Sunday 12/19 @ Mendo

[scwafish]

Weather was GORGEOUS, bait was AA+ but the water finally got dirty...no fishy for me  

This is likely it until spring.  Moving on to other fisheries.  Steelhead from the yak next!

[Bill]

Sorry to hear it is FINALLY over up there. Count me in for a spring trip!

[scwafish]

It had to end eventually!

I needed to move on anyways.  I will be fishing the lower river next week for a chromer.

[Mooch]

I have yet to catch a steelhead   I hear they fight harder than salmon  

[polepole]

Sean, which "lower river"?

-Allen

[scwafish]

Lower Russian.

[polepole]

Ah.  I've been wondering how to fish the Russian.  Any pointers on what to do?  Are you talking about drifting it?  From where to where?  What techniques?

I was planning on giving it a go this winter.  We have a cabin in Cazadero, so it's very convenient for me.

-Allen

[scwafish]

I was going to boondoggle bait and troll lures.  I am going to try a few different reaches.  Healdsburg to my work is nice.  Also going to try Around Duncans Mill too.  Thats right in your neighborhood!

[Mooch]

to boondoggle bait

I hear the Alaska guys use this method. Using a big enough sinker to stick and hold on to the bottom of the river and then tying a spoon a foot above the sinker (3-way-swivel). Basically the spoon looks like it's holding a position on the current ....fluttering endlessly until a fish gets to it. The guys just stick the rod on a rod holder with the tip facing the sky and wait   .

[Hat Trick]

sounds like fun, i sholud be ready in 2 weeks.  i will take a break from kitchen remodelling.

[polepole]

Joel,  I don't think you are not describing boondoggling.  I think you are describing plunking.  It works better in higher water when the fish are moving up the river and you are waiting for them to come to you.  We used to use spin-n-glos with an egg cluster instead of a spoon.

Boondoggling is just drifting with the bait, with enough weight to make sure you are bumping bottom.  At least that's what I think it is ...

Anyone know how long it takes the Russian to drop back into shape after a storm, like the one coming through?  I'm thinking the first real push of steelies should be coming up with this water.

-Allen

[Mooch]

ooops...my mistake