Whiskey Town Lake 03/11, Banjotad and MattS.

[MattS]

Well Banjotad and I were able to hook up this afternoon for a few hours on the water.  Spent some time getting the yak setup, it has been way too long... .  Banjotad really put some effort into his yak, and really had a nice fishing platform.  I was impressed.  He had really put together a nice ghetto bar and has a very simple and streamlined setup.

We hit the water and Banjotad's freshly Gooped fishfinder was working great.  We started marking fish immediately, but many were deep.  We were just top lining so they were out of reach.

We trolled along the bank toward Crystal Creek at a nice 2 mph pace.  I was using a sling blade and a needle fish, Banjotad was using a spinner.  About 30 min into the paddle Banjotad hooks up with a nice 15+ Kokanee!  I got the watch the whole fight play out.  I of course did what any experienced fisherman would do....I switched to a spinner!

We paddled along until the creek became very shallow and the current was picking up, so we turned around.  We didn't quite make it to the Carr Power House.

On the trip back I kept snagging up with leaves and sticks.  The 5th snag I pulled the rod and it...pulled back!  I caught a nice 15 inch Kokanee!  Not quite as big as Banjotad's, but I was happy!  My struggle with this feisty fish made me realize.....what am I going to do when it is a 20 lb lingcod or halibut?

We paddled back in and spoke with a power boater who came down from Weaverville.  They said that Trinity lake is low and very muddy.  They said you can't even see the water from several of the boat ramps.  Too bad.  I asked how they were doing, but they didn't have a fish.  I of course had to show off what the two kayakers did, by lifting our fish from the water.  Another couple of kayak converts?  Probably not.

I logged 5.2 miles round trip on the GPS, so it was a nice paddle.  My arms are feeling it now.  I had to wash a couple aspirin down with a beer.  I need to build my kayak muscles back up, and get rid of the beer muscle.

I had a great time, and it was nice to finally meet Banjotad.  We talked about Gimme Shelter III, and what we wanted to accomplish there.  I hope to see a few more hookup's in our future at Whiskey Town and Shasta.  We might even take a run to Baum Lake.  I think that would be a nice trip and Banjotad agreed.  Trout mecca....

The weather was fantastic, and we were treated to nesting pairs of Canada Geese all over the lake.  We really did much better that I though with it this early in the year and midday, but it was more likely the result of neither of us having our cameras!  I used the camera on my phone just so we would have proof (sorry about the quality).  Thanks Tad,we definitely need to do it again!  My daughter is very happy to have fish for dinner....she is waiting in the kitchen for it to finish cooking, I just hope I get to try some!

Matt

Banjotad with his tricked out Malibu!


MattS.

[BANJOTAD]

 It went down just like MattS said , I started by pulling a rapala with one snag, before switching to a Mepps spinner to get my Kokanee. It was great to meet Matt and paddle on a beautiful day on a nice lake, the fish(s) were a bonus! Thanks Matt for the hook-up and a great report, I look forward to many more!

[Abking]

You guys got an awesome karma payoff today.  WTG!  Great report, and the pic quality is fine - take more next time!   

[beenfishin]

Nicely done boys, that's inspiring!  I skunked out up there last weekend...also skunked on Shasta this weekend, hope I'm not seeing a trend there!

Any plans for this Saturday?  I've got the green light for a few hours...was thinking a Jones Valley launch & trout troll...

-beenfishin

[hightide]

Nice report guys....That lake is my all time favorite campground....we camp there once a year...I usually get my action way before you reach the  pumphouse...last year was really good with brooktrouts.  of course the bluegills are fun too.   I have video on youtube at whiskeytown but I don't know how to attach it here.
allan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyvZvvQTz_o

OK I had help

[Gue]

Nice "tune-up" ...WTG on the kokanee... I love it when the "snag" pulls back...   ...Good on you for thinking ahead... the game can change on the "Big Blue"...you never know how how big the "snag"is ...until it pulls back . Great Report... Thanks.

Gue