What's Next? Spring Sacramento River Stripers

August 20 -Out of date fixing

 

We've Switched

When you get into any of my boats this year, one of the first things you'll probably notice is a brand new, full compliment of Lamiglas fishing rods.  Why the big change?  It's simple ... Lamgilas listens.  While other rod manufacturers are discontinuing models in the salmon/steelhead market, Lamiglas asks, "What do you need?" 

This change wasn't one that was easy for me given the fact that I'd worked with my previous manufacturer for over 20 years.  In the end, my decision was based on a few important factors.  Lamiglas offers more technique specific rods than anyone else which makes it possible for me to dial in my rods for their intended use.  The craftsmanship is beautiful, and the company really understands that listening to the guides who use their rods helps them produce a better a product.  They also work with their guides to insure that we are always using the latest models and materials.  Ultimately, this is a relationship that benefits all parties - Lamiglas the company, the guides on the pro-staff, and the consumer buying a rod in the retail market. I'm excited about the change and look forward to putting these rods in your hands.

Good Fishing,

John
 

In the Wake of the Week 2/1/15

 

There are no paid sick days when you're a fishing guide.  I have been fighting a bug for about a week now, and I have had a tough time shaking it.  Yesterday, I backed the boat into the garage and went straight to bed; hence the day late report.

One really crazy addition to the week was being in the drift boat with clients when a 5.7 earthquake hit the coast.  The boat shuddered, but the water never moved; you could hear the rumble, the trees shook, and it was over.

It's been a really good week of fishing with some beautiful steelhead caught as well as some great pictures of things other than fish.  This will be a picture heavy posting for that reason, and also the fact that it looks like we are going to get a few days off late this week as some serious rain is forecast for the northcoast.

 

In the Wake of the Week 2/8/15

 

There aren't many pictures this week for the simple reason that due to the rains, I did not fish much.  As of last Thursday, the rivers blew out; I will be back on the Smith on Wednesday this week.  It's going to be some time before things clear up on the south end.  In the meantime, here are the few photos that I took in the early part of the week including a picture of the Eel which crested Saturday midday at 148,000 cfs ~ slightly above flood stage at Fernbridge.  Prior to the rain, we were fishing it at less than 2,000 cfs. 

In the Wake of the Week 2/15/15

 

With blown out rivers until Thursday, poor fishing once I was back on the water, and a day in bed sick, I don't have much to show you.  In fact, the only picture I took this week is of a six pound hen that fought like a gob of moss.  We do have rivers on the mend to the south, however, and it looks like at least a week of fair weather. 

This week, I thought it would be a good time to preview my upcoming striper season.  The photos above I believe are fairly representative of striper fishing on the Sacramento River as well as the potential for a big fish.  Stripers also make excellent table fare. 

Striper fishing is generally a numbers fishery, but occassionally, we do land a big one.  This week and in each subsequent In the Wake of the Week, I will post my open striper dates.  It's always a good idea to call as soon as you want a date as they go fast.  At this time, my open dates are:  April 7, 8, 12, 27 and May 8, 10.  Shoot me an email or call me if you are interested in one of these dates.

Good Fishing,
John 

 

In the Wake of the Week 2/22/15

 

The fishing has improved slightly each day as the rivers drop back into shape.  Although the weather gurus are calling for some rain late this week, it only looks to be a couple of tenths of an inch.  If that's all we get I wouldn't expect to see muddy waters again.  However, any more than that and we could be knocked out again.

Good Fishing,
John

In the Wake of the Week 3/1/15

It's been an exceptional week of fishing punctuated by nice weather, some beautiful fish, and an up close and personal visit from some local wild life.  We are getting to the point where the rivers are getting low, and there is no rain in sight until at least the 10th of March. 

I have an update for my available striper dates.  The are as follows:  April 7, 8, 27, and May 10. 

Enjoy the photos, and good fishing,
John

In the Wake of the Week 3/8/15

 

Although we had a couple of slower days, overall it was another really good week of fishing.  We are starting to see a few more downstream fish which isn't surprising given the low flows.  I wouldn't expect a big push of new fish without some rain.  All that said, we are still catching a good number of fresh fish. 

The rivers are reaching critical low, and there is no rain in sight until the latter part of this upcoming week which may amount only a couple tenths of an inch.  My plan is to keep fishing until the fishing slows down.  If that occurs, I will evaluate flows, weather, and my physical/mental state this late in the season.  It's been a long grind of a season.

Good Fishing,
John

In the Wake of the Week 3/15/15

Despite the ultra low river conditions, we have had a very solid week of fishing.  One particular highlight for me was getting to spend a day with a fellow named Greg Mulkey.  Greg fished with me quite a bit back in the nineties, but due to some health issues, he hasn't been in my boat for awhile.  He hasn't changed a bit... appreciates every minute of the day. 

Although we did get a little bit of rain this afternoon and evening, I seriously doubt it will be enough to help.  The upcoming forecast calls for more significant rainfall late this week.  We will just have to wait and see how much the system will produce. 

As we are heading into the homestretch of the steelhead season, I want to give you a quick update on my available striper dates.  Currently, I have April 7 & 8, and May 10-12 open.  For information, feel free to call or email me.

Good Fishing,
John

In the Wake of the Week 3-22-15

Quick report tonight and only a few pictures as I am rushing to get ready to leave in the morning for the Olympic Peninsula and three days of chasing 20 pounders.  Although we are still catching plenty of fish, we are seeing primarily downstreamers, and it feels as though we are on the wind down.  I have enclosed a few pics of the fresh fish we caught this past week.  Hopefully, I will have some nice pics to share with you when I return from the OP.  Once I return, I will fish steelhead here through the end of the month, and then my focus will shift to fishing for stripers.

Good Fishing,
John
 

 

That's A Wrap

I finished up steelhead for 2015 on the Olympic Peninsula.  We fished the Sol Duc River for two days in high water conditions, and we caught a handful of fish. 

Steelhead season for me is now officially over, and I will be fishing stripers in just a few days.  What I have done is put together a series of photographs from the 2015 season.  I hope you enjoy this little slideshow.  Click on the picture below to view.

A special thanks goes out to all of those who spent time in my boat this winter.

Good Fishing,
John