Amador Flyfishers

Trip Host Craig Williams
cdubhookset@gmail. CEDAR LODGE reservations need to be made. 530 235-4331
Don’t miss this outing fishing the Upper Sacramento River in Dunsmuir It will be a good opportunity to hone your skills fishing pocket water in a picturesque setting.
Besides fishing in the various areas in and about Dunsmuir we share nymphing techniques in a clinic format at 4 PM Friday afternoon in the barbecue area at Cedar Lodge. We have reservations st the Railroad Park at 7:00PM.
The Cedar Lodge is the most reasonable especially if you mention my name and paying with cash is cheaper yet. (530 235-4331).
Flies recommended relative to this time of year can be acquired at the famous Ted Fay Fly Shop in Dunsmuir

4-5 Wt rods are about right and for Euro rods 3-4 wt 10’-11’
Have a reel with a good drag system for the occasional 18” plus fish.

The Upper Sacramento River begins near Mount Shasta, in the Trinity Mountains of Siskiyou County. The River flows east into a small reservoir, Lake Siskiyou, and then veers south, running through several towns, including Dunsmuir, Castella and Gibson. Then, the River runs into Shasta Lake in Shasta County. The Upper Sac provides about 40 miles worth of trout-filled water. The River is open year round carch and release so you are guaranteed good fishing no matter when you choose to visit. The River flows alongside Interstate 5 and the Union Pacific Railroad.

6:30 Skills Clinic:
7:00 Business Meeting:
7:30 Guest speaker: Lee Haskin
San Luis Reservoir & O’Neill Forbay Presentation
My presention on the San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forbay, is an orientation of both areas:

• I explain where and why to fish during certain seasons.
• How to fish the limited structure, and various shallow-to-deep areas.
• Special consideration is given to water flows, and how to fish this moving water, and why.
• Given the wind, during the summer months, it is critical to understand where you can fish safely, and effectively.
• I explain where and how to fish during certain times of the year.
• Since my presentation is primarily for float tubers, I explain the access points, and safety, when fishing “the Lake” or “the Forbay.
• I give an explanation of preferred equipment-rods, lines, flies (baitfish), etc.
• I provide a handout with information on lake levels, and current wind reporting.

Lee’s Bio

Lee Haskin began his fishing career in the late fifties, at about 10 years old. He learned to tie flies from his father, and an old Herter’s fly tying manual, and soon was flyfishing, side-by-side with his fly-fishing father, on trout waters throughout the California Sierras. However, in 1967 Lee caught his first striped bass at the mouth of the Pajaro River, just prior to moving to Long Beach to attend college. After settling in to college, Lee discovered the many species of fish that would readily come to the fly. His primary target was the Bonita, found in the San Gabriel River, near the college.

After reading about Bob Edgley blue shark fly fishing in Monterey Bay, in the late 1960's, Lee was focused on catching yet another species on the fly. Many trips out of Capitola, CA yielded numerous blue sharks, as well as rockfish in the kelp beds.

In the early 1970's Lee began to fish San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay, with a primary interest in catching stripers with top water bugs. About that same time Lee and old friend and mentor, Del Brown, (talk about good company!) began fishing the South San Francisco Bay for stripers. Del and Lee fished from Coyote Point to Candlestick Park throughout the 70's & 80”s. However, in the early 1980’s, the San Francisco Bay's incredible striper fishing dropped off, and Del began his world record run for permit. At this time, Lee concentrated his efforts once again on the San Luis Reservoir and O'Neill Forebay, targeting the grassy flats, on the O'Neill Forebay, and the islands along Highway 152. Fishing from a float tube, Lee has fished these areas successfully since the 70's.

Although Lee enjoys catching stripers throughout the year on his own flies, specifically Lee’s San Luis Smelt, he is particularly fond of throwing his favorite gurgler patterns along the weed beds of the O’Neill Forebay.

Lee found that his Gurgler Series could fill a niche with top-water loving fly fisherman around the world, and enjoys introducing people to this versatile pattern. A number of Lee’s fly patterns incorporate foam in the design, including the Neutralizer Series, which has become very popular for tarpon, redfish and snook. His commercial fly tying business keeps him busy filling fly orders for folks all over the world. Fortunately, he still has time for travel, from Alaska to Honduras, to the Bahamas. Lee particularly enjoys fishing inshore saltwater locations, for tarpon, permit, snook, bonefish, and redfish. Working with guides and outfitters, in the Yucatan, Belize, and the Bahamas, Lee has developed several successful patterns for each fishery he visits. He also hosts trips to the Yucatan, primarily for baby tarpon

Lee Haskin

This outing is available to AFF Paid Club Members and their guest(s). AFF Paid Members inviting guest(s) are responsible for the needs of their guest(s) and getting the signed Liability Waiver to the AFF Host prior to fishing. Click here for the waiver.

Members and guest(s) of all levels of experience are strongly encouraged to attend.

Contact the AFF Host if you or your guest(s) would like to request instruction or loaner equipment.

San Luis Reservoir and its equalizing body of water O’Neil Forebay are known for trophy size Landlocked Striped Bass. Located west of Los Banos on Hwy. 152. The 2 body of waters hold 7 IGFA records for Landlocked Striped Bass.

We will be meeting just inside the O’Neil Forebay Park Entrance off of Hwy. 152 at 8:00 AM on November 7th and 7:00 AM on November 8th. Park Ranger will be inspecting our gear for invasive species. Anybody with wet gear will not be allowed to fish unless your equipment was inspected the prior day.

O’Neill has roughly 14 miles of shoreline with a maximum depth of around 50ft depending on water fluctuations and demands. The banks of the forebay are slow tapering to the center with mostly a sand/mud bottom substrate. San Luis creek channel and other depressions are spread through out the topography of the lake. The dam consists of most of the eastern side and lined with fish holding rip rap. At fist glance O’Neill is an unassuming body of water, but underneath its surface is home to world class land locked Striped Bass fishing. What’s more amazing is that ALL of the IGFA tippet line class records for landlocked, fly caught Striped Bass come from San Luis or O’Neill Forebay making it a popular destination for Fly and Conventional anglers alike.
Precautions

Both San Luis Reservoir and O’Neil Forebay are susceptible to weather and wind changes. Both lakes have warning lights. On the O'Neill Forebay, wind warning lights are located near the old Medeiros boat ramp and above the South Beach area.

Condition Light Color
Okay All lights off
Use caution Amber
Closed to boating Red

Boats on O’Neil Forebay must travel in a Counter Clockwise Direction around the special marker buoys in the center of the lake.
Gear required: A float tube, kayak, or pontoon boat; chest waders; at least one wading belt; a PFD (to be worn at all times on this water); a 7-9wt fly rod; fast sinking shooting heads such as Type 6 or T-14 ; 15-20# nylon tippet; clousers or other striper flies; stripping fingers, stripping glove, or stretchy tape for this purpose; forceps or pliers; nippers; your own lunch and drinks; and finally, rain and sun protection for on the water, including a hat with straps or a buff to secure a billed hat. You don't need a lot of gear so keep it simple.

Lodging:
There is camping in San Luis Reservoir and O’Neal Forebay Recreation Area. The nearby town of Santa Nella located at Hwy 5 and Hwy 33 has plenty of hotels.

Group Dinner:
Pea Soup Andersen's 12411 CA-33, Santa Nella

Links
San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area:
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=558
Fly Fishing Advice:
http://www.danblanton.com/blog/san-luis-reservoir-stripers-on-the-fly/
https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/fly-fishing-striped-bass/151749

6:30 Skills Clinic:
7:00 Business Meeting:
7:30 Guest speaker: