How about some fishing?
Loosen Up that casting arm!
Sierra streams are open to fishing from the last Saturday in April through November 15th. Typically the fishing in streams doesn’t really get good until mid to late May due to the fact that most of the high country is snowed in and iced over. The snowmelt causes the streams and rivers to be quite high and swift and the water may be discolored. This makes casting lures and flies quite difficult but the bait angler can sometimes hook into a big unsuspecting Brown trout that has been lurking in the deep holes all winter.
Dedicated anglers have been fishing lakes in the foothills throughout the year as lakes are open year-round but the stream opener is always a cause for celebration. Now the fun really begins! The warm weather, sunshine and trout beckon. It’s time to get outdoors and enjoy it so get your gear ready.
The first thing to do is re-line your spools. You can pick up a few spools of line at your local sporting goods store or simply take the reels in and let them spool them for you. Always use premium line! The cheap stuff will only frustrate you and your youngsters as it tends to twist and break too easily. The diameter of the line is very important too. Cheap line is far to heavy for it’s pound test and will take up too much room on your spool as well as spook the fish. If you have only one rod that you plan to use for lakes and streams put some good fine diameter 8-pound test line on it. You can use a lighter leader material if you need to for more finesse in clear waters. Many people have more than one rod for different fishing situations. If you do have a light to ultra-light stream rod, 4 or 6-pound test is the way to go. Make sure your reels are cleaned and lubed and the eyes in your rods are smooth and unbroken. Now is a good time to go through your tackle and organize! Make sure you have all the terminal gear you need like swivels, leader, hooks and sinkers. Check those jars of bait from last year and make sure they haven’t dried out or spoiled. Fly fisherman should re-spool and lube your line and check your leaders. Now make sure you have your fishing license and a regulation booklet and let’s figure out where to go.
Calaveras County has lots of options for anglers seeking different experiences. If you have young children, it’s best to stick to small streams or lakes. California Fish and Game usually begins their stocking program in the high country right at the beginning of stream season. They tend to be very generous with the amount of trout stocked into White Pines Lake for the opener due to the fact that they are unable to reach many other areas up Highway 4. White Pines is a great destination for families. Picnic tables, BBQ pits, boat launches and children’s play areas are available and it is open to the public with no fees. Boats must be paddled as no motors are allowed on the lake. Angels Creek, Murphys Creek and Beaver Creek are all smaller streams that hold trout and are stocked by the State and the County.
The North Fork of the Stanislaus River has many access points along Highway 4. Camp Nine Road, off Parrotts Ferry Road, is a paved and gravel road that leads to the Middle Fork access of the Stanislaus. This area is a two fish, 14 inches or better section. There is an ‘artificials-only, zero-limit’ section of the middle fork upstream as well so know where you are and what the regulations are when you go. There is a trail that will take you upstream to the confluence of the middle and north forks from Camp Nine. Of course the farther you hike-the better the fishing will be! This is a section of the river that holds wild Rainbows and Browns and they can grow quite large so be prepared for some fun.
Up the hill, there are access roads through Big Trees State Park and in Dorrington on Boards Crossing Road. About 15 miles above Dorrington is the Spicer Road access. This area of the North Fork is more stream than river and is usually blocked by snow until some time in June. Later in the Spring and early Summer, Ebbetts Pass opens and there is a whole new world of fishing opportunities in the high country. Always check ahead if you are planning a trip up the hill as sometimes snow, ice or debris blocks access to your favorite fishing spots. Call the Calaveras Ranger Station at 209-795-1381 or Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods at 209-795-1686 for current conditions. You can also check the fishing report at www.ebbettspasssportinggoods.com for the latest information on where to find the fish and what to use to catch them.
DON’T MISS THE ANNUAL FISHING DERBY AT WHITE PINES LAKE ON FATHERS DAY!
FAMILIES OR SINGLES WELCOME AND KIDS ARE FREE!
LOTS OF PRIZES!
CONTACT EBBETTS PASS SPORTING GOODS FOR INFORMATION!
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