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Just asked Geoff at Central Coast FF and it appears the F&G have not decided on a definite flow measurement for Santa Cruz streams for 2004. As regs state they can close a stream if they decide fish cannot move upstream and are at risk of being snagged or caught in one pool. But you will still have to call hotline to make sure it is open ahead of time before fishing. That explains why they included the Dec. 2005 date as indicated in your post, they have yet to finalize the specific low flow requirements apparently. Its getting ridiculous between zero-limits, barbless hooks, low flow reqs., etc.....If we could restore spawning productivity, flows, manage seals and fish eating birds there would be tons of fish...kind of like last year!
When the new regs were discussed F&G was proposing 80CFS minimum for the SLR and 40CFS for Soquel. The streams South of Soquel would be linked to Soquel flows as it is the only one with an automatic, internet accessible flow gauge. So, if they went with that option, when Soquel is open so is Aptos, Pajaro and Corralitos Ck. The Carmel would also be 80 CFS minimum which is down from the previous 135CFS requirement. All south coast streams would be 40 CFS as read at the Big Sur, where there is also an internet gauge. I asked the new warden for Monterey if the low flow requirement would be in effect this year and he indicated it was. That was last weekend at the Carmel River Steelhead Assoc wild game BBQ we had last sunday.
Steve---from 2004 Freshwater Regs: Art. 4 Supp Regs Sec 8.00c Low-Flow restrictions for S.Central streams: Dec 1-Mar 7 DFG will close streams when flows are inadequate for fish passage. Quantitative cfs to be determined by Dec 2005. Call Info: (831) 649-2886 Am a bit confused by the Dec 2005 date but I assume since this reg is in 2004 book, you need to call for coming season and DFG will close streams based on best guess regardless of whether or not they have finalized on cfs.
Hi gang, The SLR just hit 2,000 cfs. That will certainly help to blow the debris out and give the river a good "cleaning". Another 2 or 3 rains like this before December could make for an interesting opener. I called the phone # posted on the DFG web-site and they had no clue about low-flow closures for the SLR. Where can I find information on that? Have a great season! Steve
The river is currently at 465cfs and rising fast. This is an excellent start to bust the mouth open. Do we have a confirmation on opening day this year? Early rains mean a good chance for Kings and Cohos.
It looks like a good begining. Lets hope it lasts into the Jan thru Mar. months.
I'm jonesin' here, too! Love the new season, but it means PSM(pre [steelhead] madness) is going to be drawn out longer than in the past. To pass the time, I am organizing, inventorying, saving pennies (ahh, 14 and a fishing addict), researching new fly patterns, researching new line (am thinking about getting some sinking tip 6 weight, or might get some "steelhead" line), making lures, tying flies, reading catalogs, and, as soon as they get back from their trip, going into ernies. I hope this extended season produces some blue-backs, saw a few in that extra week last season. Any size recommendations for spinner size? Any thoughts and the theory that a small, deep diving crawdad crankbait would work well because of a defensive attack? As for fishing regulations- you can go to the DFG site, then download the .PDF version of the regs so you can check them when ever you are on the computer. Perhaps some local rockfish, and maybe a albie run will hold me over till steelhead season
Is anyone jonesin for winter steelhead as bad as me? I believe the regs say, seasons from Dec 1st to March 7th. Low flow closure if the river drops below 80CFS. Last weeks of last season it was between 150 and 250 CFS most days (as a a comparison).
Ahh, the weather turning and that little rain has us thinking about the upcoming season. Has anyone heard about the possible delay in the start date? Dept of Fish & Game website has NOTHING. ??
Anyone checking here the meeting place will be at the Water St entrance to the Courthouse this Saturday. I reported that we would meet at Longs again, but this is coinciding with National Ocean CLean Up day and they have a station set up there, parking available at the courthouse
Hey guys, the San Lorenzo clean up day was good event. We had about a dozen people there. Some of the old hands and a few new faces. Next clean up day, and the probably the last chance this year is the 18th of Sept. This one is being done in conjunction with the International Ocean and Beach Beautification Day. We will meet at 9:00am and meet at the Longs Parking Lot area again. Went to the Feather sunday eveniong and monday morning, kept 2 hens. One about 20lb and the other about 10lb. My roe supply is looking better now! The rest is being smoked by a friend.
Good to hear somebody is still thinking about steelhead, only 5 months til winter season! The clean up day is confirmed for Aug 21st. We will meet at the pedestrian bride above the Soquel Ave bridge at 9:00AM and go until 12:PM (appx) It is easiest to park at Longs towards the back, right across the street from the pedestrian bridge. Bring waders if you want, the city will have some gloves and bags for garbage. We hauled a lot of tires, carts, etc. from the river itself and trash from the bank last year. Been getting any fishing in?
I am still checking frank.
Anyone still checking news here? If so, there will be 2 Clean Up days on the San Lorenzo this summer and maybe a third in Oct. First up is Aug.21 we will meet in the Water St or Soquel bridge area. More updates as we get closer.
I too was a small stream trout fisherman until I was turned onto the rod bending action of the coast steelhead. I released eight trout this weekend in the Sierras and hands down, 1 steelie to 100 trout wins out. Put a 13 lb. buck on the end of your 7wt and you will see what real fishing is about. My waders are tore up from all of the rock hopping to keep up with those chromers. You will have to contest the crowds and a few bad attitudes, but the time invested will change your thoughts about fishing for salmonids. There are trout in the area, many trout, only problem is that the water is closed in most cases, streams atleast. I fished the creek behind my house when I was a kid and had 16 fish days and the rangers never hassled me, but I was a kid...put a grown man in 400.00 waders out there, he's getting a ticket and the Sage taken away. Good luck this winter on the SLR, stop by Ernie's he'll point you in the right direction.
I am moving to Santa Cruz next year and I was wondering what kind of fly fishing you guys have. Im not really a steelhead fishermen, I am more of a small stream trout guy. Are there any streams near SC that are fishable. Also are there some good ones within a couple hours of santa cruz? Thanks for any info...hope to fish with some of you next year.
If anyone is monitoring this page I have some restoration/enhancement projects you might like. Starting now (tonight in fact) we are conducting steelhead capture and relocation rescues on the lower Carmel river. We use small minnow seines and electro-shocking devices to stun or net juveniles stranded in the drying sections of the river. The entire lower river dries up completely every summer so we save the "young of the year" and relocate them to either the upper river that runs all year, the rearing facility operated by the water district or the lagoon. Also I am going to coordinate the same river clean up days on the San Lorenzo as we did last year. First one shpuld be late July. Anyone interested call or e-mail me cel# 277-0544
Where is everbody, body, body, body? This place echos, echos, echos echos. I just re-upped with Trout Unlimited, doing my part. Ready for trout season, got the old 4 wt. out and I'm primed to teach those trout a lesson. Unlike steelhead, I know I can catch a trout.
Yo Steve! If you believe that Vermilion River Steelhead are 10-15 lbs you must be smoking the same toxic weed as Artic Snow Monkey. Can't expect that no one from the west coast has never been there. 4-8 lbs is more likely. Come out and visit sometime, a hot pacific native will scream the butt off Erie put-and-takers, and change your life forever. What ever happened to Noodlebagger?, his site disappeared awhile back.
bud not buddy
I hope you were using barbless finger nails!!!
Just checking in with everybody. I live next to a creek that runs into the Vermilion river running into Lake Erie. My three daughters and I walk down to the creek (one minute away) and wrestle 10-15lb steelhead trout with our bare hands. Much fun!
Sounds like you were catching spawning fish off their redds. Glad you had fun.
Hey Guy!!! Wow what a great season. Fished the last week in Felton. I can see why people like that place…..you can see the fish!! All laying in the tailouts, and after you spook them just hang out in the fast spots below the tailouts. Four friends of mine and I fished the Felton area and hooked a bunch of fish. We would just spot the fish then cast till one bit. Some times it would take 20-30 maybe 50 casts, but sooner or later Boom---Fish-on! Man they liked that woolyBugger and shrimp combo! My friends slayed them on a 1/8” corkie and yarn. I saw some of the fish swimming sideways and some one told me they were spawning. Is this true? Well had a great year…..and now my buddies are also hooked. See you next year. Liven La Vita Loca in L.G.
Hey Corbin, sometimes less is more (as I also found out)!
End of the Season Report. I had a great season. Hooked several smaller fish. Some larger. All three of my children ages 3, 3, and 5, caught fish. After every fishing trip, I enter lots of information in my fishing log. Water clarity, species persued, time fished, date, lures used, presentation, stats of fish, and personal reflections. My best conclusion from this season is concerning presentation. Weight, to be exact, is perhaps the most important varriable. I had been using to much weight. On one day, I was using a corkie and roe, with a pencil...Lost a couple of set ups. After 50+ casts to a sloted area, I switched to one shot, roe and yarn only, and on literally the first cast, Hooked a 7-8 lbs. fish. Same roe. Different presentation. I tried the same idea through out the season... and the change in weight and, thus, presentation -speed, height off bottom, etc...really payed off. Take a kid fishing, and remember... Most people fish their entire lives without realizing that it is not the fish that they are after.
I agree, the river is a great place to meet new friends, and I have made several. I have fishing trips for the next year set up with new buds I met this year. It is good to see guys just being bro's out there. I did see some guys being rude, and you know what...keep being rude, I made a great friend talkin' about what a retard you were, you fishless dork. Read your own book on etiquette you dope. I have seen some great commentary on this board, and some that is begging for flushing. The guys that can't just fish, help out a neighbor, or be friendly to a non-local are probably the same guys that have racist additudes and beat their wives. Time for the inbreds to skip the stream, eat a Big Mac and pick up chicks at Wal-Mart, the lucky girl may just be your sister.
It was a fun but much too short season. I met some nice people on the SLR. See you all come November.
Who do we thank at the DFG??? And I thought the season was over last week. I was able to fish for just a little over 3 hours Saturday morning. The level was a bit higher than I like it, but much clearer than it usually is at that level (maybe 2' vis at 300 cfs- pretty good). Any way, fished the gorge with roe and corkies with a bit more split shot than usual. Hooked and landed a nice fish early in the morning (just shy of 30") and then another about 28" just before leaving the river. Both were hatchery fish in decent shape (not chrome, but definitley not dark either). The first fish did something I've never seen. It swam down a pretty good size waterfall, then it swam back up! The second fish swam down a different riffle so I had to fight it against the current. Great season (for me anyway!). 9 trips, 11 adults hooked 7 landed. Praise God!
The river is flowing a little fast but water level is good. DFG regs for 2004 are found on the DFG website. If you have been fishing long enough,and you have ever sat down to read the regs, you would know that they change some of the rules mid seson to begining of new seasons. These amendments or changes for you that did not get past 6th grade are found in the supplement regulation book, designed to go with the standard regulation book. C-mon lets get hooked on phonics. Oh by the way for you guys that think you cant fish this weekend, please by all means Stay Home..Oh yeah tip of the day this time of year thier biting on purple cheaters with caviar.. Peace owt.
I crossed the river today at HWY 1 and 350 cfs seems right. And with 50+ inches of rain in Boulder Creek this year, I don't think the river is dropping as fast as it usually does after a storm.
Hey guys, Little help? I don't think it's rained much if at all over the last week, yet the level is still at 354 cfs which is very fast. Is the meter wrong? Usually with little/no rain we would be down under 200 cfs by now. What gives? Thanks,Steve
You guys can't keep your traps shut! "Yeah, had a great day on wednesday, no one from TOG to 4 rocks!" Just have to brag about your awsome day. Way to go! Now we'll be fishing with 400 guys from TOG to 4 rocks this weekend!
I just called the DFG at 831-649-2870. Here's the word. The San Lorenzo will be open for steelhead on Saturday and Sunday only if the stream flow is right. To find out if it will be open call 831-649-2886 after 5:00 PM today. Failure to check could result in your being in violation.
Huh? The season extension, according to a DFG supervisor, was made on Monday and is not in the 2003-2004 regulation pamphlet. If it was in the regs, there would have been 50 people fishing wed. instead of two.
I cant believe how many misinformed fools thier are on this website. Read YOUR D.F.G. Regulations. This is the information age knowledge at our fingertips. Luck favors the prepared. Im going to give you losers a tip you could have fished wed. you probably will be able to fish this coming weekend. You must call the recording at the D.F.G. to get info on this fri afternoon. C-mon just take the time to read your regs. Duh uh what..
Slice of heaven on the SLR yesterday. Saw one other fisherman from Wall hole down through Jerry's hole. Four fish up to 11 lbs. Good water!
fished to the limit,wed, saw a spent buck hooked and two other nice hook ups but none landed. probably the best conditions of the season, nice day. fishing in march (leagally)? uhh ok. really really really watch for redds! good luck. peace.
Ummmmmmm.....uhhhhhhh.....you mean I was right? DEERRRTTTT!!!!
got a nice fish, 8lbs on the soquel. my buddy got one around 10lbs. great day of fishing.
Just got off the phone with the DFG 831-649-2870 and she told me, along with a recorded message she routed me to, that the 2003-2004 season is extended through this weekend. The dates on the recording make it very clear that it is this weekend and not March 2005.
you got that right native, steelhead season ends sunday and golf season begins monday.peace.
you got that right native, steelhead season ends sunday and golf season begins monday.peace.
Had an okay year..most of my action came in a two hour stint where I hooked 3 and landed 2 of them all over 8 lbs. Overall I hooked 6 fish this year with 3 landings. The couple I lost..one snapped my 12lb test line on the soquel..wished I would have seen that one better to know for sure. Time to hang the rod and grab the clubs for the links.
Well thats all she wrote ,the fish gods were probably fising today cuz they sure werent with me. All and all though my experiance this year was pretty good, hooked a couple of large fish, took a fun trip to the trinity with a good buddy and for the most part was able to enjoy one of the most beautyful and diverse places in the country. Till next year gents. peace. Oh by the way Ill gladly trade two week of adultless fishing for one week of goin after the largest and strongest of the species. late
You guys are right.My bad. Best stay off the river to avoid a ticket. :)
That is for next season, 2004/2005. At the DFG site they also have the 2003 regs that set out the rules for 2003/2004. The 2003 regs say the season ended Feb 28, 2004. It did not say anything about the end of february! Looking at the new (2004) regs, I see it DOES say they are in effect starting March 1, 2004. So, you might be able to take the March 7 date and try to apply it to this year. Give it a shot, the DFG needs the $.
According to the 2004 Fish & Game Regulations, San Lorenzo, Scott & Soquel can be fished Wed, Sat & Sun through March 7th.
its the last day of feb. i fished this morning and saw more people than usuall, to bad soquel is still blown out, ill try again later, one last effort for the last hour of the season. may the fish lords be with me. peace
Folks - you all obviously have computers. The 2003 DFG regs are as clear as day. The last day of the 2003 season on the SLR was yesterday, Feb 28.
The last day of Feb, is always the last day to fish. I've beeen fishing this river for over 27 yrs. and Unfortunately I don't get to fish the river like I use to. One thing I have noticed is alot of new people and alot of rude people.
To you guys who feel you should give it a rest or who think extendingthe season is a bad idea,just remember it is for ALL south coast streams,not just YOUR San Lorenzo. I am thrilled that I get a few extra days of fishing during the peak of the run in many of our small rivers. I do hear your point of view,sir,but look at the big picture,at least they are giving us extensions instead of further restrictions. I for one MUST fish for steelhead. If that is taken away from me I will have to leave the place I was born and raised to be closer to what I love. I will be nailing fish first thing tomorrow morning at #### river. For those who feel this is a bad idea I trust you will sleep in tomorrow and give those poor fish a "rest". I will try not to disturb the spawners(they are all spawners.....duh).-AA
Fish day Sunday? Talked to a guy along Aptos and he said that "they are going to let us fish on Sunday." Mentioned Ernie confirmed this as well. I know I should give it (and the fish) a rest, but I'm curious if anyone heard anything similar. Sketchy hearsay I know. And here's my obligatory report: Scott fishable, no bumps, quite a few fishermen up river.
Fish day Sunday? Talked to a guy along Aptos and he said that "they are going to let us fish on Sunday." Mentioned Ernie confirmed this as well. I know I should give it (and the fish) a rest, but I'm curious if anyone heard anything similar. Sketchy hearsay I know. And here's my obligatory report: Scott fishable, no bumps, quite a few fishermen up river.
The majority of fish come in February through the end of March. I dive the river in March & April from Henry Cowell to the bottom of the Gorge. The river is loaded with fresh chrome fish. Most of the spawners head to the upper river and tributaries. I agree I don't like to see fisherman line, snag or harass spawning fish. Extending the season with give us an extra shot at catch and release, especially those years when the river is not fishable in late Feb.
March 14th....WHAT? So we can fish for spent hens and trample redds???? I don't know how long you've been fishing the SLR Flytier, but this weather is not typical. Usually by the end of the Feb the water is LOW and gin clear. The weather is warm and the river is PACKED with people, many not educated about targeting spawners and walking on redds. And so what if we lose a week? The whole point of limiting fishing days (i.e wed, sat and sun) is to reduce pressure on fish. The vast majority of fish are not entering the river at the end of Feb, more like Jan. If you support the recovery and restoration of steelhead on the SLR, I'd say a March 7th closing is bad not to mention March 14! I just don't know how you can see it any other way.
March 14th close would have been a better close date - but it's a start. By my calculations we just lost a week of the season.
Its not over till the fat lady sings.... I know of a good place to fish tomorrow dont let the dirty water fool ya...
Just looked it up. last day is Feb 28- for sure. At the DFG site they just posted the 2004 regs and it is official. Next season runs from Dec 1, 2004 to March 7, 2005
I thought Sunday was a fish day. Are we 100% sure on this?
Saturday is the last day to fish. Start tying up for next season.
Does the season end Saturday (28th) or Sunday (29th)
Time to move on. Maybe next year will be better. The fish will be all over the place on the SLR starting next week of course :-) The season dates are all wrong - I agree! In the meantime there will be trout, shad, salmon etc etc etc..
Hmmmm, I think that big 9000cfs spike in the flow was not good at all for the fish or any of the eggs that have already been planted in the river. Major-league scouring of all the gravel beds. Two weekends ago when the river was low and clear you could see lots of redds if you were looking. I bet they are all gone now.
im happy for the fish.peace
You guys have overdone it, you can stop praying for rain now. On the bright side, look at all the leftover flies we'll have for next year.
The music is over...Turn out the lights.
good for you native, i was up at the forks on soquel on sun. morning. i saw a couple of really nice fish but couldnt get them to open up, hopefully weve got a couple more good fish days left.watch for redds.peace
WEll i had a great Saturday. Hooked three and landed two. The first one i hooked, i fought for 3-5 minutes before i had to duck the flying hook, chromer +8lbs. I hooked the buck in the same hole..10lbs..fought very good. I walked down to the next hole and hooked another..about 8lbs. All within 1.5-2 hours. All other 30 hours of fishing this year has given me only 2 hookups with no landings. I hooked these on the Soquel.
Well I somewhat retract some of the info on my previous post!!! I think the call will be to fish the soquel this weekend best day will be sunday. The cfs for soquel are around 250 which is a fast flow but last night it was at about 1300 so it has dropped considerably. We are due to get off and on light rain this weekend not much precip. Next week is the problem looks like a wet pattern with a strong storm coming in on tuesnight/ wed. If this happens as forecast by the N.W.S. we can kiss steelhead season goodbye till late nov. The rain is good for the fish not so good for the fishermen.. Oh well what can you do.
I think we might have a good chance to fish possibly next wed. possibly closing day. The wet pattern is here to stay but weak systems with light showers and off and on showers wont effect the rivers that much. Can you believe this we are getting too much rain too late. Oh well keep your fingers crossed. Might be best to focus your efforts to the soquel creek it generally goes lower faster than the S.L.R... Good luck..
SLR was up over 2000CFS tues night. That is on the verge of scouring the redds out of the riffles, but probably OK. Did anyone notice that a strong majority of last months run was fin clipped hatchery fish? The hatchery operations seem to be working really well, they only release about 35K to 40K smolts. Before the rain there were redds in most tailouts of the better holes with decent gravel. I know where to avoid because I saw them before the increased flow, they were right where the tailout lipped out into the next hole, some were in real shallow riffle areas. Be careful to cross above the lipouts a little ways, look for the teardrop gravel mounds right below a depression in the bottom. The older ones are already regrown with moss and harder to see than the newer ones with obvious clean gravel.
We are screwed..rain coming in Friday..Sunday and Tuesday/Weds of next week..we are not going to get any more fishable days left. Pack in the rod cuz its over this year. Hope you all had a good year. I had two hook ups but didnt land. Both big fish..one of them snapped my 12lb test line on the Soquel.
Whats up meats???? Da fishin lookin like its gonna be good, I think I'll use some roe and and I'll catch me som of dem fish. I'll then land the fish up on da beach and watch it pound its head against the rocks on the shore for a while.. Guuh Guuuh yee haw. Hilly billy style. I am ashamed at what i have seen this year as far as fishing manners and release tactics. What can you do? I personally witnessed just this last monday a good ol boy land a beautiful 10 lb hen beached it then sat there and watched it bang its head into the rocks on the beach. I was only 20 ft down from him. As I witnessed this i got mad walked over to him and asked what the fu$@# are you doing. He had that glazed over look in his eyes like my words did not register. I gave him a mouthful and watched him slowly release this fish back in the river. My friend and I fished on down river and my friend noticed the fish floating sideways down the river I waded into the river to grab it but it was too late the fish was dead. All I can say is that I have a digital camera with a three minute film mode. I will happily get a little film of you and your fish exploits and turn it in to the D.F.G. .
Whats up fellas? the rain this week is perfectly placed for a solid weekend of fishing. Thers alot of fish that are low in the systems or waiting to come in and need some precip. to avoid predation. with a good inch or two, sat. could be all time on all the rivers.watch for redds, peace. p.s hooked one but lost on sun, need some color.
Test, test, test. The fishing can't be that good/bad to be so silent.
Test, test, test. The fishing can't be that good/bad to be so silent.
Located a pod of fish in SL Sunday morning in a deep slot under some willows. Ten pound chromer softly inhaled my fresh row. Took me by suprise and tore me a good one. Hooked up 2 minutes later to another chromer about 8lbs, and this time I put too much pressure and the hook pulled out. Two other guys slid down into the hole and on my next cast hooked another chromer about 7 - 8lbs that jumped a bunch of times before running me into the willows. Could not get him out! Nothing like getting your ass handed to you. It's tuff to get some of these fish out of heavy cover even on 14lb main line and 10lb leader. Stopped to fish my favorite spot a slow moving poolon the way out. Felt some trout like bite and my line started to move so I set the hook on another chromer. Pulled her out before she could run under cover a nice 8lb hen. Was lucky to hook 4 fish considering most guys didn't get bit. Fish are holding in a few select places on the river. It will be tougher on Wed.
Who is this Blue Steel? I think it was him that I saw Sunday with this sweet yellow spinning combo throwing a flouresesnt green ball of yarn. Hey Blue, can you make me up some of them yarn flies?
I hooked into a solid fish on sun at scotts creek, it raced into the underbrush and got tangled. I then waded up to my nipples and freed my line and the fish, played it out and landed it in about 2 feet of water. Solid buck steelie 8 to 10 lb range nice color a little orangeish pink on the gill plates beautiful specimen he looked very healthy no tale tale sealion teeth marks on him. It was a good day on scotts creek..
Hara Climberb9, you will want to tie an egg loop knot to secure the roe and fish a corkie or puffball up on the hook shank to keep it running just above the bottom. I can show you next time I am on the river. Are you on for Sunday? Let me know, ps I lost that spinner you gave me. I will go back this summer and fetch it. Bart
How do you fish roe? How big of a chunk do you hook? Is spawn net nescessary? Lil' Corky above it? Yarn? Just wondering because some nice guy from monterey gave me a bag ful of fresh roe in trade for one of my hand made spinners, and I (having nvr had any before) don't know who to fish it. Also had one bump on a SL Glow Worm that Ernie tied up, felt good but missed the hook-up (that was at Skolnicks on the Soquel).... Glad to hear that people are doing some catching Peace, and tight lines hara
Landed a gourgous 11# hen out of soquel upper,she came on a little peice of roe and tuft of yarn. Took about 15 min. to get here in, what a rush, first good fish of the season. Fish on. Watch for reds.peace
Fished with my bud Rick this morning from 4 rocks to the Garden. A couple landed at 4 rocks early 6:30-7:15 AM, heard of many landed up towards the garden, released one 8-9# hen downstream of the Garden on a self tied creation that we'll just call a rainbow sherbert samuel adams, cuz that's what I was having when I tied it. River was in great shape with much pressure. Everyone seemed to be having a great day. Mr. DFG was checking for barbless and 2004 license/cards, make sure you have it together to avoid a ticket.
Fished the river today at Henry Cowell. Hooked three,landed a 8 or 9 pound hen on shrimp and a corkie. Lost one that was bigger and one smaller. Heard of a few hookups and saw one other. I was with a buddy ans as we were getting out of our car and later while we were walking two different vehicles yelled obscenities out their windows at us,and we were none too happy about it. I am neither a valle y guy nor a snat cruz guy,I'm from Montery,4th generation,and regardless of what anyone thinks that SLR is public domain.Thank God I live in a country where I am free to do the things I love where I want,when I want and how I want. I guess some people are confused about that. Just go fishing. My rant is done....:)-AA
CHECKED SLR LOOKS TO BE READY WEDS EARLIEST.AT LUNCH CHECKED PAJARO WHERE UVAS COMES IN . GOING TO HIT IT SAT AM LOOKS LIKE ANYBODY WHO GOES WONT BEE DISAPOINTED!!!!!! CANT BELIEVE MY EYES YOU GOT TO SEE TO BELIEVE!!!!!
Shadman, it was I who scored on the shad, not Blue. Anyway, 3 0z is a little light. I typically go with 8 oz to get a perfect tick off the bottom, that's when river is low. If high I use 10 oz weight. 4/0 is perfect, need the extra shaft length for chicken liver knot. Forget monofilament for leader, go with braided wire. Largemouth shad have ferocious teeth. That aint no shad!
Pajaro river going off right now. Apparently, steelhead love water with high solution of pesticides and fertilizer. Go figure? SLR closed this weekend, don't waste your time showing up...
soquel is shot this year, very poor return,better luck next year. slr will be a vision of perfection sat. fish on!!
Blue, did you wrap the livers in netting or just hook them? I like to run ck livers up above a 4/0 hook with a whooly buggin leach sucker tied on the shank. If you drift this with about 3 OZ. of lead on a 40# leader you'll knockem dead. With an indicator works best for me. Shad On!
C-mon blue steel are you telling a fish story... I looked at the river today by rincon and the water is perfect and the flow is good... Dont beleive everything you read... Check it for yourself... I think your story about it being to high gave you away..
Drift boated the SLR on Wednesday with my pontoon boat. Smallmouth bass all over the place. Hooked three largemouth shad on roe with a piece of chicken liver. Fish on!
River is muddy and unfishable until next week, due to various slides in the canyons above Felton. Crews working to clear and install retaining and drainage systems. Slides still active and expected to be cleared by next week. This weekend will be muddy and too high to fish. Look for next week to be fishable if we get no rain.
Put-in just above 4-rock. Take out in pieces at the mouth!
Just baught my new drift boat . Got it behind my new suv! GOING TO DRIFT THE MIGHTY SAN LORENZO SAT! WHERE IS THE PUT IN SPOT AND TAKE OUT SPOT SEE SAT A,M OAKIE DRIFTER!
I took the day off hoping the river would be in shape- it wasn't. Note to self: don't fish if the cfs are anywhere close to 300 as it was this morning. It is now down to 267 cfs but still too fast in my opinion. All of the usual spots and slots were blown out. Very muddy with just a few inches visibility. Medium to heavy fishing pressure with no reports of fish caught. Should be perfect on Saturday. By the way, I communicated with the fishery biologist who let me know that next season (2004/5), opening day will be pushed back to Dec 1 and closing day will be at least 1 full week into March which is the biggest part of the run. This is good news in my opinion.
C-mon the the river at big trees is flowing at 330 cfs. Who are you guys kidding, it would be a better day for river kayaking than fishing. Im making the call, tomorrow will be slightly milk and coffee colored with the flow being almost right but a little fast. Saturday is the call. You miss this day and your blowin it. If you do fish tommorow big bait is the call.. Good luck
Sorry, I seriously doubt the SL will be fishable. The SLR drains the sl valley, so it can be sunny in scruz and the river can still be blown out. I live in the mountains and it has rained on and off all day, at times hard. I was downtown today and the river is muddy. I wouldn't waste my time, especially with flies.
Green But Skunk I think you are asking why people use floating line? If so the reason I use it is becuase I can roll cast better then I can flip monofilament. In addition to casting I can present better drifts through mends and stacks. Green But it hasnt really rained over here since early this morning. It should be fishable!!! I think I answered your question.
Oh come on there buddy… just looked at the gauge. Its 317 and dropping again. I’ll see you on the river. I got a question for the fly fishmen. Do I really need to use that fly line when I am fly fishing? It is not like I am really strip casting or anything. Mostly just flippin. Is there an advantage to having the fly line.
looked at soquel at lunchtime...BROWN. No way will it drop in by tomorrow. Looks like the fish will have a good party until the weekend.
Too bad you can't drive your badass suv down to the river gbs. Yawn. The river is blown out (and still flowing 400 cfs). Was just downtown. No way will it be fishable in my opinion.
Wow, great to here I wasn’t the only one to hook up last week. Me and my two fishing buddies worked the Rincon area for three hooked and two landed. Woolybugger tipped with shrimp is working well for me. With the great reports being posted I got several friend wanting to go on Wednesday. So far it’s five others and me. I think we will split up. Half in the gorge and half in Felton or above. Our plan is to spread out and keep in contact on our cellies. If someone finds some fish we can contact each other and call in the troops. Well hope to see you on the river. Liven in paradise…..L.G.
anyone see the river yet today..will it be fishable for weds...hard to say how much rain came in overnite but i heard it pounding my roof a couple of times throught the dark hours. Also i think its up to the discretion of the fisherman..if the fish had a hard time then it should be released right away..but if you take the time to make sure they are released properly..they should be okay. fished the soquel last weds..hooked into a big big fish. He went underneath the rock where the river cut into it and sat for a while. I had him..i think because i saw a little gold it..for about two minutes when he shook my rod so hard he snapped my 12lb test line. Bummer!
I'm glad to hear you guys are getting some nice fish out there. No disrespect intended to Ernie but do you really want to advertise dragging a steelhead onto the shore? I think it's great you got a nice fish and nothing is better than a steelhead picture for the scrapbook but these fish have to be handled gently. I think having it on the beach defeats that. Sorry, just my opinion.
I landed a 6-7 lb. hen in the gorge, near Lake Hole, Feb. 1, Sunday. Also missed a swipe from a big fish in close in the low and clear water, at least 12 to 15. . also in the gorge. As they're saying on the board this week about the river conditions--it's mostly low and clear and everything is pretty much sight fishing.
Whoops - meant to say I found the remote in the Rincon parking lot.
Sunday at 5pm, found a car remote -- looks like it goes to a toyota with Lock, Unlock and Panic on the back. Leave a note here at Ernies if you lost it and we'll figure out how to connect up.
Sunday at 5pm, found a car remote -- looks like it goes to a toyota with Lock, Unlock and Panic on the back. Leave a note here at Ernies if you lost it and we'll figure out how to connect up.
Hara K., Climberb9 it was good to fish with you Sat. Nice to meet such a denizon of the stream. Wish we'd had more time. I hope you enjoy the new 7 wt. and get to use it often. I will get out as much as I can til' season ends. Keep bumpin' your home creations, they are bound to hook a fish. bart
That's amazing! Almost unbelievable! You wouldn't be kidding us would you? ;-)
Saturday-best day ever,real wake up call for the slr, boy its back in shape.conditions on river perfect.Low clear - sight fishin!Seemed as though every spot i went to was holding fish.Just about one of those days you lose count,but ya right!Fished the am. cought 2 nice bright fish 10lb class,Went back after a quick bite too eat,cought 2 more fish,a 8lb hen and a 9lb buck.Came back home waiting for the shaking to stop!Had to go back for the evening hatch and sure enough 2 more fish,9lb hen and a 9lb buck,what a day,total tally was 6 beautiful fish.4 wild,2hatchery.All different locations from felton to ben lomond. TIGHT LINES!!!!!!
Well what can i say, It was a good day on the SLR. Just when you start to think that the conditions arent going to work out. Surprise it was a good fishing day for me and my fishing buddies. We hiked to our usual spots and bingo fish on... I couldnt believe it my friend drops in first cast perfect placement and whaaam hes got a fish on.. He got it up to his feet and gently removed the hook, it was a 28- to 30 in. hatchery hen. Beautiful silver color, very strong fighter. We released her and fished on I was casting very tight to the bank when I snagged a submerged tree, as I wandered over to the tree to free my lure I noticed two fish sitting right on the bottom in the shadow of the tree. These were nice fish, both fish in the 26 to 30 in. range. The moved out of there positions slowly and swam upstream slightly as I unhooked my lure. We then fished down from the spot I saw them at for about a half hour. We then came back and I could see both fish once again just siting there in the shadow of the log. My friend drifted his offering perfectly in front of the first fish and whaaam the fish shook its head to the side and I yelled set the hook. Well he set the hook and it was on.. He fought this fish for about a couple minutes. he then got the fish up to his feet in about 12 in. of water and it made a death run back towards the pool, this was a good fish I got a good look at it as it swam and almost ran into my leg. This fish was in the 26" range with slight ly pink ish orange cheeks. He finally landed the fish and it was more like 28 to 30" class very nice fish. Well the story doesnt end there .... As were walking back to our cars along the river trail we noticed a guy had a good bend in his pole as he was fishing a good section of the river, so we sat there and watched for about 3 or 4 minutes. Finally he lands the fish and it was a huge buck steelie , easily 30 to 34 in long very healthy looking. All i can say is that my most memorable magical days fishing the SLR have always been on those low and clear days wjen the suns out and its actually warm outside... Anyways thought I share my experiences with you. Peace out..
Fished Garden of Eden today with Fishbart. Started fishing around 1:30 and fished until 3:30. I hooked and purposely lost a 4"-6" egg eater (was on a chenille worm tyed by ernie himself). Fish bart got one bump, I don't know what he was fishing when he got it. Heard of some egg eaters. Slow day, we could use some more rain BUT fun non-the-less. (thanks for the rod Bart, and hope the tica serves you well)
FIRST CAST FISH ON!!! I caught a 23" native buck in very nice shape this morning in the SLR. Roe and pink corkie. Water was very low and very clear. Medium fishing pressure. After that first cast, no more action for me, but a beautiful morning with my son anyway.
My feeling is that a change in the regs to extend the season would mean greater pressure (with less blowouts and nice, warm days) on spawning and post-spawning fish (especially in the main-stem and lower reaches of the SL and other streams). People just can't be trusted not trample redds and cast to spawning fish (I observed 2 large fish paired up and building a redd in the gorge on a friday afternoon late last season; when I fished through the area on sat morning ---after the dawn 'crush'--- they were gone. Who wouldn't have cast to them?). Walking on redds would be another problem (in the gorge crossing the river in tailouts is often a necessity) as well as incidental mortality of post-spawn stressed females who DO have a good chance of returning to spawn. If we want to protect the resource, my feeling is we should not advocate extending the season.
Well, fishing at Pescadero has been poor this season too. I have been out vitually every weekend and only a few of the locals who virtually live on the stream have caught anything. I am going at low tide tomorrow afternoon, but my friend caught a couple about two weeks ago when a run just motored up the lagoon in front of him. Right place right time. I have been thinking and what about if CalTrout sponsors a change in the reg on next round to allow fishing up to end of March? I see no reason why this could not be allowed as we are talking catch & release.
Fish are late and should start coming in on th next rain. Unfortunately the bulk of the San Lorenzo run does not show up until March. Fish & Game should change the season from Nov 15th - Feb 29th to Dec. 15th - Mar. 15th Mar. 15th. SF Chronicle Fishing Report: Santa Cruz's San Lorenzo River, sparsely thought of these days as a steelhead stream, actually has some fish in its flows. Problem is (long list, which we'll narrow down) the stream is low and clear, although it did take on a little green with the recent shot of rain. Party-boat skipper Mike Baxter, who pretty much takes the winter off, fishes the San Lorenzo as much as anyone, and suggests the Rincon area as an access point. From there, try bouncing bait (roe or nightcrawlers) under the willow sweepers, or working hardware (small chrome Kwikfish, smaller Bear Valley and Mepp's spinners, or Lil' Cleo spoons). It's catch and release only.
hey santa cruz locals, you will be glad to know that chronicle ran a fishing report on the SLR today. I am 'over-the-hill' guy and think that thisis BS and not good for the river or anyone.
It does not matter what the flow rates are on the Eel and Mattole. If the East fork Eel, and the N. Fork Mattole are not dumping mud then its good to go. You will hook fish if the water's green. Check out the Coastal Report on USAFishing.com for updates on these two very productive rivers. Ideally it's best to have a drift boat to fish the maximum amount of water. No bait on the Mattole, but plug fishing is very productive.
A few weeks back there was a discussion of what flow rate was optimal for steelheading on the SLR. I am planning a trip to the South Fork Eel and the Mattole, and was hoping to get anyone's opinions on what are the optimal flow rates on those rivers for steelhead if you happen to know. Any other comments on north coast river fishing appreciated as well.
Fished on Saturday. In my opinion, the conditions were perfect. The water was a little green from rain the previous night. The sun actually broke out at 10 AM. Beautiful! I was skunked the whole morning and didn't hear of any adults being caught. Very few people on the river. In the last hole of the day, I felt what I believed was another small fish chewing on my roe, when I pulled back, I felt the weight of a good fish. Started to real like crazy. The fish came up to the surface almost under me, spit the hook and turned back. The fish looked dark and in the 25" range- had him on for no more than 5 seconds but still awesome to hook him and see him momentarily. I drifed my roe with pink corkie through that slot (in the gorge) for another 10 minutes or so but couldn't get him to bite again.
fished rincon down to the bend hole and it was oh wait take a guess looooooooo and cleeeeeear. I heard of a couple of fish hooked ther yesterday,a couple more inches of rain befor tthe season ends would be ideal. to the guys that are hooking fish well done your the ten percent.watc for reds. peace
Saw some juvenile steels at Big Rock. Warden today was checking barbs in addition to licenses so make sure your barbless. False Rincon had one hookup. Bike rider told me he saw some guys with big fish on a stringer come out of Rincon last weekend. Evidently some folks don't read the regs. Talked to a guy who says he caught 5 steelhead working his way down from 4 rocks. One was 34" cock. As for me and my first season of steelheading, still a big fat zero. My hats off to you guys, steelheading the SLR sure ain't as easy as trout fishing the upper Sac., that's for sure.
Fishing on the SLR today "SUUUUUCCCKED". I think more fish stories are being told than fish being caught. I saw plenty of fisherman but no fish being caught just a bunch of dudes walking around in thier fancy breathables. My dad tells me fishing the SLR about 30 years ago was actually fun. He no longer fishes the SLR beacause to many fisherman not enough fish and poor fishing habitat not to mention the garbage everywhere. Anyways you so called locals can have your SLR its for the birds. As for myself Im fishing a real river where there are actually fish in it. Oh buy the way I always here some fly fishermans report of seeing fish rolling in the tailout of some mysto pool on the SLR, riiiiight, will some one please take some video or some pictures to back up there B.S.. Stop smoking so much crack...
That's generally not information that we pay for here Fisher. Sorry to disappoint you (and he) but I think that there really isn't a fly invented that will make a steelhead appear from nowhere when there are almost none around. Nor would I be in need of your assistance to catch one when there are fish to be had. Not wanting to share details of your catch is fine but it does lower your credibility quite a bit (and that is especially true when nobody else is hooking up - even the bait anglers).
While fishing Garden of Eden hole, talked to a gentle man coming up from down the river.... said he caught and landed a 25 inch wild steelie (didn't ask on what or hen or buck)
i guess no fish are being caught! i saw a atleast an 8lb hooked but not landed a couple weeks ago. way up top on the slr.
Greetings gentlmen. One question, If your driving up hwy. 9 from costco how far past rincon is the cut out to park for four rocks? much obliged.watch for reds!peace.
Also, I am 13, trying to get enough money to buy stuff like lure, garbage bags to pack trash out with etc. Not some 45 year old dude trying to make a living (not that that is a bad thing) and I wasn't marketing, just asking questions. Also, lower your 50 rate, its a rip at that not something to rip lips at
Good question Flytier, its actually a pattern I tied. Its probably my most succesfull fly when conditions are right, thanks for the info. The time of day was at about 11:30am. I caught it on SLR. If anyone is interested I will sell them my patterns $3.00. I will teach you how to fish with them for $50.00. If climber9 can market on this board its worth me throwing my pitch. Rip Lips
I am going to start hand making spinning lures and marketing them around Santa Cruz, and maybe at a couple of places over the hill. My question is this: are there any patterns that either you have thought of, or used to be made that aren't now? Would you pay 1.50 for a hand made spinning lure? 2.00? My current pattern is a indiana or colorado blade, three or four (depending on blade size) ruby red faceted beads, and then a single point, straight bend hook, size 2. How does this sound?
Fisher, what on? where hooked? when? SLR? You don't give any details.
Hooked about 2-3lb steelhead lost it. High sticking on the bottom. It took me about 5 hours to find action. Russell Baze...
Hooked about 2-3lb steelhead lost it. High sticking on the bottom. It took me about 5 hours to find action. Russell Baze...
Fished rincon down about 1 mile yesterday. Clear water. Never got a strike. Tried globugs, wolly buggers, leaches, and a veriety of nymphs. Usually at least catch some juvies on the small nymphs, but yesterday nothin'. Ran into numerous folks and they reported the same. Saw nothin', caught nuthin'...had a great day. Did anyone have success?
Oops! sorry,now I understand what you meant.must've been one of those senior moments!
I didn't take it up to the gorge, just picked up all the litter that I saw one almost every hole from riverstreet bridge all the way to the gorge. Yes, you may think there isn't much trash at the gorge, but there is.
Hey Climber9, not dissin' or anything, but why would you pack garbage up to the gorge?
Hey, BTW, anyone with PIC's of silver salmon on the SLR might want to call the Monterey Salmon and Trout Project guys. If they have proof of more Coho's to show NMFS that might help them keep their Coho project alive. They might want Soquel Coho pics as well. If nothing else they would be grateful to see the results of the work they do!
Fish bart, where do you fish? I want the rod, last year I pacted 27 pounds of trash from courthouse hole (riverstreet bridge) up to the gorge. Does that count? I never see anyone fishing, I have a pflueger medalist that I use running mono, and could put it to fly. Even if I don't get the rod, lets go fish together sometime, hit me up an email. Tight lines
Fish bart, where do you fish? I want the rod, last year I pacted 27 pounds of trash from courthouse hole (riverstreet bridge) up to the gorge. Does that count? I never see anyone fishing, I have a pflueger medalist that I use running mono, and could put it to fly. Even if I don't get the rod, lets go fish together sometime, hit me up an email. Tight lines
Troutnut, I have a rod with your kid's name on it. Do a raindance, my new rod is in need of some bend.
I've been a valley boy all my life. Since I was a kid in the early 60's I've been surfing and fishing in SC and although I've heard a lot about locals vs valley I've never had anyone beachside treat me poorly. The people of Santa Cruz have always been nice, even with today's huge summer crowds. I always pack out my litter as well as others fishing line, etc. Fishbart, my 13 year old can't wait to hit the SLR and start cleaning up in hopes he's the first kid you see. Weatherman says rain this weekend. Sure hope so.
Chum,there is some good information here,by responding to arguments we become a part of the problem. Evidently there is no rain on the horizon for some time which doesn't look good for us here. Anyway I have to work too much right now...AA
Well I've got 5 salmon so far this year, all 4-6 lbs. Not much for me since last Wednesday when I hooked a 9lb hen and one of those salmon. I can't believe people are complaining about 'valley' folk on the river? I've fished here for 30 years and there is not a crowd to speak of compared to just 10 years ago. Rincon, say from the 'Wall' down to the 'Big Rock' would average 20 anglers under these conditions. Now it seems to average half a dozen at any point in time...
Hey Climber, yeah I'm still around. Wishin I was fishin instead of at work on a weds! But I took a 3 day weekend and went up to the Gualala. Got 3 nice fish on Friday, fished the Navarro on Sat and only got one first thing in the morning. Went back to the Gualala on Sunday and there were 2 seals creating havoc at Switchville, literally chased one fish all the way up to the bank. So, the fish were so harassed nobody did much from the N Fork down. I managed to hook one really nice hen but lost it. Haven't fished the SLR since 2 weeks ago.Only half pounders for me so far and one 8-9lb hen that got off (up by Felton). Glad to hear about people taking responsiblity for the garbage on the SLR. Last summer we put together 3 clean up days in the lower section from Water St down and that area looks 10 times better than last year. We will do it again next year. If fishermen consistently conduct those restoration events then the "illegal Campers" will move on somewhere else and the city/county will direct motre resources to improving and protecting the SLR. Don't tell my wife I'm always on the river!
Hey climberb9, glad to hear that there are some kids out there that care about protecting and cleaning up the streambed. I personally pack out a ton of crap that others leave behind, mostly cigarette butts that leach chemicals that kill the F2 generation fish. Don't buy into all of this hoohah with the locals/valleys. I have lived all over the world and there are cool people everywhere from Tokyo to Seattle, and they like to fish just like us. When I lived in Japan, I fished everyday with an older fellow...he showed me how to gear up, where to cast, etc. Crazy thing, neither one of us spoke the other's language. Just keep fishing. By the way, the first kid I see on the river cleaning up others messes will get a new 7wt fly rod from me. Get yourself a reel and I will show you how to use it too.
Has anyone else noticed a change in the river below Rincon? It seems like the east fork of the split at Paradise is gradually becoming THE river. Less of the river is now flowing down the other channel.
Is Frank (Emerson) still posting? I noticed one post a while back of his, but thats all. He seems to always be on the river. Also conditions looked decent at the Creek yesterday, except Gin clear water. (scouted Soquel creek, below ernies) Also, was someone posting a while back about using a wooly bugger (maybe a eggsucking leech) with shrimp on it? How does this effect teh movement of the bugger, esp. the marabou tail? Thanks, see yah on the river, tight lines
ok i just started fly fishing and i know basiclly nothing the only two places that i really know is soquel creek and paradise on the slr so where "up north" is there now iam not being mean or any thing i just want some info. also stop geting in these fights it is just dumb i used to ride my bike on some feld then some guys made some huge houses and the part that really made me mad is that they said that the area {that is still not built on} is "pertected land" and iam "killing" native plants even though there where trucks going through there for weeks any way what iam trying to say is that valleys should respect the revers so should locals and if you do argue do not say that all valleys litter and stuff like that becouse not all do and do not count kids out becouse we will get all the rivers and all the creeks one day so we should get our share of talking now. iam 13 and a local.
ok i just started fly fishing and i know basiclly nothing the only two places that i really know is soquel creek and paradise on the slr so where "up north" is there now iam not being mean or any thing i just want some info. also stop geting in these fights it is just dumb i used to ride my bike on some feld then some guys made some huge houses and the part that really made me mad is that they said that the area {that is still not built on} is "pertected land" and iam "killing" native plants even though there where trucks going through there for weeks any way what iam trying to say is that valleys should respect the revers so should locals and if you do argue do not say that all valleys litter and stuff like that becouse not all do and do not count kids out becouse we will get all the rivers and all the creeks one day so we should get our share of talking now. iam 13 and a local.
O.K. Children time stop bickering and start fishing . Funny , How whan there are few and far between . Good Quality fish (ADULTS) being caught . People start arguing and dissing people . It's fine to be proud of being a LOCAL . I for one , am part of the "BORN AND RAISED CREW ". A 38 year Local . ------- SO WHAT !!!! It dosen't mean I or any other Local , is better than the valleys . But then again , Us Locals do have our claim , to the SLR , The best surf spots , The Mountain bike trails and the S.C. mountains . But seriously , we need to chill out on the slamming and start fishing in other rivers..ie: UP NORTH ...The SLR has been on the decline the last 12 years or so . SO , If you want good quality fish . It's worth the drive up north . SO DO IT BRA !!!!!! F%^K THE SLR , YOU GUYS CAN WASTE YOUR TIME IF YOU WANT .
Locals are people how one don't need to travel and two, like me, can't afford it.... I am 13, so don't be calling me a dirtbag. I don't believe in dissing ppl, or being the X-games/no fear/Xtreme DUDE.... I believe fishing is an art, and I don't mind Valleys, and I don't go writing on their cars, just they don't respect the art, and the river enough. 75% of the people I have seen litter have said that they are from SJ, the other 25% i didn't talk to. Yes, this board should talk about fishing, I am tired of this crap... hell, i wouold rather fish with a ton of littering valleys then the local crew if the cant stop arguing... Just my 2 cents worth
Used to be a good board, but now who cares. by the way, a local is just a dirtbag who can't get it together to travel.
My guess is that the fish probably got weary of all the bad vibes from the self appointed locals and decided to wait until the season ended.
Fished the Gorge and Rincon area for 4-5 hours on the MLK holiday. Water looked perfect but I saw and caught no fish. Didn't meet anyone else who had been lucky either. There just doesn't seem to be very many fish in the system yet. Mayve another storm will help.
Having spent 20 of the best years of my life growing up on the West Side, its a shame on the people of Santa Cruz that postings like those on this site make me feel unwelcome in my own home town - for no other reason than that I moved out of paradise to pursue a career and to try make a decent living. Since leaving Santa Cruz, I have developed a passion for fly fishing that has introduced me to many of the kindest, brightest people I've ever met. I've been reading these reports for the past couple months now, eager to learn new things and find a bit more information on ways to satisfy my fishing jones in the old haunt. Apologies to Jerry Yeseavage and others like him (apparently the exception, not the rule), but instead of useful dialogue, I feel as if I've stumbled upon a totally different brand of angler - more X Games/No Fear/Xtreme Dude than riparian artist. I doubt seriously its the way Santa Cruz, let alone Ernie, our gracious host, cares to be characterized. Maybe I'm naive to think I can surf reports like this and actually get valuable information, who knows....
OK, so I live in Ben Lomond, does that mean I have to fish upstream from Henry Cowell's. I was fishin' Rincon a couple of Saturdays ago and someone left me a little message in the dirt on the window of my truck saying "go home" If I was from the valley, there wouldn't have been any dirt to write in.
Amen to what steve is saying. Damn valleys stay off the river, you have plenty of lakes that we don't come and fish. Also STAY OUTA THE LINE UP at the point, the hook, capi, sewers, michel's, steamers, etc. You guys thing your the best, but even the local groms rip harder than you.
Fished for an hour this morning in the gorge...low water and clear. Did land one 3 lbr and lost a smaller one. Egg pattern. Lots of cars when I got back to the pullout.
You valleys stay on your own damn side of the hill. Go fish parkway lakes you yuppies!!!
Boy reading about all you big babies complaining about over the hill people comming over from the valley to fish. Makes me glad I moved away to Sacramento. Where else are these people gonna fish at? Los Gatos creek? Or maybe the Perk Ponds :) Last time I heard this was a free country. We all belong to the brotherhood of fishermen. Maybe I'll start ragging on some of the people from the BA that make the trek up here to fish some great stretches of river. But I wont.....Fish on dudes.....Sure miss the San Lorenzo, but not all the jerks. And not all of you are jerks.
Boy reading about all you big babies complaining about over the hill people comming over from the valley to fish. Makes me glad I moved away to Sacramento. Where else are these people gonna fish at? Los Gatos creek? Or maybe the Perk Ponds :) Last time I heard this was a free country. We all belong to the brotherhood of fishermen. Maybe I'll start ragging on some of the people from the BA that make the trek up here to fish some great stretches of river. But I wont.....Fish on dudes.....Sure miss the San Lorenzo, but not all the jerks. And not all of you are jerks.
Hey guys. Are we ready for tomorrow! I am tying up more wooly buggers. The wooly bugger/shrimp combo has really been working for me. Under an indicator and some split shot- Boooom- another “crummer” Wednesday. Think me and three buddies are going to crack Fourth Rock early, then back to Felton. Have to get up at 3am to get over 17 early. I was thinking maybe higher in the afternoon. Hey Kid, that’s your turf. How’s the water looking? I was thinking of going lower, but Mr. Eastside got me thinking it may be a little over vibed down there. See ya on the water!!!!! Liven La Vita Loco in L.G.
Hello, Someone asked about Ben Lomand Kid's website earlier. Does anyone know it? Kid, are you reading this? Please email it to me. I found it to be very helpful when I used to read it a couple of years ago. Also, for the record, there are 3 "Steve's" that post on this board. Me, Steve Feister (sp?) who had the awful day but who is otherwise a cool guy, and the guy who wasted our time complaining about the valley folks. I took some friendly fire from someone who thought that was me. Later, Steve
Tarponhead what kind of business in New York?
WillieBoater, graphite rods are strong, light and responsive. The problem is they're also very susceptible to structural damage when struck by weights and weighted flys while casting. This might be what's causing your problem. If so, a modification in casting technique might avoid a major heartbreak if a big steelie strikes. I sincerely hope this solves your problem since I also fish a Redington.
who cares! just fish people.
Well I missed Wednesday morning's fishing as I'm in NYC on business. No steelhead here, just the coldest day in 60 years. See you Saturday am.
I have a question to ask, Is it just me or do Redington Rods break very easily? I have snapped two this past year and one on weds. (good thing Ernies replaces them). What's the deal?
Children - your IP addresses are right there for all to see. The second ``fedup'' is obviously the first ``eastside santa cruz'' who is also ``native steelhead'' who is also ``fishsurfgolf4life''. Can't you folks find some other WWW site for your goofy games?
Your fine Fed Up. You and I can fish in Felton and leave Eastide to enjoy his Santa Cruz. I've lived here for 20 years and it's not the "valley" folks the trash the river. Take a look at the true river locals around paradise. Look behind any bush and try not to get stuck with a dirty needle.
No, I'm the kook, really I don't live here either. I'm not that educated and don't know when to shut up. I apologize, heck I don't even surf or fish.
I am sorry Eastider. I am the kook. I was the one running my mouth off. You don't need people like me coming to Santa Cruz.
Rubicon? Where is this along the river? I fished pretty hard wednesday and only managed some little guys (the downside of going to smaller egg patterns and nymphs). The river is getting a little too clear. Probably concentrating the fish to the major holes. What fish are there are going to be pretty spooky by this weekend.
Fished Rubicon area Wed. morning. Lowish water and clearing. Lost a 4-5 lbr and landed a 1/2 lbr...egg patterns. Saw a few big fish roll and watched a fellow fisherman hook into a nice adult. Need rain!
I have taken the kids down to Scott Creek a couple of times this year. Both of my boys have caught half pounders, not smolt, 14, 16 and 18 inches. Both on worms with one salmon egg or puff ball. I had one adult, +/- 6 lbs. roll on my spinner. That was it. The rest of the time was spent throwing rocks, teaching my kids why we use large hooks without a barb, taking out trash left by others, and looking for bugs that smolt eat. Take a kid fishing. Through teaching them respect for our resources, you will remember it for yourself.
East side you are an idiot! Your waves? Your fish? Get a clue pal, my guess is that you are just a kook, just run your mouth on the web. Most people who clainm to be "local" are nothing more than a doumbass. I would only hope you run you r mouth on the river, or do you even fish.
Valleys go home..you take our waves and now are trying to snake the fish! We dont want a silicon river!
Don't know if it was anyone on this board, but a word of thanks to the kind person who dropped my fishing license in the mail last Sunday. I must have lost it at Skolnicks (SP?) on Soquel. Didn't catch any fish and I lost my license... what a day? At least it wasn't as bad as Steves! Thanks again.
Had an awesome morning on the river! I hooked a nice 6-7 lb. fish on roe/corkie. It fought hard, made some fierce runs, then went down a waterfall. I should have let him go down the fall to fight him in the next pool, however, I pulled hard to keep him from going over and the line snapped. A little later I hooked and landed a beautiful 10 lb. + NATIVE buck also on roe/corkie. Strong fight and quick runs. This fish had another hook and a few feet of line coming out of his mouth. The river level/condition and weather was almost perfect (water was a little too clear).
Read a lot more than I post , and haven’t posted for a while I’m in San Jose and am more familiar with Penitencia and the Guadalupe and other local streams , I have been telling my self for years to learn the SLR .well went Monday and today hiked around BEAUTIFUL , I’m going to put in some more hours just getting acquainted with the area before taking a pole, I have put in a lot of hours on the Guadalupe here in San Jose as a volunteer, habitat restoration, clean ups , etc. What I wanted to say was that for those of you who think the board is going down hill, its not. It is useful and informative and I for one appreciate it. The whole local / valley arguments and BS has been going on for years ..ignore it .. I got used to it when I used to surf over the hill. The only people us as fishermen have to worry about are groups that try to restrict or deny access to recreation areas. Any way enough of that, see ya on the river . Gabe
Well it started out as a wonderful foggy morning on Sunday. Got down to the river with all my gear, license, Steelhead card, etc. About 10am the DFG officer showed up and asked for my license....I proudly showed it to him from my neck. He asked if I could pull it out...so I did and handed it to him. He said "This is a 2003 license..."....and I just about freaked!! OH MY GOD....I totally forgot to get my new license and steelhead card. Must have had my head up my ass or something...well, he was nice enough to let me go on the steelhead card, but gave me a citation for the license. He said I could fish more, but I was just hammered by all of this and decided to just call it quits and go get my license. Started walking up the hill and realized my gloves were gone....oh crap...I put them under my arm while trying to wrestle my license out of the holder and must have dropped them in the river....I got a little more bent out of shape. Continuing up the hill I wondered where my nice RayBan sunglasses were....then I realized that I saw them on the back of my tailgate and made a mental note to move them...well the mental note didn't work and when I got back to my truck and opened the tailgate, there they were....all smashed and mangled!! Just freakin lovely... I was able to repair them...so I saved that one. It was 10:30 now and I was hungry...stopped at McDs' for a Big Mac and Large fries....so I ordered a #1. Well, I paid and went to the next window to find that what I actually ordered was a Ham & Egg McMuffin and Hash Browns....they don't sell lunch till 11:00....with that, I asked the gentleman at the carry out window to please shoot me and end my misery..... Arghhhhh....
Fished Wed, Sat, Sun. Sunday paid off with beautiful 8-10 lb. silvery chrome planted hen- no scratch on eye. Thanks to the guys who helped me land her for clean release.
Fished Sunday morning for a couple of hours. Looked great, but no fish. Back again Sunday afternoon with my brother visiting from Oregon. He was treated to a nice 7lbish fish. Got it under an indicator with a little red worm-like thing tied on a #14 hook. Rincon area.
While setting up for the SLR the friendly neighborhood wardens came by to ask how the fishing was and also see my pretty new license and steelhead report card. Don't forget it's 2004 and time to get a new license. The river was watery pea soup. While stripping line in preparation to toss out his first cast, my 13 year old had an orange and black nymph dangling in the water and accidentally hooked a juvenile. I told him one of the more important things to learn about fishing is how to hook a fish without looking surprised. Fifteen minutes later a 4" fish with delusions of grandeur hit my fly. I won't tell you guys the pattern because I don't want you all rushing down in a frenzied effort to catch all the 4" fish in the river. That was it for our day.
Fished the lower gorge for about 3 hours or so. No luck. The river still seems to be a little too high and a little too stained for what would otherwise be perfect conditions. A few more fish would also help :-)
Fished the gorge for two hours from sun up to 9:00. Perfect water conditions--flow, clarity, etc. I was the first one through about 10 runs. Fished a variety of different colored steelhead flies with an egg dropper. It just felt perfect. But no fish. Lots of people came later. Talked with one guy who hooked and lost a nice fish on roe or a shrimp.
You guys were joking about setting a pod of orca loose to manage the pinipeds. Washington state placed a fiberglass model of an orca with lifelike sound on a cable in front of the salmon ladder at the lochs in lake Washington. Same deal, the sealions were stacked up in there gorging on fish. Not sure if it worked for more than a day or two. The real thing woould have been better.
The river was perfect this afternoon. But, despite working pretty hard with bunny leeches and egg patterns had no fish on. Steve - we are getting this board back to being a useful place to post SLR results. Your post below serves no useful purpose.
you guys changed this site...stupid nerds talkin a buncha b/s ...stay on your side of the hill!!!!!!!!
First time on the listing board. Released a nice 32.5 inch buck in the gorge weds on roe and a puffball late in the day. Water was just right. Couldn't make it down today, how's the river looking with the drizzle?
I was hoping the high flows would have flushed the sand out of the lower river but a lot of those holes have filled in. The tennis court hole especially. I hear a lot of the good holes on the Soquel got filled in also. Maybe the sand from above the gorge is now in the Park area. I wish I had a good solution to the Pinniped problem, seals ans sea lions. They are over populated because Native Indians don't hunt them and Grizzleys are extinct. If grizzleys and human hunters were prowling the beaches for food do you think the seals would be lounging around like high schoolers getting a tan? I asked Robert Delong at a meeting last year about that and his response was most veteran pinniped biologists think the sea lion numbers are likely the highest they have been fro at least 3000 years because of lack of shore based predators. But even shout at one at you can be ticketed for "harassment" ...what about the harassment of the salmonids by the seals? Not to mention Coho in the SLR, Soquel and Scott Creek are practically extinct as it is. If you want to do something we have to loudly complain that the population is out of balance and F&G and the Feds need to start humane population control through sterilization during breeding season. Something like Norplant would work great! Just get the enviros to accept it as an unnaturally high population and we might have a chance.
Pescadero- last weekend was chocolate and continued to be dirty on Weds. by a friends report. There was a very large (huge) increase in mud between the confluence of the two creeks. The bad news is that there was over a dozen seals in the lagoon on Weds..... I will go out Sat PM and will file a report. PS I did see two anglers in San Gregorio but the water was VERY low as the berm has really crumpled there.
Or a pod of orca!
What you boys need is a good Polar Bear!
What to do about the seals??????HHHmmmm. Well if they are left unmolested they will probably continue on as is. Lets see how could we hassle the seals? Oh … has any one notice how good the river has been looking. Much of the silt has been blown out and the river bottom and banks are just full of rocks. Fish-on!!!
Steve - two years ago I was startled out of my wits early one morning when a big sea lion came up right behind me while I was standing at the Wall Hole tailout. I've heard stories (don't know it they are true for sure) of the guys having to chase sea lions away up at the fish trap and dam in Felton.
Pescadero- last weekend was chocolate and continued to be dirty on Weds. by a friends report. There was a very large (huge) increase in mud between the confluence of the two creeks. The bad news is that there was over a dozen seals in the lagoon on Weds..... I will go out Sat PM and will file a report. PS I did see two anglers in San Gregorio but the water was VERY low as the berm has really crumpled there.
Frank, Can anything be done about the seals? What's your take? Glad they can't get up to the gorge! Steve P.S. I wish I lived as close to the San Lorenzo as Los Gatos. Haha.
We need to get some attention on these %#%^^ seals and get them out in the ocean. that is bull@%#@! Also..Los Gatos you are a kook..way to represent the valley.
Fished Weds also, down in the Park. Fished down to Ernies hole with a friend from the fast water at the top of the hole to the main section when I heard/saw a large splash and wake down in the tail-out. My first thought was...too big for a fish, too far up for a seal. I was wrong and not in a good way. A second later a full grown Harbor Seal poked its head up and got a good look at me. It took off after that. It was chasing a fish or more than one obviously in the tail section of the hole, would have had a reasonable expectation of getting a hook up there and kinda took the wind out our sails for that lower area so we worked up. My friend got a Buck Coho about 4lbs on a spoon and I got 2 half pounders to about 2-3lbs on roe. That was it, I fished the afternoon and heard of a couple adults hooked but didn't see any. The Silver was in nice shape with a little blush to the sides and hooked jaw.
I fished at the Henery Cowells Redwood State Park. Fished from the bridge down. Hooked one fish on a wooly bugger and a piece of shrimp, but it broke me off in a log pile. Not bad for my first time out. I would say it was around 10lb and as is said “a crummer”. What is with the local stuff? Are we not all fishing bro’s? Come on kid show me around the river and I will show you how to use photo shop. See you all Saturday. L.G. rules!
fished soquel on wed. got one in the 1-1.5 pound class. water looked good. atleast the fish gave me a good run and an air show.
Hooked into a LARGE cromie, snaped me off as it surfaced (12 lb line). 10 minutes later landed a 5-6 lb buck. This was near Park in Felton(can't tell you the exact location of course).
fished from rincon down wed. morning,with no luck. saw one big fish roll at the confluance,and heared of two big fish caught down below the bend hole 11lb.+, color looked good but im worried about it being to clear by sat. any fish caught out of soquel or scotts? the only fish ive seen before wed was on finding nemo, kind of a slow start, cant wait till closing day.
I hit the Sand Holes + Wall Hole early wednesday morning. Good color, flow a little high but not too bad. I had high expectations, but no hookups. I've been out pretty much every fish day this year with only one egg eater so far. Used a big, black egg-sucking leech with a Type 6 sinktip on wednesday.
Fished the gorge wed. morning. Water color was good but river a bit high, still fishable. Caught a lot of smaller fish (up to 2 lbs.) but no adults. Did see one good adult roll, no other sights/reports of adult fish. Seems like they should be in though.
Hey , I'm glad to see some people remember me . I was only posting my LOCAL fishing experiences and river conditions . To help out my fellow anglers>>>>>>>BEGINNERS TO THE PRO'S . But I have no intention on helping , NON-LOCAL YAHOO