Best Bites is back after a short break. Hope you missed us but we’re back with a full slate of angling options for the waning days of August. Stripers seem to be moving back toward the Delta; there’s trout in the mountains and smallmouth at Del Valle. There’s high hopes for salmon on the Klamath and Tahoe has been a model of consistency, a tough order for freshwater spots this summer. Here are this week’s Best Bites:

ANTIOCH striped bass: Striper bite is very good and a lot of keepers are being landed. A 36 incher was caught from the pier. West Island has been hot for boaters. Mayberry Slough has been productive. Fresh shad has been the top bait. Mudsuckers also will work. Gotcha Bait & Tackle (925) 706-7400

CONVICT LAKE trout: The largest trout in at least two years was caught last week. Bob Stephenson of Lake Arrowhead made the catch using nightcrawlers from the North Shore. Action has been good all summer for those who can get out early and then come back for a late session. (760) 934-3800

DEL VALLE smallmouth bass: Often overlooked, the smallmouth bite can be red hot at Del Valle. It is now. Trolling near rocky structure with spinners or small crankbaits can net dozens of smallies in the 1 to 2 pound class during a fishing session. Don’t forget to apply scents and catch-and-release. (925) 449-5201

SHAVER LAKE trout: The big planting of trout by DFW recently has drawn hundreds of fishermen from all over to the lake and limits are common. "There are so many fish at various levels in the front part of the lake near the dam, but they are spreading everyday", said guide Dick Nichols. The Point and the island are also hot spots, but Nichols thinks they will move to the Stevenson Creek area soon and hang out in September like they have for the past several years. The bank fishermen have surrounded the Sierra Marina, and are lined up at the dam and roads 1 and 2 dragging in fish everyday. Dick Nichols (559) 841-3317; Shaver Lake Marina (559) 841-3324; Shaver Lake Sports (559) 841-2740

LAKE TAHOE mackinaw, kokanee: Kokanee bite is picking up. Most are 11 to 13 inches. Find them over deeper water, 60 to 80 feet deep. Mackinaw bite has been consistent. Guide Mike Nielsen has been getting 8 to 13 fish per outing in the four to 8 pound range. Fishing is good. Mike Nielsen (530) 721-0593 www.tahoetopliners.com

KLAMATH RIVER steelhead, salmon: Steelhead bite is very good. Salmon bite has been lackluster, but there is hope. Water surge from the Trinity hit the mouth Wednesday and fresh salmon and steelhead hit the Klamath immediately. Salmon bite should open up. Mike Coopman (707) 465-1367