Upcoming Fishing Outings

Delta Stripers October 20th-22nd
Fishmaster: Betty Rentz - 427-9875

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.

San Luis Reservoir and the O'Neill Forebay are nearby striper fisheries, an hour and a half drive from Santa Cruz. We will camp for the weekend at the forebay, or you can stop by for a day. The map at www.parks.ca.gov/pages/558/files/SanLuisMap.pdf shows the reservoir and the forebay. It is a pdf file, so it may take a while to load. Use the pull-down menu to increase the size 150-200% so you can see details.

Driving Directions: Take Hwy 152 to the O'Neil Forebay. Use the Hwy 33 exit and head north. Enter at the Medeiros Recreation Area, 1/4 mile on your left. When you get to a T-intersection, turn left and drive up the shoreline, keeping the lake to the right of you. We will camp along the lake (Hwy 152 should be on your left), near the big power line towers. Camping/parking fees are paid at the entrance self-pay station. Note that two vehicles can "share" a "site" (there aren't any sites per se, but you can list a second vehicle on your camping fee slip). Make your own arrangements to pair up with another camper to split the cost.
Fishout Headquarters: We will be staying at campsites on the south shore of O'Neil Forebay, just east of the large power line towers visible from highways 33 and 152. Look for a 10 mph "No Ski Zone" dotted line on the on-line map. We will park at a small finger bay, shown just to the right (east) of the "No Ski Zone" boundary. An additional landmark is a group of trees under the towers. There aren't very many trees here, so they will stand out.
Gear:
* 5-7 wt rods
* Sinking lines (type IV thru VI, Rio striper lines, T-140, or leadcore will all work), floating lines
* Topwater flies: bass poppers, gurglers, and crease flies -- all especially in white, yellow or silver
* Underwater flies: Clousers, whistlers and deceivers, also in white/yellow, flashy white, white/chartreuse, blue/white, grey/whiteÑpretty much whatever you have. These should be 11/2 to 3 inches long.
* Float tube, pontoon boat or pram.
* Don't forget hat, sunscreen, sunglasses/eye protection
* Be safe - BRING A PFD!
Food: Potluck Friday and Saturday nights. We will barbecue, so bring something to cook for yourself and also something to share (such as salad, dessert, a side-dish, hors d'oeuvres, bread/butter, etc.). Bring your own paper plates and any other utensils you need for yourself and to serve your dish. BYO drinks. There are picnic tables at the campsite. You are on your own for breakfast and lunch.
Nearby Amenities: Motels, fast food, gas, and restaurant are within a 3-10 minute drive, in Santa Nella. If you plan to launch a boat, the boat launch is at the San Luis Creek Recreation Area. See the map for directions.
Please Bring:
* A small BBQ grill and fuel (charcoal or propane) . We will need three or four grills.
* WATER - THERE IS NO WATER FOR DRINKING OR WASHING DISHES
* Extra roll of toilet paper just in case - only porta-potties available
* Large black trash bag - please take trash and recycling away with you
* Wood for a campfire
* We need one or two Coleman-type stoves - to boil water for coffee in morning and maybe to reheat food to share.

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