Upcoming Fishing Outings

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O'Connell-Bourdet Ranch Bass Fishout, October 9th
Fishmaster: Cecilia Stipes 335-5727

We are privileged as a club to have access to this picturesque property. The O'Connell-Bourdet Ranch offers bass fishing in waters rarely fished by anyone outside of the ranch owners and a few friends. The 18,000-acre ranch is located at the Casa de Fruta exit off Highway 152. Four-wheel vehicles are a must. Anyone interested in this one-day fishout can call me at 335-5727 for more details. Cost is $70.

Where: Russo's Marina and Camp Grounds (925) 684-2024
Sign-up: September and October Club Meetings
It's time for stripers - As we did in the past, we will camp at Russo's camp grounds. It's a good idea to call Russo's, (925-684-2024), for camping reservations to assure that you will have a spot. Boats may be rented from Chuck's Bait and Tackle Shop, (925-684-0668).
Boats may also be launched at Sugar Barge Resort just down the road from Russo's. You may make arrangements with Sugar Barge Resort 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.
At the beginning of October, there should be many small fish, along with some good ones. This is a good time to fish with 6 weight rods.
There will be a sign-up list at the September and October meetings. After the meetings, contacts will be made to place everyone in boats for the two days - or one day - according to needs. Everyone should be there no later than 7 AM on Saturday, October 16th, and the same 7 AM arrival time on Sunday, October 17th. There are two restrooms nearby and a restaurant where we can enjoy dinner and review the day's fishing. For additional info contact Ed Marcillac, (707-422-5300), or via email at marcillac@juno.com.

Where: KOA, 900 N. Mt Shasta Blvd., Mt Shasta, CA - 800-562-3617
Signup: Call Bruce for availability
Cost: $18 for Friday-Sunday breakfast/lunch/snacks/drinks; $60 for three nights to stay in rustic log cabin, or you can arrange for your own campsite. (The prices for lodging are approximate, the exact amount will depend on the number on the fish out, 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.
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 which days (and nights) that you plan to attend, and if you will be camping on your own or staying in a cabin. Please send me the appropriate funds by September 18.
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.
Fishing will be on your own Thursday. If you arrive before I return from fishing and want to get into a cabin, you can go to the office and tell them you'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.

This year's Big Sur Steelhead Fishout has been pushed back to December 1st to correspond with the season opener. I think the delay in opening is an attempt to provide a more productive last month of fishing in March of 2005.
When: Wed. December 1st at dawn (or as Elaine calls it - "First Light")
Where: Andrew Molera State Park, Big Sur, CA.
License: CAlifornia 2005 fishing license w/steelhead stamp
Gear: Remember, we are fishing for the smolts, so think light. Ultra light rods and reels, 2# - 4#, 8'.5 to 9' rod lengths for casting into high winds, (we are within sight of the ocean and catch the river mouth winds) floating lines, small flies of all types. A few of us nymphed w/an indicator and did well. Brightly colored wooly buggers and streamers in sizes 12 - 16. These fish will hit anything that moves. Be sure to crimp your barbs as the F&G wardens are out in full force. Just ask me or Paul. Also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, wide brimmed hat, raingear, water, food/snacks and a camera.
Transportation: In the previous years we have all carvaned down in the wee hours of the morningÉ same for this year.
Sign Ups: Will be at the October meeting. This is a small stream and can only accommodate 6-8 people. First come, first served.

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