Heading out tomorrow am... Looking for new water

[gilmafam]

Well gang... its prime time in the summer.... not the best moon... "but got to get out of town":wink:...
Going to look for some new water.... :0a22:

Maybe do some aqueduct fishing off the I-5 at Avenal cutoff, and head to the town of Lemore and Hwy 41 to check out the lower end of the Kings River....I have fished the Kings near the town of Kingsburg, but never lower down....

Then its up to Elkhorn road, and east over to the Fresno slough water that is around the the town of Burrel....From there over to hwy 145 and up near the town of Helm, and check out the James Bypass and Fresno Slough for fishing access.

From there, I plan to spend the night at spot off the "James Road" and see what that part of Mendota Slough has to offer....

Going to do a rather "zig-zag" trip as I'm going to hit up Bob's Bait bucket in Bakersfield to check into some new "stink".. and other "not needed" items, and then the scenic route back to I-5 and head up north to do the fishing....

I hear that "catman Cali" (Sean) may join up with me along with Daistarchis "Robb", and maybe "Fred" the "fresno Boys".

Get back to ya with some pics.... oh, here is two pics that I took off Hwy 33 going to Mendota.... Good fishing access.. "San Luis Canal" part of the California Aqueduct...

see ya all.....

[plumbertom1]

Ray, any time I'm heading home from the Fresburg area and amnot in a hurry I take 41 to the I-5 just to stop there where the Kings crosses the 41 by Lemore and drop a line for a few minutes.
I've had pretty good luck at puling a few crappie out just below the gate and around the other structure on mi jigs even caught a few small LMB. The chartreuse with orange heads and white jigs have produced the best fore there.
Havem't caught any cats there but the river side of the gates sure looks fishy. Maybe I just haven't given it enough effort with the right bait.
Last time I was by there a couple of weeks ago there was a lot of people fishing it, but it was on a week end.
Just west of that spot there are a lot of places along the river that look like they would be good for cats but you would need to park your RV close to the road and take your ATV along the river trail because the road is very rough. I had no problem in my 4x4 but I don't think you would want to try it in your Winnie.

[mangles]

Well good luck to you sir, hope you trip produces many fish!

[gilmafam]

Ray, any time I'm heading home from the Fresburg area and amnot in a hurry I take 41 to the I-5 just to stop there where the Kings crosses the 41 by Lemore and drop a line for a few minutes.
I've had pretty good luck at puling a few crappie out just below the gate and around the other structure on mi jigs even caught a few small LMB. The chartreuse with orange heads and white jigs have produced the best fore there.
Havem't caught any cats there but the river side of the gates sure looks fishy. Maybe I just haven't given it enough effort with the right bait.
Last time I was by there a couple of weeks ago there was a lot of people fishing it, but it was on a week end.
Just west of that spot there are a lot of places along the river that look like they would be good for cats but you would need to park your RV close to the road and take your ATV along the river trail because the road is very rough. I had no problem in my 4x4 but I don't think you would want to try it in your Winnie.

Thanks for the tip Tom.... might have to check that place some day... but the place that I had in mind is kind of secluded somewhat (I hope)... at first, I thought that the bridge was a small one... but as I looked further.. it is a train bridge... so I can't drive across it.... but I checked, and I should be able to park close by and ride the quad there... looks rather "fishie" in google...

check it out...

http://maps.google.com/maps?t=h&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=36.289878,-119.861784&spn=0.004255,0.01384&z=16

I'm trying to find spots that are mostly "locals only":smile2::smile2:

[CatMan(Cali)]

You know I'm there. Fred said he is going to show on Saturday and I hope Robb makes it out. If not, I'll bring my lil champ out for some extra company.:wink: We can talk football and wrestling.

[gilmafam]

And maybe talk fishing and beer too:wink:.....:smile2:......:cool2:

[daystarchis]

So when will you be in town Ray? I may be able to call in Sick Friday. You got my cell #:wink:

[gilmafam]

So when will you be in town Ray? I may be able to call in Sick Friday. You got my cell #:wink:

I got it... but your tied up and need the $$$$.... maybe after work...:wink:

[rrssmith]

Ray, Bob's bait bucket has Sonny's,Hogwild,and Danny king's I was just there last Saturday but they have a good selection of frozen and live bait, take a gander of their watch kitty....fattest cat i think i have ever seen:smile2:

[daystarchis]

Boss just gave me Friday off. So i will be out there around 7 am Friday:wink:

[gilmafam]

Ray, Bob's bait bucket has Sonny's,Hogwild,and Danny king's I was just there last Saturday but they have a good selection of frozen and live bait, take a gander of their watch kitty....fattest cat i think i have ever seen:smile2:

Thanks Ray... I think that I need to re-fresh my "sonny's... I did add some beer... but it just dosent seem to have the "catching power" that it did before I toook it to Yuma .... and let it cook for a couple of trips....

[daystarchis]

Thanks Ray... I think that I need to re-fresh my "sonny's... I did add some beer... but it just dosent seem to have the "catching power" that it did before I toook it to Yuma .... and let it cook for a couple of trips....

Sonny's is AS good as Secret 7:wink:

[rrssmith]

it was the sonny's that caught the catfish for me at mendota 2,all be it only 2 but it did work.

[daystarchis]

it was the sonny's that caught the catfish for me at mendota 2,all be it only 2 but it did work.

I caught 6 on Sonnys:wink:

[gilmafam]

Well.... I think that I'm all packed.... coffee to go in the AM, and I'll hit the Mc Duck in Castaic to get something...

My wife is taking the worms out to the refrig now, and next, I'mn going to look at some Bills that need my attention....

Be nice to see the central cal boys again... almost three week since the last visit.....

[gilmafam]

Well.... I think that I'm all packed.... coffee to go in the AM, and I'll hit the Mc Duck in Castaic to get something...

My wife is taking the worms out to the refrig now, and next, I'm going to look at some Bills that need my attention....

Be nice to see the central cal boys again... almost three week since the last visit.....

[daystarchis]

Well.... I think that I'm all packed.... coffee to go in the AM, and I'll hit the Mc Duck in Castaic to get something...

My wife is taking the worms out to the refrig now, and next, I'm going to look at some Bills that need my attention....

Be nice to see the central cal boys again... almost three week since the last visit.....

Hey Ray, I will be out there Early Friday morning. Drive safely brother:wink:

[gilmafam]

Well gang... see the ones that are out there.... by now....

"on the road again"....Bayrunner Ray.. Gilman

[daystarchis]

Well gang... see the ones that are out there.... by now....

"on the road again"....Bayrunner Ray.. Gilman

Allright Ray. See you in the morning:wink:

[full moon]

Well.... I think that I'm all packed.... coffee to go in the AM, and I'll hit the Mc Duck in Castaic to get something...

My wife is taking the worms out to the refrig now, and next, I'm going to look at some Bills that need my attention....

Be nice to see the central cal boys again... almost three week since the last visit.....

Hey Ray!

There's some big cats in that lake. Meow! Mac and Cheese..yum..yum

Anthony:wink::big_smile::smile2:

[gilmafam]

Hey Ray!

There's some big cats in that lake. Meow! Mac and Cheese..yum..yum

Anthony:wink::big_smile::smile2:

Full Moon... and the Rest of the gang....I'm back with a report...

just a couple of two quick pics to show the "smallest fish at James Road"...Rudy the "meat man" friend of Sean's was catching em like a vetran of the river...

More to come after I do the "soak the bode" thing...

[rrssmith]

Thanks for the pics Ray

[daystarchis]

Hahahhahahahahaha! That should be seans new avatar:smile2: Thanks for the report and pics Ray. Personally, the Slough produces better:wink: glad your back safe and sound. Got to get you on the ohter side of the river there at the Slough:wink: Where we camped last time:wink:

[gilmafam]

Hahahhahahahahaha! That should be seans new avatar:smile2: Thanks for the report and pics Ray. Personally, the Slough produces better:wink: glad your back safe and sound. Got to get you on the ohter side of the river there at the Slough:wink: Where we camped last time:wink:

Would have been great to have met up with Robb "Daystarchis".. but he had some family concerns to tend to.... Hope that all is getting better Bro.

The intent on this trip was to check out some water on the way to "james Road"..... I stopped at Avenal road to access the Aqueduct. This is third a-duct place that I have stopped at so far. The intent is that on a trip going further north, I can do a stop over to spend the night, and do some fishing at the same time...

The problem that I encountered with this place was rather evident when I started to fish..... There was large concentrations of weed grass on the ground .... indicating that other fishermen ran into the same problem that I did with the "freeking grass"..... I put out 5 oz of weight on a three-way rig and sat down to watch the pole... Soon the line picked up some fine grass, and continued to accumulate untill the line came back to the levy full of weeds.... yuck.... decided to pack up and head on.... This spot has excellent parking down offf the levy, although I just parked up on top to do the time that I was staying there.....

Not sure if it is best to be below or above the gate system that was there... I choice the below, and maybe the above would have had even more grass.... Oh well.... miles to go to the next spot on the Kings River, that I have not fished as well....

Here is a pic or two of the Slough off James Road, or the "James Bypass" as it is called..... Lots of shade at this spot .... Captn Steve... calls this area the "Eagles beak" for obvious reasons.... Steve has made a sketch of the area, and with the quad it did not take long to zip thru the area and check out my first place to fish for the afternoon.... the pics include the moon that is going down, and some nice grass area to "snooze in the shade"

Oh... the fishing at this spot was quick to get started in 10 min. The Sonny's did the bite quicker than the mackerel.... If I wanted to catch more fish I'd have to "down-size" the hooks as the fish were all under 10 inches.... al clean and good looking, but small...nothing big no mater what I did.... so much for this first spot... but I came back there two more times because of the great shade...

I spoke to most folks that were traveling around the area... most said the fish were really small, and usually get bigger ones....

The weather had changed by 20 degrees cooler, and the wind and clouds came in..... "call it a weather front"... low pressure, and full moon..YUK

[gilmafam]

Well gang... back at it, I did my "look see" on the "Kings River" that I wanted to look at.... seems that there is a military installation at one end where I wanted to look at the river, and that was OK... I headed to the north, and down a country road until it ended and continued on.... in the mirror I saw a Sherriff car tailing me.... would you believe he was just heading down the dirt road too... just passed me up as I pulled over and looked at my map.... Well the upper end of the area that I wanted to see had lots of posted land to go across.... I decided not to enter as it was a real "powerfull" gate that was open... but did not want to hastle things... I got the information on the Ranch name, and may come back, as the access to river is easy... and from the south end as I crossed the river it all looked good.

Well.... continuing down Hwy 41... I crossed the kings river south fork, and then the main body of water on the north fork... looked like a good wading spot with shallows and holes ... but what can you tell at 60mph..

Finally made it to James road, and the James Bypass. The road is very passable with my RV. I imagine that when it is muddy, it would be a little more "pot-holed". lots of nice places along the Bypass. Good areas to pull out with a short walk down to the bank. Further down the road is the tracks, and then you have to pull down onto the edge of a field and down some 300 yards to the "up and over" road over the tracks...

The tracks are filled in real good with crushed rock and I could have taken the RV across the tracks, but the fishing was not worth it sinced I had the ATV to ride.

I checked out most of the place real quick and then set out to fish a bit.

One pole after another was getting hit, but the fish that were doing it were "yougens".. caught 6 in my first stop and then went to 2 others looking for better water...

Back at the RV, I got the message that Daystarchis was not going to make it out... but CatMan (Cali) was still in for meeting up on friday night.

Bout 8:30 in the evening... I saw some big lights comming and then the train whistle announced that it was comming down the tracks.... Hell, I thought at first that it was a farmer comming with some big farm equipment..... Got a rather early "wake-up" call at 3:30 when the train came back.... just traveling about 10 miles and hour... Oh well, back to sleep for another 2 hrs....Back out to the "good spot" for another few fish.. and then a bunch of "locals" showed up next to me to fish a hole.

They said that they were catching the small ones to... but not like it usually is with bigger fish... Would you believe these boys were using sonnys too.....

Started getting hot... and about 11 I head back to the camp for breakfast.... here are some more of the scenery at James road

[daystarchis]

Awesome post and pics. Just like i was there:wink: thanks brother:wink:

[gilmafam]

Awesome post and pics. Just like i was there:wink: thanks brother:wink:

I know that you wanted to be there bro.... and so did I, as I drove 4 1/2 hours to check the place out.... now I know of its potential,

Wish that we could have "hooked up" with some of your usual bait... Sean said you just got some .... we'll try it next time....:cool2:

So, my fellow BOC members... here is some more of the "left over pics" from my shooting of James road...

[gilmafam]

Some more info on the trip..... Sean, Rudy, and Fred spent the night at the chosen site, catching record size little cats.... could not believe the fishing powers of Rudy.... the "clam king" LOL... he used a double hook set-up and was all over the pole and hooked almost everything that was chomping at his bait.....

I left early to go back to the RV around 10 pm.... Had some moon light to travel by.... but on the way back "Fish04" Don, was driving around looking for us.... Seems that he missed me at the RV. as I was fishing off Denver road ... checking out a nice looking spot.... Well, Don departed and went to find the other boys.... later, he showed up at the RV and since he was wanting to "BS" .... I fired up the BBQ to get the food ready for the morning Burittos.....

Should have seen the other boys riding down the road... trying to see where the road was.... someone was riding on the hood of the T-Bird....finding the way.... they went up the road to the spot on denver road, and spent the night there....."just like baseball" no-hits-runs etc." "fishing sucked"

In the morning... we all assembled in the RV in the living room to cool off and eat and ponder what to do for fishing..... We decided to goto the Slough and try it there..... Don spoke to some people comming into James road, and they said that at the Slough .... the same conditions existed.... "all small fish" oh well.... had another day to fish...

Here are some flicks of he view from the tracks ... to the left, and right...way out where the trees are is the edge of the slough...You have to cross a big field. to get to the fishing.... road could be a bitch when it is muddy.... No place for Sean's car then...LOL

[gilmafam]

Well.... last of the pics...the party for dinner on sat. night.... The boys and camping on the fireroad....LOL..... We got an Idea, that we wanted to go down to the pipe and take over the site.... the plan was that Rudy would shoot his air rifle some and scare the asiaians that were camped there..... and then Don would go down and since he looks the part of an official... "he'd advise them to move on ... or suffer the consequences..."

We had some moore beers, and I got out the shower at the back of the RV and we all took a quick shower to "cool off some"

[gilmafam]

Two more pics... me and Don, and the road sign that is all along the way on I-5..... I guess that Congress has created a water shortage problem for farmers along the I-5 road.... The farmer at the James road spoke to me about the water shortage.... no problem with water at james road... but over on I-5 they have been cut off....

PS..... The farm ower came over to where I was fishing and told me that it was best to not be there on Sat. nite, as they were going to spray the field after midnight.... He said it was some stinky shit... and best to move out of the way.... Nice guy to come over to talk with me.... Told some good stories about the characters that come out to james road.... shootings, car being dismantled... lots of good tales...LOL...

See ya all at the end of the month...

"Back to Mendota...".

Gilmafam.. Bayrunner Ray

[CatMan(Cali)]

What's up? I have been SUPER busy the last few days so I haven't had my chance to chime in and report on James Rd. First off, the fishing was great, if you like catching 3-6 inch cats. There were nice bass jumping everywhere out there though.

Friday got out of work went to Fred's picked him up. Went to Selma picked Rudy up and then off to James Rd to meet up with Ray. Got there @ 6:00pm. Up and over the tracks we go, in the T-Bird:ooooh:. Went to the back and fished until about 11:00pm. Came back in aways and fished a few other spots and then came back over the tracks and fished near Ray at another spot. We caught fish, but very small. The smallest fish I have ever caught out there.:angry: The weather had a pretty drastic change so I'm sure that had something to do with it. We fished and drank until about 3:00am and called it quits. We were so buzzed we all crashed in the T-Bird.:ooooh: Me in the back, Big Fred in the passenger side, and Rudy in the driver side. Not a good idea. Woke up in the morning and had trouble getting out of the car because these guys didn't want to wake up and let me out, and I had to take Moby for a swim. In the morning went to go hang out with Ray and Don in the RV where it was nice and cool with the A/C running. Ray made some KILLER breakfast burritos too.:wink: After a few hrs of BSn we all decided to go try our luck at the slough. The pipe was taken so we got the next spot up from there. Right away I caught another 4-5 incher.:ooooh: Then we hit up the grill with some carne asada, and chicken with some of Don's KILLER portugee beans to go with it. After dinner Rudy had some babymama drama and had to get back to get his son. And figures just as we were leaving Ray got into a nice little 2-3lb channel. I wasn't too happy about having to leave, but s@#! happens and I'll live to fish another day. I was all set to crash in the RV that night too. I wish I could have stayed that extra night and hung out with Ray and Don a little more, good folks. We have another gig coming up so that should be a good one too. Well, it was nice meetin ya Don, and great fishing with ya again Ray. Just us California Boys doin what we do. Til next time...................Tight Linez Fellaz!!!!!!!!

[gilmafam]

Sean... Thanks for "putting the finishing touches" on the trip... enjoyed meeting "our buddy" Rudy... and of course Fred.... Don too...

Thanks for meeting up with me and doing the James road...

[mangles]

Great Report Guys. Too bad for all the little fish, but small is better then skunk:big_smile:
I love to here about the good company and the fishing experience
Keep it coming:wink:

[gilmafam]

Great Report Guys. Too bad for all the little fish, but small is better then skunk:big_smile:
I love to here about the good company and the fishing experience
Keep it coming:wink:

Thanks for that Chad..... the boys in central cal can goto the delta and get some good (great) fishing..... and the fishing at the "Slough" is great too..... Would you believe that the river that feeds the slough is the only river in the USA that goes from south to north... The San Joaquin...

but the only thing you boys in the IV have better than them, other than the heat, is the Flat heads...I think that Catman (cali) and Shania (Bert) are the only ones from the north that have gone for them....

Keep at em..... dude... Bayrunner Ray

[fish04]

Well fellas I guess everyone has made home safe and sound. The BBQ'ed meat was very god and Rays Burros hit the spot in the morning for sure. Well me being hard of hearing I thought Rudys name was Woody and he was very nice about it. Yea Rudy you had the hot clams alright just the big boys did not bite on them. I sure enjoyed everyones company and look forward to the end of the month. O went to the Dr. today and he said I have 20-20 vision in the left eye so hope the other works out the same.
Fish04
Don

[gilmafam]

Thanks for posting Don... good report from the Dr. Looking forward to the Mendota too...... Just thinking of what boat to bring... the caddie or the VW..... How tall is the bridge for getting under that thing??

I have driven over it... but not been under it...

Anyone know?

Bayrunner Ray

[CatMan(Cali)]

Thanks for posting Don... good report from the Dr. Looking forward to the Mendota too...... Just thinking of what boat to bring... the caddie or the VW..... How tall is the bridge for getting under that thing??

I have driven over it... but not been under it...

Anyone know?

Bayrunner Ray
I would guess at about at least 8 ft clearance. I think you could go under with the top up, definitely with it down. There are a lot of boats that go through there so I don't see why you would have any problems. Can we do a couple drift runs in the deeper water? I'm sure we could get on a couple nice kitties. I could even go catch a couple small gills and drift those suckers.:wink: What ya think?

[gilmafam]

I would guess at about at least 8 ft clearance. I think you could go under with the top up, definitely with it down. There are a lot of boats that go through there so I don't see why you would have any problems. Can we do a couple drift runs in the deeper water? I'm sure we could get on a couple nice kitties. I could even go catch a couple small gills and drift those suckers.:wink: What ya think?

Thanks for that Sean.... good to hear about the depth at the bridge.. ny next concern is the depth of water at the ramp, and how is the ramp... is it paved.... and or without pot holes .....I guess that rrssmith... Ray could tell me about that... he lanched his boat last time....

[daystarchis]

Hey Ray, I launched my 16ft tri haul by my self: plenty of times. wink: Talk to Ray, he'll tell you the ups and downs of the launch:wink:

[rrssmith]

Thanks for that Sean.... good to hear about the depth at the bridge.. ny next concern is the depth of water at the ramp, and how is the ramp... is it paved.... and or without pot holes .....I guess that rrssmith... Ray could tell me about that... he lanched his boat last time....
the ramp is paved, it is narrow and at a steep angle. The one warning i have is at the water level and below it is SLIPPERY!!!! lots of algae on the ramp, i made sure my rear tires didnt get in the water. i walked out on it and and almost busted my a$$ i mean it is slick...just becareful when backing up there is cement siding on the walkway that is elevated you can scratch your boat or truck! it was ok for the first time using that ramp

[gilmafam]

the ramp is paved, it is narrow and at a steep angle. The one warning i have is at the water level and below it is SLIPPERY!!!! lots of algae on the ramp, i made sure my rear tires didnt get in the water. i walked out on it and and almost busted my a$$ i mean it is slick...just becareful when backing up there is cement siding on the walkway that is elevated you can scratch your boat or truck! it was ok for the first time using that ramp

Thanks for that Ray... I've launched the ole boat in many conditions... and now that I'm able to lay on my belly, I can get in and out from the front.... (having my kidney taken out from the front did my stomach muscles in).....with both the plate holding my lower body together, and the new knees... its usually been that I need someone to help with the launch, or that I need a dock area to get in and out....

Cant wait to "see" the bottom depths and contours at Mendota...:cool2:

"Getting into better shape"....Bayrunner Ray

[gilmafam]

A little update on last week-end.... After Catman (Cali) Sean left on Sat. night... I continued to "fish on" until" about 9 PM..... My big "surf pole" did catch one 2lb cat down the road where Rudy was watching... or should I "say not watching"..... I walked down while we were doing the sat afternoon BBQ..... and pulled in the line, with a cat attached....

Later, I caught two more fish... not the small "bait size".. that was the norm during the temp/moon change...but bigger ones... all on the mackerel, and "way out there" with three oz of lead doing its thing....

Can't wait to get back up there and get back on the water....I haven't been "on the water at Mendota"... in 7 trips up there.... I'm due for "on the water"....No more "hand me down spots" left over from the boys as I have gotten there after most folks....

[gilmafam]

Well gang... I'm going to the San Joaquin River and try to map the area that the Central Cal "Fall Gathering" takes in.... Im taking the boat and going to check the depths... Robb "daystarchis" and Ray have been on it, but I don't think that there has been any maps made....

This will be my "first time on the water".... Hell, anyone can fish from the bank... Now I'm going to check it all out .....north and south...

Plan on plenty of pics of shore spots that are "closed to car traffic" and may be posted to boot.... "Going to be fun...."

So... who is going up this way?... I'll be there Wed Pm... at the "parking lot"....in front

Here's a pic of my canpsite... I hope

[mangles]

Well gang... I'm going to the San Joaquin River and try to map the area that the Central Cal "Fall Gathering" takes in.... Im taking the boat and going to check the depths... Robb "daystarchis" and Ray have been on it, but I don't think that there has been any maps made....

This will be my "first time on the water".... Hell, anyone can fish from the bank... Now I'm going to check it all out .....north and south...

Plan on plenty of pics of shore spots that are "closed to car traffic" and may be posted to boot.... "Going to be fun...."

So... who is going up this way?... I'll be there Wed Pm... at the "parking lot"....in front

Here's a pic of my canpsite... I hope
Well good luck RAY!
Cant wait to hear the outcome
Please keep us posted

[mangles]

Well gang... I'm going to the San Joaquin River and try to map the area that the Central Cal "Fall Gathering" takes in.... Im taking the boat and going to check the depths... Robb "daystarchis" and Ray have been on it, but I don't think that there has been any maps made....

This will be my "first time on the water".... Hell, anyone can fish from the bank... Now I'm going to check it all out .....north and south...

Plan on plenty of pics of shore spots that are "closed to car traffic" and may be posted to boot.... "Going to be fun...."

So... who is going up this way?... I'll be there Wed Pm... at the "parking lot"....in front

Here's a pic of my canpsite... I hope
And by the way... You cant ask for a better lookin campsite
Good luck!

[gilmafam]

Thanks Chad... I've fished from there one time... and things were slow, so we book up and went to the Sac. Delta.... I'm jazzed about this trip... on the water with my boat....get to map it all and then can pass it on to the BOC buddys...

Here is a pic of my boat .... at Lake nacimiento should be able to move 5 or so guys up to the water above the hwy 180 bridge... should be some good spots to drop folks off....

bayrunner Ray

[bluehunter]

Happy fishing up that way. I will venture there soon.

[gilmafam]

Got to get up here "Blue"... only 227 miles from Redondo... and ifin your at LA... your closer than me....

Going to see what the River has for sun fish.... I've heard it said that there is crappie and blue gill...

This trip will be going back to "my roots of fishing"

... Since I've been on the BOC, I have gotten away from really exploring some water like I did when I "found" the Delta

With a 1000 miles of waterway at the Delta.....I sure miss the spot...Lost my favorite camping and launch ramp on the San Joaquin...

Oh well... I'm Thinking that the upper part of the Slough, and the lower part needs to be seriously checked out....

Maybe I can get from the pipe area of the Slough and get around the shallows and down to James Road....?

Any one game to try out the "magic green lights"... bringing em

Got the Bait net, and going to try for some local minners...

Cant wait to leave....

[desertcatrat]

Thanks Chad... I've fished from there one time... and things were slow, so we book up and went to the Sac. Delta.... I'm jazzed about this trip... on the water with my boat....get to map it all and then can pass it on to the BOC buddys...

Here is a pic of my boat .... at Lake nacimiento should be able to move 5 or so guys up to the water above the hwy 180 bridge... should be some good spots to drop folks off....

bayrunner Ray
hey,i know that boat:ooooh:

[Capt Steve]

Ray, I have gone over Mendota in both directions as far as you can go, until the water was just 1 ft deep. I know an old pro like yourself will keep an eye on your depth.

[gilmafam]

Ray, I have gone over Mendota in both directions as far as you can go, until the water was just 1 ft deep. I know an old pro like yourself will keep an eye on your depth.

Hey thanks Steve.... I'm a vetran many shallow adventures...

I've got a transducer up on the side at the front... a fiberglass wand holds the trans... and I know the water depth 15 feet sooner....:wink:...... thats if I'm going slow... to stop or turn...

I've hits some sand bars, and some mudd flats as well...

bayrunnr Ray

[daystarchis]

Got to get up here "Blue"... only 227 miles from Redondo... and ifin your at LA... your closer than me....

Going to see what the River has for sun fish.... I've heard it said that there is crappie and blue gill...

This trip will be going back to "my roots of fishing"

... Since I've been on the BOC, I have gotten away from really exploring some water like I did when I "found" the Delta

With a 1000 miles of waterway at the Delta.....I sure miss the spot...Lost my favorite camping and launch ramp on the San Joaquin...

Oh well... I'm Thinking that the upper part of the Slough, and the lower part needs to be seriously checked out....

Maybe I can get from the pipe area of the Slough and get around the shallows and down to James Road....?

Any one game to try out the "magic green lights"... bringing em

Got the Bait net, and going to try for some local minners...

Cant wait to leave....

I have a crappie light with a 20ft cord and alligator clips for a battery. I used to use it at the slugh when i had my boat. Had a pool net and I would scoup shad and minnows. Even got a few lil gills:wink:

[gilmafam]

Robb... trying to see in the fish and game regs as to what live bait (fish) is legal in Mendota... are gill legal?

Ray

[daystarchis]

Robb... trying to see in the fish and game regs as to what live bait (fish) is legal in Mendota... are gill legal?

Ray

I fish with em. I asked a game warden out there one day and he said as long as it is caught in the same body of water:wink: If you find something different, let me know:wink:

[gilmafam]

I fish with em. I asked a game warden out there one day and he said as long as it is caught in the same body of water:wink: If you find something different, let me know:wink:

We, I tend to believe what a gammie says... but each one has his own mind.....

Here is what I found on the DFG site and regs..

4.20. Bait Fish Use in the Valley and South Central Districts.
Except as provided below, live or dead fin fish shall not be used or possessed for use as bait in the Valley or South Central District:

(a) Live or dead golden shiner, fathead minnow, mosquitofish, longjaw mudsucker, and staghorn sculpin, and dead threadfin shad, Mississippi silverside and lamprey may be used in all Valley and South Central District waters except those listed in subsection (f) below.
(b) Red shiner may be used

(d) In addition, except for trout and salmon, fin fish lawfully taken in the following waters by angling or with bait fish methods approved in Section 4.05 may be used only in the waters where taken:

(3) San JoaquinRiver and tidewater of tributariesdownstream from Interstate 5 bridge.

So….. downstream on the San Joaquin from I-5 bridge is way down by “Mossdale”…..We could use “fin fish” from there down…but as I see it Mendota is upstream from I-5

I’ll have to speak to a “gammie” and find out….on the Gills

I'm going to try for the minners, and have to check on the oher stuff....

Anyone else got infor.....?

Bayrunner Ray

[CatMan(Cali)]

We, I tend to believe what a gammie says... but each one has his own mind.....

Here is what I found on the DFG site and regs..

4.20. Bait Fish Use in the Valley and South Central Districts.
Except as provided below, live or dead fin fish shall not be used or possessed for use as bait in the Valley or South Central District:

(a) Live or dead golden shiner, fathead minnow, mosquitofish, longjaw mudsucker, and staghorn sculpin, and dead threadfin shad, Mississippi silverside and lamprey may be used in all Valley and South Central District waters except those listed in subsection (f) below.
(b) Red shiner may be used

(d) In addition, except for trout and salmon, fin fish lawfully taken in the following waters by angling or with bait fish methods approved in Section 4.05 may be used only in the waters where taken:

(3) San JoaquinRiver and tidewater of tributariesdownstream from Interstate 5 bridge.

So….. downstream on the San Joaquin from I-5 bridge is way down by “Mossdale”…..We could use “fin fish” from there down…but as I see it Mendota is upstream from I-5

I’ll have to speak to a “gammie” and find out….on the Gills

I'm going to try for the minners, and have to check on the oher stuff....

Anyone else got infor.....?

Bayrunner Ray
I don't think you can use gills. Maybe shad. Could use the crappie light to catch crappie though. If you are on the boat you don't have anything to worry about. They only cruise around in trucks in Mendota. NEVER seen one on a boat.

[daystarchis]

It looks like the Gammie could be right:wink:

[daystarchis]

I may take a sick day and come out Thursday morning:wink: See what happens. That way Spend Thursday, Friday and Saturday out there:wink: What you think Ray. like the Company?:wink:

[gilmafam]

I may take a sick day and come out Thursday morning:wink: See what happens. That way Spend Thursday, Friday and Saturday out there:wink: What you think Ray. like the Company?:wink:

Plenty of room in the boat.....I'll camp at the Slough by the ramp.... at the best spot I can find till someone can come and get me boat and I'll drive out on to the "other side" with the trailer in tow...OR...

I'l just leave it there so the wife can walk around .... maybe to Jacks or the food place.:confused2:

[daystarchis]

I'll see what my schedule is like at work. I all ready left em hanging with wife in the hospitol. But I am sure tempted to call in sick:smile2:

[gilmafam]

I'll see what my schedule is like at work. I all ready left em hanging with wife in the hospitol. But I am sure tempted to call in sick:smile2:

I hear ya with the call in ... but .,, I gues that you are on salary..:roll_eyes:

As long as the money stays the same, and they dont mind so much...
I should be there Wed PM

Bayrunner Ray

[gilmafam]

Well I get to leave a day earlier... cant wait to do this part of the San Joaquin head waters... I'm going to check out some new water on the boat....

So... can anyone get to Mendota before the weekend.... Fish04.. Don, can you make it for wed or thru.....I know that you said the weekend is off....

Robb, have you heard any thing about thru?

Planning on meeting with the rest of the gand fri/sat.

[daystarchis]

Well I get to leave a day earlier... cant wait to do this part of the San Joaquin head waters... I'm going to check out some new water on the boat....

So... can anyone get to Mendota before the weekend.... Fish04.. Don, can you make it for wed or thru.....I know that you said the weekend is off....

Robb, have you heard any thing about thru?

Planning on meeting with the rest of the gand fri/sat.

Ishould find out today. I am schedule as a trainer on Thursday. I will see if some one can feel in for me. Let you know tonight:wink:

[gilmafam]

Went down to the local harbor to check on fresh mackerel.... and ole buddy of mine was there trying for bonita... with the usual "bubble and feather"... said that he got one "boil" but no takers.... I noticed that he had 2-feathers on which is needed when fishing is rather sparce.... I tried with chovies under a "slip float" for 20 min, and no takers... decided to sit and BS with "Dick" since I had not seen him for a couple of years.... (hard to move around on the rocks with my un-stable legs/knees.)

He said that it might be better with the tide in the afternoon... but thats when the folks that have been working come down to enjoy the evening sea breeze....

Rather catch some fresh than getting some frozen at the bait shop

Putting the finishing touches getting ready for this weekend...

Price of gas.... $3.05?

later... Ray

[bluehunter]

Went down to the local harbor to check on fresh mackerel.... and ole buddy of mine was there trying for bonita... with the usual "bubble and feather"... said that he got one "boil" but no takers.... I noticed that he had 2-feathers on which is needed when fishing is rather sparce.... I tried with chovies under a "slip float" for 20 min, and no takers... decided to sit and BS with "Dick" since I had not seen him for a couple of years.... (hard to move around on the rocks with my un-stable legs/knees.)

He said that it might be better with the tide in the afternoon... but thats when the folks that have been working come down to enjoy the evening sea breeze....

Rather catch some fresh than getting some frozen at the bait shop

Putting the finishing touches getting ready for this weekend...

Price of gas.... $3.05?

later... Ray

I was thinking about going around to marina Del Rey for some fresh since it is only about 8 miles from the section of the wood I stay at but dont't know how the bites been lately. A lot of times though they have the minnie macks but those are the better ones to me, especially using them whole for giant blues. If you hear of a good bite holla. Other than that, there are some commercial guys I check out in 22nd street that sells 50 pound boxes, its frozen, but you get minnies, mediums ones, and larges ones in whole boxes. Cheaper than buying from the stores as the cost normally was around 40 dollars. May have went up a little like these one commercial guys in San Diego I know of, but it will last you the whole season almost depending on how often you use them.

[gilmafam]

Thanks for the info Blue.... Here locally the Marlin boys pretty much get the local macks from the bait boys... got the cell # of Larry at in-seine baits in del rey... but across the way at the tourist area (dont remember the name of it) they have a bait receiver there, and for a buck you can fish for several hours... and all have have to do is re-validate your parking once in a while.... kind of nice.. get live bait, put in bucket and fish for what is under the bait receivers.... Halibut at times, berries and mack and bones.... kind of nice to take the "youngins" down to enjoy some fishing right from the docks....bring a chair and ice chest and you having fun..

Its just closer to fish Redondo Marina 5 min away rather than the "Del-rey" and 20 min of driving...

[CatMan(Cali)]

If I could make it out sooner I would, but me and Bert will be arriving late. Maybe we can get a couple drifts in with ya before the afternoon/evening is over on Saturday. I'd like to put some crappie in freezer too, so maybe get out on the boat and throw out the crappie light when the sun goes down.:wink: Anyhow, I will definitely see you out there Saturday after my son's game.

[gilmafam]

If I could make it out sooner I would, but me and Bert will be arriving late. Maybe we can get a couple drifts in with ya before the afternoon/evening is over on Saturday. I'd like to put some crappie in freezer too, so maybe get out on the boat and throw out the crappie light when the sun goes down.:wink: Anyhow, I will definitely see you out there Saturday after my son's game.

Your on for the drift Sean AKA.... "CatMan Cali Flatheat." going to fix you and Bert with custom pole holers....last time I was at the Slough, Rudy asked for a pole holder and you did not have one....

So, with all fishing that I've done in the last few years on the banks with BOC buddies, I have come up with a design that is made just for the banks of Mendota..... not to hard, but might have rocks... not sand but more bullshit than good bankshit.....

so, I have one for: 1. Bert, 2. Robb, 3. Sean.... I'm going to check them out before I go into production making them... The rest of you that show up can "marvel' at the design... but "what can I say"... They are free....


see ya all......

[daystarchis]

Your on for the drift Sean AKA.... "CatMan Cali Flatheat." going to fix you and Bert with custom pole holers....last time I was at the Slough, Rudy asked for a pole holder and you did not have one....

So, with all fishing that I've done in the last few years on the banks with BOC buddies, I have come up with a design that is made just for the banks of Mendota..... not to hard, but might have rocks... not sand but more bullshit than good bankshit.....

so, I have one for: 1. Bert, 2. Robb, 3. Sean.... I'm going to check them out before I go into production making them... The rest of you that show up can "marvel' at the design... but "what can I say"... They are free....


see ya all......

I will be out there Friday around 7 am Friday. I can't take Thursday off:angry: It on of those days

[gilmafam]

Well... getting a late start... 12:17 but heading out now.....

See y'all on the River..... Fresno Slough....

Stop to get some clams... and then ....

[daystarchis]

Well... getting a late start... 12:17 but heading out now.....

See y'all on the River..... Fresno Slough....

Stop to get some clams... and then ....

Ray, I figure you will check this on your I phone:wink: If you get a chance, check to see if the gate over the bridge is open.
You can call me too at: 519-8660. See you out there:cool2: Oh, got some special stuff:wink:

[CatMan(Cali)]

Good lookin out on the rod holders. Hit you up later on the i-phone.:wink:

[bluehunter]

Ray are those holders similar to the ones we got a few years ago at the River gathering with Dale? Or did you add your special design to it? :wink: Thats cool of ya to hook the fellas up that way.

[gilmafam]

check the gate in the am...

[gilmafam]

Gate to bridge will open tue. Over that is. Water at pump is 10 ft. At best. Been way down. Back to camp food. Spoke to DDT. Bout road


Bay Ray

[daystarchis]

Gate to bridge will open tue. Over that is. Water at pump is 10 ft. At best. Been way down. Back to camp food. Spoke to DDT. Bout road


Bay Ray

That sucks...... I was hopeing to cross over and fish that canal:sad2::sad2:

[gilmafam]

Trilled All thru the deep channel. Nada. Did some Mack and stink. Nada. Two diff spots. Nada. Hook up with Robb in am.

See ya all

[mangles]

Trilled All thru the deep channel. Nada. Did some Mack and stink. Nada. Two diff spots. Nada. Hook up with Robb in am.

See ya all
Well thats not a good way to start the trip, but i bet it sure is nice being out on the water:big_smile:
Good luck to all of you on the rest of the trip!

[CatMan(Cali)]

Looks like it is going to be a little slow for the cats. May have to try for crappie or something. Last time out we caught a bunch of small cats and my buddy Rudy just went out and said the same thing, lots of little cats.

Ray, what is the fish finder looking like?

[gilmafam]

Well gang... back from the "Fresno Slough" of the San Joaquin River....

Met up with some "regulars" to the place.... Robb, Sean, Bert, Fred, and Jaime. Fished with "monster catman" John, and his sweet little wife.. Missouri... and Tim the "planesman" showed up....

Did a lot of looking at the water depth above and below the hwy 180 bridge... checking on water depth, and to see what was available above and below the bridge.... I'd say that most of the boats that I saw launch at the Mendota ramp (refuge)... all went down the river first, and then headed up river and above the bridge to try for fish there....

From what I saw, the water at the ramp area is about the deepest water at 13-14 in depth, and the depth kind of goes in "pockets" ... be deep for a while.. several 110 yards, and then come up shallow for a bit, 2-5 feet, and then get back to 10-11 feet for a distance and then shallow again...No real depth out there in the "channel" all the way through the Mendota area.

Saw lots of boats just "jamming thru" and kicking up the mud. It was nice to have the gps to stay in the deeper area and avoid the inside bends, and then the outside bends could be shallow as well....

Did trolling most of the time while going "looking" and yet on Sat. morning it was the only day that I got a hit by a striper on a broken back "shad rap".... had two pole out most of the time.....

Seemed that if you could find the "loons" diving birds... then the channel was under them, and they were pulling up 3 inch minnows....

Way up the slough to the north ( at the canals and pump area) I ran into a crew of three guys that were electro-shocking carp.... at least thats what they said they were doing.... I thought they were scouping minnows.... but he said they were making fishing better... getting carp.... I did not go the last 1/2 mile as it was with some good "stick ups" and shallow area.... did not want to get stuck in the "yuck" mudd"

There was deeper water by the bridge at both sides... north and south, and some 14 ft water to the north of bridge area.....

Got two arrerators at "jacks' which I'm sure helped to keep the O2 levels better in that area....

here are some pics....my camp at the ramp area, and some of the boys

[gilmafam]

Few more pics of the area.... 1st is Jacks area... as some of you have not gone into the area $$$$$$$

[gilmafam]

Last of my photos.... more of jacks...

So... fishing with the first quarter moon was with small fish... and kind of slow.....

Untill next time.... tight lines....

Bayrunner Ray

[desertcatrat]

Well gang... back from the "Fresno Slough" of the San Joaquin River....

Met up with some "regulars" to the place.... Robb, Sean, Bert, Fred, and Jaime. Fished with "monster catman" John, and his sweet little wife.. Missouri... and Tim the "planesman" showed up....

Did a lot of looking at the water depth above and below the hwy 180 bridge... checking on water depth, and to see what was available above and below the bridge.... I'd say that most of the boats that I saw launch at the Mendota ramp (refuge)... all went down the river first, and then headed up river and above the bridge to try for fish there....

From what I saw, the water at the ramp area is about the deepest water at 13-14 in depth, and the depth kind of goes in "pockets" ... be deep for a while.. several 110 yards, and then come up shallow for a bit, 2-5 feet, and then get back to 10-11 feet for a distance and then shallow again...No real depth out there in the "channel" all the way through the Mendota area.

Saw lots of boats just "jamming thru" and kicking up the mud. It was nice to have the gps to stay in the deeper area and avoid the inside bends, and then the outside bends could be shallow as well....

Did trolling most of the time while going "looking" and yet on Sat. morning it was the only day that I got a hit by a striper on a broken back "shad rap".... had two pole out most of the time.....

Seemed that if you could find the "loons" diving birds... then the channel was under them, and they were pulling up 3 inch minnows....

Way up the slough to the north ( at the canals and pump area) I ran into a crew of three guys that were electro-shocking carp.... at least thats what they said they were doing.... I thought they were scouping minnows.... but he said they were making fishing better... getting carp.... I did not go the last 1/2 mile as it was with some good "stick ups" and shallow area.... did not want to get stuck in the "yuck" mudd"

There was deeper water by the bridge at both sides... north and south, and some 14 ft water to the north of bridge area.....

Got two arrerators at "jacks' which I'm sure helped to keep the O2 levels better in that area....

here are some pics....my camp at the ramp area, and some of the boys
thanx for the report on centralcal ray,looks like fun times
see sean ,bert n robb, out there doin it boys ,props to ya
the cat rat is smilin,have to get up that way some time

[gilmafam]

Opps..... forgot to mention that Capt Steve did his "driveby" and came by to enjoy a brew or two and talk some "cattin"....Seems that he did a new piece of "James Road" on the other levy.... Glad that you could join with us Steve..."you always have some fish to show....."

[bluehunter]

Nice pics Ray thanks for the posts.

[CatMan(Cali)]

Thanks for the pics.:wink:

[radish]

Thanks for the pics and reports. I enjoy seeing fish from other parts of the country.

[daystarchis]

Hey Ray.... Thanks for the report. Thaks a bunch taking me out on your boat exploring:wink: A lot of nice water out there. Tell Charlene Thank you for the meals again for me.
That boat of yours is a fishing machine:wink: I sure enjoyed myself too:wink: