WARNING: THIS POST IS LONG

Woke at 3:30am, light rain and no wind, so off to the Salton Sea. After being detoured on the 78 an extra 45min, I made my way over the mountains. I was greeted at the pass by 30 - 40mph winds. Hoping the wind would be o.k. down below, I continued to the Sea. Well it was blowing just as hard at the bottom. But I was there, so I headed for the closest water. Found some areas that looked fishable (tried one from shore), but it wanted to try the State Park.

I got over to the park around 9:30. A Park Ranger told me it had blown 40+ all night. And talking to some anglers on the shore, it was very slow. Wind was 20ish, water clear grean. So I worked my way south for a bit, and conditions only got worse. I picked up some lunch, and headed back to the place I had fished from shore. The water was flat, with a slight breeze. I got the yak rigged up, and of course by the time I launched, the wind was rising quick. I fished for almost 2 hrs with only one bite. Nobody else that I saw was getting anything either.

Figuring dead horses ought not be beat too much, I headed back. The wind got really crazy as I made my way south. One gust blew me into the next lane before I regained control. Seeing the sand storm ahead, I decided to go through Borrego Springs, and the State Park there. Very good choice. It was really windy, but the desert floor south of there was one big sand cloud. It was an absolutely amazing drive. Between the rock formations, views of the desert below, and wind, I'm lucky I made it back over the mountain.

Figuring I needed to fish some more, I hit Sutherland for 2 more hours of fishing. And Skunking. In fact I didn't see a single fish caught there until I paddled back to my truck and some guy on the shore hit 2 smallish fish in about 10 mins. Oh yeah, by the time I made it to Sutherland the wind was cranking pretty decent there too. I could report all the baits I tried at both places, but that would be another huge post. Though I did farm two at Sutherland while dragging a 3" pumpkin tube.

Even though I got a double stripe today, it was a very fun time. I actually relaxed for the first time in months. And for all of you who've never been to Anza Borrego State Park, or the Salton Sea; make it a point to see them. Anza is a study in stark beauty. The Salton Sea is a surreal mix of desert beauty, contrasted with human debris in various stages of decomposition. And the smell, well it's overwhelming at times, but you forget about it at times also.

Amish Ed
You Can't Catch it again if
it's Dead!