LzyFish, Swampy, Cranium, and anyone else. I want to plan a fishing trip for one of the days around the three day weekend. Anyone up for another river trip? I will be in the Modesto area so we could hit up the Toulmee, Pardee, or do some pre-fishing for the Delta open. Let me know.

A river trip sounds good to me. I floated the Merced River May 31st, fly fishing with my dad. I caught 2 largemouth, 1 spot, and 5 smallmouth; all on poppers. My dad caught one 2 lb. smallmouth on a wet fly. The water was a little cold at that time, but it should be plenty warm by now. It is a long trip, 10 - 12 miles, with some great water!

I say we float the mighty Merced.

Mike F

Hey Mike nice to hear from you! How long did the trip take? I am game for some new water as long as I am not out till way past dark.

Come on guys lets get a big ol' float trip going!!

John,

Let me clarify the first trip on the Merced and my most recent trip.

1st trip: Launch at Snelling Rd. 8:00 am
Take out at Cressey Bridge 3:30 am
approximately 28 miles
we floated past Hwy 59 and Oakdale Rd.!!!!!!!!

May 31, 2003: Launch at Hwy 59 Bridge 9:00 am
Take out at Oakdale Rd. 6:00 pm
approximately 12 miles

I've done this river 3 times now. There is a fair amount of dead water. Now I definitely know the productive stretches and the dead spots.

Its a long day, no question about it, but the fishing is great and almost nobody fishes that stretch of water. I like the Merced because it has LM, SM, and Spots. Last year I lost a 4lb. smallie, and my friend & I landed plenty of spots and SM between 1.5 - 2.5 lbs.

When we floated the Tuolumne in April, we went 6 - 8 miles. We fished VERY slowly with multiple stops. The Merced is much longer and we must fish more quickly with VERY few stops, but its worth it.

Mike F

It does not sound like a bad trip I am willing to try it. Sounds like a bunch of fun, I love river smallies.

I'm going to be at the cabin(pine mtn lake)over the weekend but I might be able to meet you guys for a float.It's about 45 minutes or so from oakdale so either river would be cool.keep us posted as to when&where.
Swampy

SactoJohn & Swampy,

How does Sunday, July 6th sound to you guys? I still need to get the hall pass for the day, but I'm pretty sure it'll be OK.

I'm up for the Merced or the Tuolumne. The Merced is a longer trip, but its worth it.

So let me know... Sunday 7-06-03? Merced? Tuolumne? (I prefer the Merced :-) )

Mike F

I am fine with the Merced, let me see about the day, gotta get a hall pass as well, I got one for Sat. hopefully it is transferable. :)

Sunday is a go for me, hey mike shoot me a e-mail so we can work out the detalis. Lzy Fish, Swampy you guys in?

I'm gonna go to Lake Sonoma with my dad. YIPEE!! We've got reservations at a boat-in campground in Yorty(zoo) Creek. Ya shoulda seen us last year. I had one kick, he had another, and a third was waaay over loaded with camping gear, food and beer for 4 days. What a sight we must have been. We rowed all the way back into Cherry Creek. It took a couple hours.

Now if I can only get him to put down his books and pick up a rod. I don't know why but he just can't wrap his brain around chasing fish. He does like to eat Crappie though. Maybe if I can find some...!

Anybody out there know where the slabs live in Sonoma???

Chris

That sounds like alot of fun, but alas, I have domestic issues to address....

When are you going to be available for another delta run? Is Friday still an option?

Mr. Robustus

Friday is not a possibility I will shoot you an e-mail and exsplain. Too bad you are not availble to flot the river it is a bunch of fun.

Skweequers and I will participate. Skweequers needs a ride with Mike.

Lzydeus Pisceus

I think you can pencil me in for this too. So it's
Sunday the 6th. What time and where to meet exactly. What
is the low down, do you leave some car at the end point
and drive to the start point? Anyway, Sounds like alot of fun.

Larry Nakamura

we were planning to meet at 7:30 at the take out spot (Oakdale road bridge) shoot me an e-mail and I will give you better directions.

Mike, I looked at a map and figured out how to get there, I have driven over that bridge, so I know where it is.

Larry,

If I remember correctly, you have a round float tube. This stretch of river that we're floating is long 10 - 12 miles), has many obstacles (sweepers, narrow stretches, overhanging trees), and is very shallow in certain places. It would be a LONG and miserable trip in a float tube.:-(

Its safety first, dude.

Mike F

I am now the proud owner of a kick boat with a trolling
motor. So now I can fish with the big boys. So no worries. I
am planning on being there. This will be a first, fishing a
river in a kick boat. I got the directions from Sacto John
and the time looks like meeting there at 7:30AM. Correct me
if I'm wrong. I am planning on a 1 1/2 hrs from San Jose to
get to the meeting place. Therefore, will be leaving at 6AM
that morning.

Larry Nakamura

Hey Larry,

Just want to warn you to make sure you practice oaring before you get out on the river. I went out on the Russian which is pretty mellow and had a little difficulty at first due to inexperience (my 2nd time out on my then new pontoon boat). Go to one of the local lakes and practice oaring till you feel comfortable. Will make a world of a difference.

Todd

Hey Larry I am not positive but I would think that it might take you a bit longer to get there from San Jose. Any of the other bay area people have a better estimate?

Yippee! I’m going river fishing.
Talked to Mike F. and it looks like
I’m going along on the ride Sunday AM.

Sure look forward to hooking up with you River Go'ers
Mike F, John S, Steve, Larry, anyone else... :)

I read Mike's Post regarding Shasta.
Good luck out there be sure to
let us know how you do fishing

Mike was my transportation up to the river.

Well, looks like getting to the river Sunday
little difficult with out having a ride.

If nothing turn up
you guys have fun :) be safe out there.

I'll try again
Soon ;)

Let us know on how you guys do
Here on the forum Monday

I'll post a full Sonoma report. It'll be good to get out again. I can't wait! Woooohooooo!!! lol