Lake Amador is between Lodi and Jackson in the Sierra foothills off Hwy 88. (about 2.5 hours). In summer it is home to California's largest bass. In winter (only) it is planted with giant Rainbow/Alaskan Cutthroat hybrids. The standard size fish are 16-24 inches. We fish it from float tubes during the winter. It costs $22 to park one car and launch 2 float tubes. It is small enough to be enjoyable fishing in a float tube and is popular with fly fishers during the winter. It gets very crowded on weekends so we fish it during the week. Small boats are available for rent. We've also seen Lake Amador successfully fished from the bank.
I would recommend Lake Amador for a November - February date. After that the water warms and more bass boats are on the water and the friendly environment seems to change a little. Pete and I drive up and back in one day (5+ hours). There is a campground at Lake Amador, lodging is available in Ione, Sutter Creek and Jackson. My favorite town up there is Sutter Creek. Great restaurants and lodging; a very friendly tourist town!
Directions: 580 over Altamont Pass to Hwy 5, north on 5 to Stockton. Hwy 4 east to 99, north on 99 about one mile to 88. North east on 88 thru Lockford toward Ione.
Description: Fishing for trophy trout from float tubes with green woolly buggers. I use three different fly lines, floating, intermediate, and uniform sinking type III. Peter uses a floating line only, and out fishes me 3 to 1. The lake has threadfin shad for the trout to feed on, but green woolly buggers work better than silver minnow patterns. When the water is murky green woolly buggers with some flash added seem to improve the catch rate.
Days of the week: Peter can get free most any Thursday, my schedule is very flexible, but Thursdays work great for me too. Feel free to phone me with questions! (408) 559-3454 anytime between November and February.

Please consider this a standing invite to the SCFF club members, if you'd like to drift fish the Lower Sacramento for trout or the Trinity (from November on) for steelhead once they are up in good numbers.
My drift boat is available; there is room for two in the boat and I'll do most of the rowing so no skills required! We could even tag on a day trip to the upper Sac or McCloud while it remains open. Most weekends and some Fridays are free. Split gas/motel. Brian Bommarito days 831-656-4429; eves 831-394-0705.

Mary Breckinridge is interested in doing a late summer pack trip and is looking for interested parties. The trip can be with or without horses. Make your preference known to her by phone, (661) 333-3110 or e-mail at: mbreckenridge@sbcglobal.net.

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