The California Delta takes on a whole different feel once spring water temps climb over 60 degree range and those stripers start shifting out of the bays into the river systems. Places like Sherman Island, the West Bank, and 3-Mile Slough have these tidal flats and sloughs, and it's the kind of water that gets you excited to be out there casting as the afternoon tide starts moving.

The first real wave of pre-spawn fish is stacking up right now in the West Delta. Jerkbaits and topwaters typically get a strong reaction bite, and a few scouts have already made it past into the lower Sacramento and Feather Rivers.

If you haven't gotten out for the striper bite yet this season, you definitely have to make the time. Jeff Lechtaler of Lechtaler's Guide Service is the guy who knows where they are and can put you right on them. Give him a call soon because the peak wave is still a couple weeks out but the action is building fast.