Upcoming Fishing Outings

---

San Luis Reservoir-O'Neil Forebay Fishout - Sept. 6th
Fishmaster: Harry Petrakis - 831-419-4245

San Luis Reservoir and the O'Neill Forebay are nearby striper fisheries, an hour and a forty-minute drive from Santa Cruz. They are home to some world-class fish. Just so you know, these big fish eat flies. Last year I heard of a near 40 pound fish caught on bait within a stones' throw from the boat ramp at O'Neil Forebay. You can bet there are more of these pigs swimming around the forebay right now, one, maybe with your name on it so don't miss your opportunity. On a more sober note the school size fish are quite a bit smaller and that's what we're going to be targeting.

We will be fishing from float tubes, trying to stay together as much as possible.
This is a one day fishout, Thursday September 6th. We will meet at the boat ramp at 6:00 AM and again at 12: noon. Pick the time that is best for you or fish all day with me. I will have informational handouts at the boat ramp and give everyone a primer on the fishery. It will be the same information we had in 2005 so if you have your package from then maybe you want to have a look at it beforehand.
In the morning we'll all fish together around the ramp and go over to the Mederious side late in the day if conditions for the surface bite looks promising.
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 San Luis Reservoir. After you pass the overlook to the dam, highway 152 begins a long descent from the top to the bottom of the dam. About 3/4 of the way down the descent, look for a sign that says San Luis Creek Recreational Area. There will be a left turn pullout. This is the entrance to the forebay and boat ramp. If you miss it continue on for another 3 or so miles to the highway 33 overpass and come back. This is a State park and there are use fees paid at the entrance self-pay station. If you want to save on gas and fees, make your own arrangements to pair up with another member. Call me and I will manage a car pool information list for those interested.
Gear:
* 7-10 wt rods.(A 5 weight will work if thats all you have.)
* Sinking lines (type IV thru VI, Rio striper lines, T-140, or leadcore will all work), floating lines.
* A 5 to 7 foot long 20 pound leader, floro carbon is nice but not a necessity.
* 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/white„pretty much whatever you have. These should be 11/2 to 7 inches long. Don't forget your "Flash Fly" as made popular in our club by Ed Marcillac.
* Float tube, pontoon boat or pram.
* Don't forget hat, sunscreen, sunglasses/eye protection.
* Be safe - BRING A PFD! I cannot empahsise this enough. If you do not presently have one, use this trip as a great reason to buy yourself one and use it or have it close by and easy to reach whenever and wherever you are on the water.
Nearby Amenities:
Motels, fast food, gas, and restaurant are within a 3-10 minute drive, in Santa Nella.
There has been some interest in staying at one of the lake's campgrounds and fishing the forebay for several days. Please let me know if you would like to do this and I will handle the logistics. Betty said that everyone who camped last year had a good time. How can you miss with this great bunch of people we have in our club?

This fishout, which is really two consecutive fishouts, is full for both weeks. If you're the type that likes to gamble, and you really want to go on this fishout, you can give Paul Schraeder a call and put your name on a waiting list. If someone who is signed up is unable to go at the last minute, you might get lucky! You may go for one or the other of the two weeks, or both.

Sign ups will be via call ins, on Tuesday, September 4th, beginning at 7:00 PM. This fishout is limited to the first twelve persons to sign up. The cost for the weekend $40. The fishing spots available in the area are: Alpine Lake, Spicer Reservoir, Heenen Reservoir (Lahonton cutthroat), Kinney Reservoir /Kinney lakes, Stanislaus River. Call either of the fishmasters for details about gear, flies and food to bring.

When:	Friday, October 26 to Sunday, October 28
Where:	KOA N. Mt. Shasta Blvd., Mt. Shasta, CA 1-800-562-3617
Signups:	call starting Saturday, September 15th Payment due by Saturday, September 29th.
Cost:	$55 for Friday/Saturday nights' stay in rustic log cabin (including breakfast/lunch/snacks/drinks)

or you can arrange for your own campsite or motel room nearby. We go to different restaurants each night for dinner. A warning to tent or car campers: The weather can be unpredictable at this time of year and elevation (3,500 ft.). Some kind of heated accommodations are recommended. (the prices for lodging are approximate, the exact amount will depend on the number on the fishout, but in years past these numbers are pretty close).
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.
I will provide a simple breakfast, ingredients to make a sack lunch, and soft drinks and snacks for apres fishing. We will go into Mt. Shasta (five minutes away) for dinner, where there are a number of good restaurants. When you call to sign up, please let me know if you will be camping on your own, or staying in a cabin. Please send me the appropriate funds by September 29th.
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.
I will be up scouting the area starting earlier in the week 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 you're with 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.

Back to Table of Contents