Big trout in the lower Kings river

[Capt Steve]

Did you guys see the artical in the Fresno Bee about the 3 to 10lb trout being planted this winter?

big rainbows (http://www.fresnobee.com/371/story/17311.html)

[gilmafam]

Thanks for post Steve...

I drift for trout at the Reedley bridge in june.... I'll be looking for a "left over" when I'm up there this season....

go get em, that is nice water below the dam area.


bayrunner ray

[orchardhills]

Thanks for posting the article. I knew that they were planting some big trout but didn't know the specifics. I do agree that the amount of anglers really has picked up.

Orchardhills

[daystarchis]

Welcome Bob to the BOC. Trout been hitting at the mouth of big creek. Buddy just caught 21 on the 30th. They camped over night.

[orchardhills]

That is crazy! If I can free up some time this weekend I might head up that way. Thanks for the tip.

[daystarchis]

I may head out there Sat or Sun. Try sm minnows on a bobber :wink: Maybe I will see you out there.

[orchardhills]

Thank you very much for the tips. I just wish that I can give some tips of my own. You guys already know how to fish Mendota so I'm no help there. LOL!

Orchardhills

[daystarchis]

Thank you very much for the tips. I just wish that I can give some tips of my own. You guys already know how to fish Mendota so I'm no help there. LOL!

Orchardhills

you be surprised how much info brother that you will learn from here and there and no time be helping. I bet ifwe fished together, i would leave learning something. Great thing bout fishing. We are blessed to be here in the valley. Alot of great fishing spots all around and a few hours away too and deep sea. I think this is the awesome part of BOC and I never see it on other fish sites. I guess it is more than just fishing ut getting togrther and the fellowship as well. I also like those alone fishing trips and I get plenty of them. Not as many these last few years but I certainly anit complaining. Met some invaluable friends and caught some nice fish. I have learned a lot form here. Stilll looking forward to learning more which increases the fishing catch ratio.

[gilmafam]

Robb, Ive spent to much time on the "alone trips" up on the Kings... My water ski buddies would sleep in as I creeped out into the Kings with the trolloing motor and fired up the big engine when out of the lagoon. Lindys landing is just 1/4 mile off mountain view, 15 miles up from "Riverland". I have taken my boat to the rapids just below hwy 180... some 20 miles... There are a lot of folks "floating" from Manning ave south on the river to the Reedly Park as the take out point.... They stock trout at the Reedly bridge, and fishing there is good with the drift and trolling motor for control.
My Main fishing there is the "SMALLIES" that are there, ole "BRONZE BACKS" that are "kickass" fun and not to may folks even notice me fishing at all...... There are good size Large mouth Bass, but with the flooding that they have had there the river fish has changed.... especially with all the PWC and studpid people who mess with the vegatation on the side of the river.

I can't wait to get up there in June when they let out more water.... knee deep one day, and the next day it is "full on waterskiing" deep. Been going their for 25 plus years.....one of my buddies catches a week of good water... with out the PWC just prior to school letting out.

I'll be looking for the "left over 3-10 trout" that has been planted.... It sure would be nice if they ever really bring the KINGS and the SAN JOAQUIN back to the Steelhead and salmon water that it use to be.....

bayrunner ray

[daystarchis]

Ray, while in high school, my buddies and i would float past winton and all the way down past reedley beach. We would tie together with ice chest in the middle. Rest is history:cool2: Did my first trout fishing in high school. Friend Robert Jones took me all the time up at huntinton, shaver and all those creeks up there. Dad only fished one way. Sinker on the bottom with 2 loops and hooks (i guess it called a surf leader) One bait was always worms. lol I still fish one pole like that when I fish:lol: Went Trout fishing for the fist time since 84. Fished on x-mas eve. Caught my limit and was sold on trout fishing:tounge_out:

[gilmafam]

Dad only fished one way. Sinker on the bottom with 2 loops and hooks (i guess it called a surf leader) One bait was always worms. lol I still fish one pole like that when I fish. Went Trout fishing for the fist time since 84. Fished on x-mas eve. Caught my limit and was sold on trout fishing:tounge_out:

I think the surf rig is nice rig to buy and then modify it some....California...legal two hooks.....
Can be used for cat fishing too. Just tie in snelled hooks to the main line.... I like to use a film canister to put the bait/weight in off the bottom.
I make it work by drilling/punching a hole in the top of the snapcap top, and then put in a cotter pin with a swivel attached. drill some holes in the side to allow the stuff inside to ooze out ... like a glob of power bait... but place lead in there for the weight also...down size the hooks.... and leader.... go back to 3/4lb or 2 lb..... use worms on one hook (trebble gold) and something else on the other hook.... This is good if your out to get some MEAT
I really like simple rigs the best.... but if you've got to put out two poles.... experiment a bit.

Nothing beats a 4lb rig and a rooster tail in my in my boat.... go bigger maybe 6lb..... but for river trout I like the the spinning pole and 4lb.

All that other stuff is like "taking a shower with your clothes on"

bayrunner ray

[orchardhills]

Floating down the Kings...oh the memories. I grew up in Reedley. I live in Dinuba which is only 7 minutes from Reedley. I haven't been to the beach in years. We used to float at least 3 times a week when I was in high school and college. We tried fishing while floating but the ice chests always were our priority:0a1:

[gilmafam]

I hear ya Bob... leaving from Manning ave. is a time commitment... need lots of refreshment.... I started there with simple floats, 3-man for wife and I, and the kids were on their own... found it was better to motor up and meet everyone, and then fish my way down..... Flippin for bass and rooster tails for trout... Been to Dinuba.. many times to look for boat parts for my friends... Pizza, Shakeys to watch the TV and Ice hockey..

I've found so much stuff in the water from folks loosing things as they got washed into the overhanging trees on the way down with the float....As we got older, we just motor up, and then let some of the "newbeys" float in the water... We old folks stay in the boat... listening to music... floating the summer day away..... Its just short of 4 hrs from my house....if I step on it a little.

I have mainly caught the 12-14" trout there, cant wait to see if the 3-10 lb ers will still be there in the summer.... Again there is good size smallmouth bass there, largemouth, and cats.... Lots of 20 - 30 ft holes when the water is up... I caught one LM bass with a 6" bass inside of it, and also a bass with a small cat inside....

The Lower Kings.... use to be good before the wave runners, jet skis, who just love to mess with every bush and habitat on the river...
People have been killed since they have been on the water...
Can't even shore start anymore from camp ... we "got 5 mph" no wake area, and on top of that the "Radar" is out there looking for speeders...max is 35 mph I think...

bayrunner ray

[orchardhills]

Every year at least one person drowns on the Kings. Also, and the main reason why I don't float anymore, there're a ton of people out there that get too much of that liquid courage. Nothing wrong with drinking but acting like a fool and actual fighting just isn't what I call fun. A few years back some cholos (street punks) stabbed and killed somebody.

One of my ex-girlfirend's father used to float down in his canoe and do pretty well for trout. He also used to shoot a few ducks so he could have a certain feather for his flies. He was very much into fly fishing.

It's funny because the only thing I regret about ending that relationship was not getting to know her dad. He was an awesome fisherman! Heck with her, teach me something about fishing!

Bob

[daystarchis]

Bob/Ray,
You guys ever fish that pond at riverland?

[orchardhills]

Sorry but where is Riverland?

[daystarchis]

Riverland is on 99 and Kings river. Past
kingsburg.

[plumbertom1]

Seems like every time I've gone over that "pond" it was full of water skiers and jet skis.

[daystarchis]

Seems like every time I've gone over that "pond" it was full of water skiers and jet skis.

Ray, the kings river goes underneath the 99 but I was taking bout that lil pond.

[plumbertom1]

Ray, the kings river goes underneath the 99 but I was taking bout that lil pond.
The pond just south of the river and west of the 99?

[gilmafam]

Robb, Tom, and Bob.... Sure I've fished Riverland pond... Am I not a fisherman.... your sapose to pay to do it.... I snuck out there while camping there one night 15 years ago... You missed my post Robb on the big hole.. 13' deep down by the Wier... and the area turning to the left... All good prospective spots.... I even snuck into the Kingsburg rod and gun club pond and throwed a line out to their private pond....The kings is really nice. Until the summer before last, and with the closure of the lower kings because of High water....I had not gone away from Lindys to ski anywhere else ... Some of my buddies would go to Pine flat for the day to check it out.... No beach......It was with disappointment that we were closed out at Lindys, and had to go to the dam to camp and ski.... water was way down... no place to leave you boat in the water close to the camp site.........It was nice to see the dam that was constructed for irragation.... I read a plaque at the dam and they presented all of the law suits, and legal problems that came out of Damming up the Kings... There were folks shot and killed for their positions on the dam or no dam...

See you next weekend .... were heading north...Fresno, here we come.

bayrunner ray

[daystarchis]

Now you talking about the pond or rover with those holes? I think you mean the river at the rr tracks?
So what day you be down? Looking forward to it:wink:

[gilmafam]

Robb, I'm planning to pick Tom up just off the freeway at 6:30 sat morn, and could be in fresno/Clovis in 4 1/2 hrs....
Its mostly down hill into Fresno from Bakersfield, and the RV does real good at getting down the road.....
Depending on the Tule fog etc.... I wont have to worry about speeding... I won't bring the boat....

bayrunner ray

[plumbertom1]

Robb, it's your backyard we're coming to. What do you recommend in the way of weapons? I'll have to pick and choose within my arsenal what to bring. I don't think Ray has room for me to bring what I usually carry.
Which fishing holes are we going to hit any way? I'm not familiar with the kings below Pine Flat. I have fished above the reservoir.

[daystarchis]

Cool...can't wait to meet ya'll. I just started trout fishing. Were we catch those nice trout are at a placeyou have to walk down to is a Hard a$$ climb back. KILLED ME! I do it though:big_smile: It is at the inlet. Now west fresno..... You want some cotton tail, pheasant, duck....James Rd. is the place to hunt and fish at the same time. park at the water. There are the canals that hold big stripper and cats. Don't know if the water is moving though. Have to find out. There is a few spots in the wildlife refuge that we can fish at and then maybe Capt. and vini could meet us out there for a bit. Plces to park an RV and such.

[plumbertom1]

Robb, that could present a problem with the mobility limitations that both Ray and I have due to joint replacement surgery this past year. See if you can find a more accessible fishing spot. If not we will just have to work around it

[daystarchis]

There are places you can park to at the river (winton park) for example. There are some spots at the lake to that are real close. Have not been to them this year. Now for catfish, it would be the slough area.

[plumbertom1]

That works for me Robb, I can walk a good ways as long as it's not over ground that is too rough, but rip-rap is out of the question.

[daystarchis]

Trying out ht enew puter and scan disk. hope i got it right:tounge_out:

[daystarchis]

testing.... more pics

[daystarchis]

Few more pics. Hope you injoy...:wink:

[plumbertom1]

OK Robb, those look like rainbow catfish to me. Looks like you got a handle on the uploads.

[gilmafam]

Nice pics Robb. I'm not so sure about that guy with the white tennies, Is this guy a catfisherman or a Trouter?
Hey speeking of how one looks, Is Vini going to be available to speek to us this weekend... or is the "Gold Panning buisiness" and the "Lure of the Loins" greater that the boys from the South comming up to visit?

Listen man, I know that you just moved... (or run out of town) Just catch up with us if you can...

Dont want to take you from the stuff that you need to be doing.... We'll make out with out you, Just work us in for SAT NIGHT maybe???

Were fishermen, and we'll find em with you or without....but LOCO knowlege is best.

bayrunner ray

[daystarchis]

Nice pics Robb. I'm not so sure about that guy with the white tennies, Is this guy a catfisherman or a Trouter?
Hey speeking of how one looks, Is Vini going to be available to speek to us this weekend... or is the "Gold Panning buisiness" and the "Lure of the Loins" greater that the boys from the South comming up to visit?

Listen man, I know that you just moved... (or run out of town) Just catch up with us if you can...

Dont want to take you from the stuff that you need to be doing.... We'll make out with out you, Just work us in for SAT NIGHT maybe???

Were fishermen, and we'll find em with you or without....but LOCO knowlege is best.

bayrunner ray

Ray, We moved yes, but this is fishing. lol...... I get off Fri at 5 ish. Could even take it off if wanted. Don't need to be at work till noo Tues. or at take that day off:smile2: I know you 2 can fend for yourself. Heck, probanly do better than I:big_smile: I am free till monday. You have enough your for me in the RV to get out the cold. I got leeping bag and all. I have not heard from vince. Gonna buzz him as I type.....ringing......voice mail:angry: left message. Oh.. the kid in the white shoes.... lol:big_smile: Scott. yep he can fish though. 20 year old full of spunk. :roll_eyes: Pine flatt I am not too big. Maybe capt? I will meet ya'll wherever. My home is also open to yall. Wea re pretty well settled in now. Let me know time and meeting place. Picts of the slough.

[vini]

Those are some really nice trout Robb, BIG suckers, nice catch

Welp looks like I may be going up to San Fran this weekend I believe tomorrow they're going to induce labor on my sister and get her baby out and thats my first Niece so I need to see that girl ASAP and my girlfriends got some major surgery on Wednesday and am taking 2 days off to be there for her so best I can do is maybe get back here sunday early and hop out to wherever the heck you guys are all fishing, probably comeback sunday morning on amtrak so the afternoon should be open.

[orchardhills]

Were we catch those nice trout are at a placeyou have to walk down to is a Hard a$$ climb back. KILLED ME! I do it though:big_smile: It is at the inlet.

You are not kidding! My bro-in-law, sister-in-law, and my 6 year old daughter went to the inlet. That hike up is murder. I did it three times yesterday! We caught 12 fish. All were very good fighters. I took some pics of the trail to the water. Man I get tired just looking at them.

Thank you very much for the tip daystarchis! It is much appreciated. I will upload the pics later. I made time to go fishing. Only thing is now I have to bust my hump to teach all day and configure 22 laptops before tomorrow. But, at least I have some fish in my belly.:big_smile:

Thanks again!

Orchardhills

[gilmafam]

Good to see that you were put on some fish.

Got to do it on the clock man.... You don't get paid for overtime...
get some of the students to help out...the good ones.

bayrunner ray

[daystarchis]

You are not kidding! My bro-in-law, sister-in-law, and my 6 year old daughter went to the inlet. That hike up is murder. I did it three times yesterday! We caught 12 fish. All were very good fighters. I took some pics of the trail to the water. Man I get tired just looking at them.

Thank you very much for the tip daystarchis! It is much appreciated. I will upload the pics later. I made time to go fishing. Only thing is now I have to bust my hump to teach all day and configure 22 laptops before tomorrow. But, at least I have some fish in my belly.:big_smile:

Thanks again!

Orchardhills

nice to hear ya'll got som of them trout. what you use for bait? You fish right at the entrance or closer to the creek?

[plumbertom1]

"Man the wind is howling here right now and I wanted to go fishing this morning" he said, as if this morning was any different than any other.

[daystarchis]

Tom, nice here. Suppose to warm up:cool2: I was looking at some picts and Vinces video "DK's experience" was done in Jan at Mendota. It is cold in the morning though:0a18: Below 30 tonight I hear. Will warm up though. So whats the plan this weekend. Ya'll be up here Fri or Sat. When ya'll want to hook up. Got weekend cleared. I can make some chili beans and corn bread. Just heat it up? Some brats? YUM!!!! I got some large clams left and liver, night crawlers. Home raised large red worms (my favorite) :wink: Got my stink bait.

[orchardhills]

We were using mealworms and marshmellows. I was using that dipped in some Dumong's Anise and Dumong's Peanut Butter oil.

I honestly don't know how close we were to the start of the creek. I do know that we parked our vehicles by two mounds of dirt and walked down from there. There was a fairly worn trail that we followed.

Again, thanks very much for the info daystarchis. I owe ya lunch or something. I had a great day and it wouldn't have been possible without your generosity.

Bob

[daystarchis]

Nice pics. Thats what is all about. Pictures say it all.

[plumbertom1]

Tom, nice here. Suppose to warm up:cool2: I was looking at some picts and Vinces video "DK's experience" was done in Jan at Mendota. It is cold in the morning though:0a18: Below 30 tonight I hear. Will warm up though. So whats the plan this weekend. Ya'll be up here Fri or Sat. When ya'll want to hook up. Got weekend cleared. I can make some chili beans and corn bread. Just heat it up? Some brats? YUM!!!! I got some large clams left and liver, night crawlers. Home raised large red worms (my favorite) :wink: Got my stink bait.
Robb it looks like we will be in the area Sat. morning pro'ly around 9:00 if every thing goes as planned. Beyond that I don't know what to tell you cause I'm not familiar with where we will be fishing, this is a learning trip for me, besides, ray is going to be the one driving I'm just a passenger:cool2:

[gilmafam]

Right on Tom.... I'll do the speeding and you just sit there and think of the ways that my cricketts, and nightcrawlers will be able to get some bait... I'm going for it.... we need some good bait so..... Robb if you can get away from the "honey do's" and washing the dishes, maybe we can get some gills one place, trout another, and some cats to finish the days off....

I'm going to check out Bob's Bait bucket in Bakersfield to see what they have for future "stopping off" when I come back later to fish Lake Isabella...

The cricketts and the crawlers and packaged Hog this and that, is in the RV as I speek.... Have to put em there. all that scratching noise that they make, and the singing... My cats would tear the bag up, and we have skunks,possumes, and coons here, and they have gotten in to my bait before.... Only thing they dont mess with is Power B.... they dont know how to twist the tops off

Would you believe all these critters.... here at the beach.... use to have a flock of 40-50 parrots start the day off in my "Old Departed Euclyptus" tree that I took out several years back....

I loved that ole tree.... only thing bad was the noise from all the parrots, the possiability that it was going to fall on the neighbors house, and the fact that the mess with the parrots, and the "weeping" that the tree did each day with the overnight dew.... My uncoverd boat got crapola in it and that really pissollaed me...
I mean there was good daily hunting in that tree... almost every day I'd knock the butt feathers out of the Crows that would come here with the ole "daisey" lever action.

bayrunner ray

[daystarchis]

Hey guys, I'm free:wink: There are always honey do's:tounge_out: They will be here when I get back:wink: I will fish wherever. I know how to get to the one spot that I turned on to orchardhills. The walk back is tough. Actually, every spot I know to catch large ones is a bit of a walk. so fo trout, I am not a lot of help. If you know of some spots ray, I would love to try them with ya two:big_smile:
Crappie, would be James Rd. Catfish would be James Rd or Mendota Slough at the gas line or the spot #1:wink: By the boat ramp is good too. Caught stripers and cats there as well.

That must been a sight to behold with all those parrots Ray:ooooh:

[gilmafam]

Robbs.... were comming to Fresno on Sat. Lets pass on the trout, we could talk about it, but with Toms condition with the hip is a problem, I can somewhat walk... Its to be seen... could go to the area below the dam... and there is some good holes off the road to Trimmer springs... lets keep it open... look see and then hit James Road or Mendota in the PM... Maybe the RV can get to spots in there.


bakyrunner ray

[daystarchis]

That sounds good Ray. RV's drive through there all the time.