to Sacramento, take the Capital City Freeway exit in West Sacramento (following the signs to Lake Tahoe). Continue on Capital City Freeway, through downtown Sacramento and make the turnoff to Reno. The Cal Expo exit is just northeast of the American River.

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