Central Coast Steelheading

The river was open and legal this past Wednesday, Jan 9th. So I fished for a few hours before going to work.
Only got one hit but it was fun to see how the last storm changed the river. I didn't get to fish this river much last year because it was hardly ever open.
Its only open Wed, Sat, and Sunday to barbless artificials and it needs at least 80CFS as measured on Tues and Fri mornings. There is even a phone number to call (that I've had memorized for the past 3 years) to hear a recorded msg stating whether its open.
So, yeah, it was only open like 4 times last year! That was frustrating!
But I definitely plan to fish it as often as possible in 2008, and savor each opportunity.

Here are some pics from Wednesday. Mostly scenic shots. Click the link then click "View as Slideshow"
Enjoy,
PK
 
http://www.flickr.com/gp/17135732@N03/JBP5NG

Might I ask what river?  Looks beautiful.  Keep giving 'em hell, at least when its open!

Michael

Come on dilbeck. You don't need to ask what river. Even I know where that is.

PK, did you paint that Lil Cleo with a marker?

Sorry I truly don't know.  Wish I did.  Not originally from around here.  Or does PK talk about this river so much that I should know it from reading the board?   

I mean, I've learned a lot from reading the board but coastal streams are yet one more thing I need to learn more about.  Will add it to the list: reel repair, tides, surf launching, coastal streams, and the list continues.

Michael

Hey don't feel bad. I don't know either. Eel???

Pat has stated in the past his support for keeping good fishing spots a secret instead of sharing on the board, but I'm not sure if it is true in this case. Posters on the other board that he and I frequent often do not share their hot spots, instead only giving general descriptions.

Howard

Pat has stated in the past his support for keeping good fishing spots a secret

I respect that, however, in this case, doesn't sound like much of a hotspot.

Hey don't feel bad. I don't know either. Eel???

Tote, that one I can answer.  The Eel is way north near the Russian.  I believe PK lives down in Monterey.  So its not the Eel, I don't think.

Michael

San Lorenzo - in Santa Cruz?  Or maybe Carmel River?

I respect that, however, in this case, doesn't sound like much of a hotspot.

Coastal stream south of San Francisco are not really hot spots. But to the locals (and I can't say I am a local) they are precious waters close to home. It's like having a wild trout pond in the middle of the city. For sure they are no secret to anyone and that's why they are not hot spots. The San Lorenzo gets an angler every 50 yards of stream when the water is just right. Do you get that many anglers in the Russian or the Eel? I respect someone’s decision to protect whatever is left from being over fished. Just my 2 cents.

I don't mind sharing info with this group. Otherwise, I wouldn't have posted it on here. I thought there were enough hints in my post, but if you want to know...check page 57 of the 2007-2008 Reg Book. Its the only coastal watershed with a Low Flow Restriction of 80cfs. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/07-08-inland-fish-regs.pdf

Really, I was just so excited to get a chance to fish it, that I wanted to share with my peeps @ NCKA! And I wanted to share some of the cool pics I got. Like I said, no fish. But the conditions were right...just a little early in the season. I hope the rain keeps it open this season. If so, I will be hitting it very frequently. Send a PM if you want to join me. This is, however, non-yak fishing.
(-:
PK

Attached a couple pics. Oldies but goodies.

Great report, PK.  I wish I lived closer.   

Cool of you to share.

very nice!!  why couldn't you put in at the park upstream of the golf course and float to the ocean?

I wish I could get away this weekend!!  I would love to toss a fly there, and check out the winter deals at the local shop.

Jim

GOOD LUCK

Thanks Jim!
I believe there are like 4 golfcourses along the legal stretch of river.  But I think I know which one you're referring to, Quail Ridge.
Oh, I've seen people run the river in SIKs. And even a father-son duo in a canoe once. But my pics are a pretty good illustration of why I wouldn't do it right now: way too brushy. Even those crazy guys at california creekin don't reccomend running this river anymore, after a few tragic deaths.

I might put in at the estuary and see how far up I can paddle. Or just run the lowest stretch. Its flat there and the river is lazy.
PK