Upcoming Fishing Outings

Mammoth Lakes September 16th-23rd and 23rd-30th
Fishmasters: John Cook 688-1561, Paul Schrader 475-4801 pschraeder@baymoon.com

* Refer to the April Newsletter for details on the fishout.
* Both weeks are currently full. Paul Schraeder is maintaining a waiting list for each week.
* Call Paul regarding any issues with the fishout.
Looking forward to seeing all of you who are coming! - John Cook

Road conditions approaching Yosemite National Park: As of 8-20-06, California Highway 140 (our customary route) is closed 20 miles East of Mariposa from 8:00 each night to 6:00 each morning seven days a week, due to a rock slide. One way controlled traffic is permitted from 6:00 each morning to 8:00 each night. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route.
Suggested alternate route is CA-17 to I-680 to I-580 to I-205/I-5 North to CA-120, entering Yosemite National Park at Big Oak Flat, continuing over Tioga Pass to I-395 South to Mammoth Lakes.
For an update call 1-800 427-7623. - Paul Schraeder

Where: Russo's Marina and Camp Grounds (925) 684-2024. Driving directions can be found on the Sugar Barge website, www.sugarbarge.com. Russo's is right at the end of Piper Rd. where it makes a tee intersection with Willow Road on Bethel Island.
When: Everyone should be at Russo's and ready to shove off no later than 7 AM on Saturday, October 21st and again at 7 AM on Sunday, October 22nd.
Sign-up: September and October Club Meetings. After the club meetings, those who signed up will be contacted, to arrange a place for everyone in a boat for the two days - or one day - according to needs, based on the number of boats and spaces available. Because it is usual to fish only two to a boat, it is possible that not everyone will be able to be accommodated. Boats can be rented from Sugar Barge (800-799-4100, www.sugarbarge.com). Three boats are available.
Lodging: As we did in the past, we will camp at Russo's Camp Ground. It's a good idea to call Russo's, (925-684-2024), for camping reservations to assure that you will have a spot. Sugar Barge also has some trailers you can rent and there are motels nearby in Brentwood.
Dining: A restaurant (the Rusty Porthole) is close to Russo's and we can enjoy dinner and review the day's fishing there. We will gather there on Friday and Saturday nights. For all other meals, bring whatever you need.
Other Facilities: There are two places with restrooms nearby. The old bait and tackle store that used to be run by Chuck is now the Hook Line and Sinker (925-684-0668). Along with some basic tackle and a few flies (not inexpensive!), they carry drinks, snacks, and coffee.
Boat Launch: You may make arrangements with Sugar Barge Resort (right down the road from Russo's), to leave your boat in the water overnight. Boats may be launched and pulled out at any time; the ramp is open around the clock. Boats can also be launched at Russo's anytime as well, since the new ramp is open around the clock.
It's time for stripers. At the beginning of October, there should be many small fish, as well as some good-size ones.
Tackle: This is a good time to fish with a 6 weight rod. Otherwise, bring 7 and 8 weight rods and fast sink lines. Usually a 27-30 ft (depending on rod weight) lead core head is best, to get the tip down quickly and keep the fly on the bottom the longest. Besides lead core, other fast sink lines (Rio striper line) or type IV-VI are OK - they just take longer to get down.
Flies: Bring two to four inch-long striper flies such as Clousers, Whistlers, and Deceivers. White and chartreuse flies have been good producers in the past.
Personal: If it's warm, bring plenty of liquids. Don't forget sunblock, hat and polarized sunglasses.
For additional information contact Betty Rentz or Harry Petrakis, (916) 543-3242.

Where: KOA, 900 N. Mt Shasta Blvd., Mt Shasta, CA - 800-562-3617
Signup: call starting Saturday September 30th. When you call to sign up please let me if you will be camping on your own or staying in a cabin.
Cost: $55 for Friday and Saturday nights' stay in a rustic log cabin (including breakfast/lunch/snacks/drinks) or you can arrange for your own campsite or motel room nearby. The cost for lodging is approximate, about what it has been in years past. The exact amount will depend on the number on the fishout. Payment is due by Saturday, October 7th.
Lodging: The log cabins have two rooms, with a double bed in one, and four bunk beds in the other. They have electricity, and portable electric heaters. You will need to bring your own sleeping bags/bedding and towels. There is a big, heated common bathroom area by the office with showers.
Dining: I will provide a simple breakfast, ingredients to make a sack lunch, and soft drinks and snacks for apres fishing. Each night we will go into Mt. Shasta (five minutes away) for dinner, where there a number of good restaurants.
Warning to tent or car campers: the weather can be unpredictable at this time of year and elevation( 3500 ft.). Some kind of heated accommodations are recommended.
Fishing: This is a great time of year to fish these two rivers, and see some beautiful fall colors. I've always had my best luck of the season in this time period. The October caddis should be active, with the rainbows trying to fatten up for winter. Additionally, the brown trout will be starting their spawning run in the conservancy section of the McCloud. Medicine Lake outside McCloud is reputed to fish very well in late fall...if you can reach it.
Early Arrivals: I will be up scouting the area starting Monday or Tuesday if you want to come up earlier. If you arrive on Friday before I return from fishing and want to get into a cabin, you can go to the office and tell them youÕ're in the Santa Cruz Club group and get a key. Around dark we will make plans to hit a local restaurant.
Call me if you have any questions.

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