Upcoming Fishing Outings

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Sam's Saturday Surf Fishing
by Sam Bishop

March 8, 07:15 AM, Rio del Mar State Beach - Take Rio Del Mar Blvd. to the bottom by the ocean, turn sharp left and follow the Beach Road to the State Park. Park inside or outside.
Our 2008 surf fishout schedule: March 8 (RDM Beach 07:15), April 12 (Palm Beach), May 10, June 7, July 5, Aug. 9. Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 8, Dec. 6. Normally these are the Saturday after the meeting, but April is an exception to avoid conflict with the Pyramid fishout. Timing will usually be between 0630 and 0730 depending upon sunrise and Daylight Savings time.
No need for reservations, just show up! Novices are welcome. Contact Sam Bishop sambishop@totlcom.com, 831-476-6451 (home) or 831-274-4024 (work) with questions.

Nothing much has changed at Pyramid Lake over the last few years except that the fish are bigger and new regulations are endlessly in a state of flux. The Paiute Tribe, owners of the lake, are trying to improve the experience and the fishery without sustaining a significant loss of revenue. Each time they announce restrictions they're met with protest and anglers don't show up so they recant. I do not presently know what the regulations are and except for changes that may result in citations if unheeded I do not care.
Innovation (following your intuition as Elaine Cook and Paul Schraeder did last year stalking fish from the shore in the early morning hours) and listening to others for new ideas will pay dividends since we will probably be fishing new waters if the "Nets" areas are closed. It will be a fun, rewarding experience no matter what. So bring your 5, 6 or 7 weight rod, intermediate to fast sink lines (but don't forget the floating lines-you never know), 3 to 7 ft 6 to 10 pound fluorocarbon leader, stripping basket and ladder.
Flies: Regulations say barbless Woolly buggers in black, white, purple, olive, or any color you feel like trying (and don't forget the beetle fly and a stop in the Reno Fly shop for the latest flies). Nymphing under an indicator is good. Use copper johns in 14 and vary colors plus the usual array of nymphs and midges. Red is a good color. Don't forget waders, raincoat and gloves, a pea cap and lots of warm clothing. Weather conditions are variable and change rapidly, as anyone who has been on this fishout can tell you.
The General Store in Sutcliff offers meals on selected nights only to those who call in before 2:00 PM. Check at the General Store for details.
The nearest available lodging is in Reno, 30 miles away. This event is already all booked up, but if you still want to chance it, contact Harry Petrakis to get on a cancellations list at (831)-419- 4245 or try Crosby's Lodge on the reservation (775) 476-0400 for any last minute cancellations.
How to get there: Take US 80 to Reno-Sparks, take the Pyramid Blvd. off ramp and go north about 35 miles. Crosby Lodge is at Sutcliff, near the Ranger Station.
Questions? Call Harry Petrakis (831) 419-4245.

This lake is privately run. It's three hours from Santa Cruz (on Hwy 88 near Jackson, CA) and what the fish lack in numbers they make up for in size. If you have ever wanted to be towed in a float tube by a fish, Lake Amador trout can do this. If you have never fished from a float tube, and want to treat this trip as an introduction to float tubing, I will have float tubes for loan for those who call in advance to reserve one.
The cost per day, for one car, with two people and two float tubes is $24. The link to the Lake Amador website, with parking and launching information and fishing prices is www.lakeamador.com.

Fishing: Use a float tube or boat. Fish are in the top five feet of water. Use floating or intermediate sinking lines. Fishing is good from first light.
Camping: For those wishing to stay overnight, the link with the Lake Amador overnight RV camping info and costs is: www.lakeamador.com/fees.htm.
Lodging: The Eureka Street Inn (www.eurekastreetinn.com) is owned by Chuck and Sandy Anderson formerly of Santa Cruz. It's a great place to stay! The Best Western Inn in Jackson has low winter rates, and there is a campground as well. If you have questions, call Don Wilcox at (408) 559-3454.

There will be a sign-up sheet at the April meeting. There is no limit to the number of people who can attend this fishout, but the fishmasters need to know who is coming, and Don will need to know who will need a loaner float tube. Call Don or Pete if you plan on going, and we will tell you where and what time we will be meeting.

Directions: Hwy. 17 North past Los Gatos; exit 17 onto Hwy. 280 South (to San Jose); continue 280 to 680 North; exit 680 onto 580 East; Hwy. 580 becomes 205; continue 205 to Int. 5 North (Stockton); exit Hwy. 4 East to Hwy. 99 North; continue Hwy. 99 North about 1 mile; exit onto Hwy. 88 East (Jackson); exit Hwy. 88 at sign for Lake Amador; right on Jackson Valley Rd. to Lake Amador.

Need a map? Download a PDF of one HERE.

Fishing Opportunities: Trout in tailwater river, stream and lake. Bass in ponds (limited and dependent on how warm this spring is). This year, Hot Creek and the Upper Owens will also be open, but as we go to print, the road to both are closed due to snow.

Climate: Sunny and warm to snowy. Strong winds are commonly encountered.
Lodging: Camping at Pleasant Valley Campground. RV or trailer recommended due to the possibility of extended periods of cold and wind. Cost will be $12 per night. Reservations not needed. Motels in Bishop: Cost is $50 per night and up. Reservations are recommended.
General Plan: Fishmasters will stay at campground which is very basic, with picnic tables, fire pits and outhouses. We intend to go to town for breakfast, groceries, newspapers, showers and fly shops, which are in Bishop, ten minutes' drive from the campground. Fishing is from mid-morning on; the fish don't wake up till then at this time of year. We will have a pot luck barbecue dinner each evening at the campground.
Bring: Box of wood for campfire, small bag of charcoal briquets for barbecues, food and beverages, camping chair, your own tableware (cups, dishes, flatware) and cooking gear. Camp stove, cutting board, basic cooking utensils, grill and dishpan will be provided. Bring a camera to take pictures to share at next year's slide show in January.
Fishing Gear: Rods: 2-6 weight.
Lines: floating and sinking, sink tip type IX
Flies: standard trout dry flies, including: blue winged olive, 16-18, Mr. Bill (Western Coachman), 14-16, elk hair caddis, 16-18, Griffith's Gnat, 14-18, standard trout sinking flies, including: tiger midge, 16-20, pheasant tail nymph 14-18, Hornberg or Loehberg, 12-14, Prince nymph, 16, Scintilla bubble nymph, 20, dark lord, 12-16, Bass and bluegill poppers, small and medium.
Waders: neoprene with fleece underlayers for float tubing, breathable waders over fleece for river and stream fishing.
Float tube and accessories. Personal: Gloves, warm cap to cover ears, hat, rain gear, warm coat, insect repellent, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, 2007 fishing license.
Driving Directions: Sierra passes will be closed. Southern route to Hwy 395 via Bakersfield is recommended. Allow 8-9 hours' driving time. Refer to map.
Sign Ups: Not needed, but the fishmasters would like to know that you are coming, and approximately when you will arrive. Look for the club banner at the campground.

I am happy to announce that this year's annual Roostercomb Ranch fishout is good to go! The ponds are so full, they are spilling over from the 18 days of rain we had in January, assuring us the drought is over. If the rains continue, I expect the wildflowers will be spectacular as well.
This is a great fishout for anyone who wants to experience a true ranching and wilderness adventure that also offers some of the best bass fishing. Seven ponds are on the property of the Roostercomb Ranch and two ponds are just outside the ranch boundary on Henry Coe State Park. You can fish from your float tube, kayak, or the bank.
The ranch and bunk houses provide our sleeping, kitchen, and bathing facilities. Breakfast and dinner meals are coordinated and shared by members.
CRUCIAL: Every vehicle traveling in to the ranch must be 4-wheel drive. Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition and has good tires. If you don't have a 4-wheel vehicle, there is always someone with whom a ride can be shared.
The trip begins Friday morning at 8:00 AM at Casa de Fruta Restaurant on Hwy 152 from where we caravan back 20 miles to the ranch. Our return on Sunday will start around 3 PM. from the ranch house, arriving to the restaurant about 4:30 PM.
IMPORTANT: Sign-up is by calling in on Wednesday, March 12 at 7:00 PM, and not before. Please feel free to call me or email me if you have any questions at flyfishgal3@aol.com.

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