Upcoming Fishing Outings
San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay Nov. 3-4-5
Fishmaster: Betty Rentz, 427-9875, rentzb@santacruzpl.org
San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay Nov. 3-4-5
Fishmaster: Betty Rentz, 427-9875, rentzb@santacruzpl.org
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.