Where to launch, baits ect. Thanks!

Chris

With a tube, you can launch anywhere along the road in, although the three most likely spots would be from either the campground, the paved launch ramp (where you can get right down to the waterline), or the dam. Other spots in-between are do-able, although you'll have some hiking to do (but only 50-100 yards, maybe less in some places).

The springtime 'big bites' may be behind us now, but you know they're still out there, somewhere! Regardless of all the big trout-plug fish you hear about coming from this lake, I have caught all 3 of my biggest fish *split-shotting* green-weenie type worms, both 4- and 6-inch.

Now that the weeds are filling up alot of the shallow areas, you may still be able to work a trout plug on top (like an MS Slammer, perhaps) in-between the surface mats. Senkos, Brush Hogs & crankbaits either into or along the outside weed edges might work for you, too. Drop-shotting around the dam area might also be something to consider, or flipping the brush down at the south end, and up into the creek zone.

Like I said, the big dawgs are out there, for sure, and there must still be planted rainbows still swimming around (as far as I know), so you still have a decent chance of hooking into a so-called 'wallhanger' (but please catch-n-release, if you do! Please!)


Hope that helps -- let us know how you do!

Hey Chris,

if you are camping pick a site at the north end of the campground. The inlet
the campgrounds sit in can get choked with weeds and kicking through
it can be a pain. Northern sites have deeper water and then you can sneak
up on the mats not blast through them. When you see it you will know
what I mean. try a frog, Senko or a buzzbait over the mats.
.I bet a guy would do pretty good if he spent a few hours in there. Perfect
place for a tube!!

GL

Mike

You been wettin' your line lately, or what? When are we gonna see you on a tourney roster with that tube of yours?

Man I will tell you what!!! No I won't. I wouldn't want to bore you to death.
Lets just say work has been NASTY. I will get out and let you guys beat
me up on the water soon. I promiss. I already owe Rob a buck from Clearlake.
Hope everyone is enjoying the summer!! Love all that traffic.

Oh and Jeff. I have been working Almaden nearly every other day. Not many
fish to speak of but been trying.

And what is the deal with the wind this year. I have yet to see a nice day
on the water. Every time I do get out I am fighting gail force winds.

Tight lines!
Mike

I go in off of Seifert Ave, which comes in from Blossom Hill. Not only are these ponds blocked somewhat from the wind, you also don't get kicked off an hour before sunset! Y'just have to get your gear over (or through!) the fence, but it's do-able. Just pick a pond & drop right in -- I've caught fish in every one of the 5 ponds I've checked out out there!

I've fished out there til I can't see 10 ft in front of me, and the fishing is generally superior to Almaden (whether you're talking the park lake or the reservoir up in the hills). My biggest out there is 6.2, but I've caught a couple around 4, with a bunch of 1's & 2's in-between.

Maybe meet you out there sometime? It's kind of hard for me to get home early enough during the week most days, but every now & then...

It doesn't get patrolled too often, from what I've experienced, but be sure to have your license with you; they do come through every so often, checking. They've always been OK with me tubing out there, though. No resistance whatsoever, so far. Even the neighbors there have been pretty cool with me, asking how the fishing is, and even helping me at times with my gear! Such a deal!

My best advice for right now is go north or go south but don't go in the middle unless you want to keep a real sharp eye out for jet skiiers and water skiiers. There are 5mph zones on either end of the lake, and I would stay in those. Weekends at Coyote in the summer time can be a mad house of idiots on high power boats.

What has already been posted is good advise. Beyond that, I'd suggest either going out of the Calaveras Picnic area in the North end or the Campgrounds in the South end. If you go to the Campgrounds remember that you can't park for the day in there on a day pass. You can however park there long enough to unload your gear. Go the the campsites at the North end of the campground and unload, I usually carry my Kick down to the water, then I park on the road. If you turn right when leaving the campground and park just after the end of the guard rail before the 1 lane section, there is a trail that will take you back down to the Northern most campsite. On the East bank of the lake, directly across from this campsite, between the rocky point and the wooded point is where I've done the best for my last 5 trips in 17 days.
Tight lines,
Wade