Bethany Reservoir

[JBplusThuy]

Fished Bethany Reservoir, in the California Delta area this weekend for the second time. First time was 2 weeks ago and we did OK with 11 bluegill and redear. This time was a lot better; 21 bluegill and redear, headlined by a 9-inch, 9 ounce redear. Photo attached. Also uploaded it to photos yesterday.

Bethany is nice: low pressure, no crowds (virtually deserted, really), lots of bluegill and redear. Also has largemouth, striped bass, possibly sturgeon, and catfish.

Facilities are primitive - no running water, and a single unisex pit toilet in the main parking lot, so come prepared. Bring more water than you think you'll need, and sanitizer. No soap or water in the pit toilet, either.

If you have a boat, there is a one-lane launch ramp and a small dock.

This is a California Aquaduct reservoir, so water levels can fluctuate several feet in a single day. When we got there, it was down about 4 vertical feet from where it had been the last time we were there, but by the time we left in the evening, it was almost all the way back to where it had been.