What are the best fishing lakes in California? Well, let’s just take a look…
My extremely unscientific formula to come up with these rankings took species diversity, average fish size, aesthetic value, length of season, proximity to other attractions and available facilities into account.
I also employed the very technical and complex system of Rock, Paper, Scissors when there was a tie. So, without further adieu, here’s my list of Northern California’s 5 Best Fishing Lakes (feel free to chime in, complain or add your favorite in the comments section below).
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JD, After reading various articles and your side drifting book — as well as watching the side drifting video by Amato Publications — I have side drifting down fairly well. The one technique i still cannot find info on is how to scull. I have looked everywhere and I cant seem to find out just how to do this. Any chance you could try and explain how? Thanks a ton!
–Ryan
Ryan,
Sculling is really something that you have to get out on the water and do…it’s pretty tough to tell you how to do it in print.
Let’s try to get the basic concept here, though….Sculling a driftboat while side-drifting is something you do with only one oar, which will be in a more vertical position than when you’re rowing normally. It’s mainly a wrist rolling motion that gives you much more fine control of the boat’s drift (read: speed) than a conventional stroke. It’s all about keeping your lines in the right position!
The best way to learn is to book a good side-drifting guide in your neck of the woods and take lots of notes of his/her technique throughout the day. And then, practice, practice, practice. It feels weird at first, but you’ll get it over time.
Hope that helps a little! –JD
So, you’re going to plunk down a couple hundred bones to take a guided fishing trip…but where do you start? [click to continue…]
What’s the best lure ever?
Really, it’s a tough question and there’s no way to accurately answer it, but it’s still kind of fun to ponder anyway.
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Headed North to Alaska this summer to chase king salmon? Here are Alaska’s Top 3 King Rivers for 2008…
Nushagak River
Simply put, the ‘Nush is the best king salmon river on the planet. It’s not uncommon for boats to hook between 30 and 50 Chinook a day while pulling plugs or dragging eggs.
While the river had an unusually slow season in 2007, prospects for this year look good. According to Jason Dye of the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, there’s a forecast of 160,000 kings this season. If that’s the case, anglers will see an extra 100,000 fish over last year – which should put the fishing right back into the sublime category.
Kings here peak June 26-July 7.
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It’s hard to believe, but my little dude Coop is about to have his second birthday. We celebrated the big day in style a little early with a little old-school bluegill fishing at a local park pond.
Four-pound test, a No. 12 hook and some Wonder Bread…yep, that’s how we roll…
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Hi JD,
Thanks for your regular updates. Enjoy getting them directly by email.
Question. You’ve explained leader length for dodgers. I have a question regarding flashers . . . what is the standard length for those leaders. I’m interested in trying them for both trout and kokes. Sep’s flashers is what I have.
Thanks, Frank
Hey Frank, I generally run my flashers 24 to 30 inches ahead of my offering…most of the time with trout, we’re talking a white, orange or black grub or…better yet…a big, juicy nightcrawler!
