Interesting tidbit! That changes my whole approach. Here on the south fork eel, like many areas, we got massive rainfall this last winter and saw really high river levels for sustained periods so there were massive changes in the riverbed. Some holes were filled in and some holes were hogged out. Holes that were 25ft deep are now 15ft deep. There were massive shifts in the river sediment. Pertaining to pikes, all of their preferred home got ripped out. I dont know what it is called but it is a fern like bush that serves as the pike rookery. On typical years there are groves of these underwater ferns that house tons of mostly small pike. With the heavy flows this year, I guess they all got ripped out and I am seeing very few pike in my stretch of the river which is usually loaded. Im seeing very few steelhead on dives now since the river has warmed up radically but pike should be loving it. Despite the heavy rainfall this watershed is at typical summer levels since it is such a porous watershed and cant hold much.

Well first off, these are now termed "Sacramento Pike Fish" if you wish not to offend the Native America Pomo community up here. Not trying to scold you just inform. Similarly, Squaw Rock along 101 is now called "Frog Woman Rock" and recently received a bronze plaque explaining the story.

Again, just informing you.

So same story I have heard. As the story goes, these Squawfish, or Pike Minnow, were introduced to the Eel system by some hillbillies fishin' live bait. Some say at Lake Pilsubury and some say they were brought over from Clear Lake.

   

https://kymkemp.com/2019/04/11/the-eel-river-forum-took-a-detailed-look-at-pikeminnow-at-their-march-meeting/

However, I would say they are in great abundance in the South Fork Eel. Eel River Recovery guys are doing a dive to make a count as we speak.


Anyway Pikes on the South Fork Eel are kind of a hot fishery in the dinker category. Id say 8" and under is red hot fishing on tiny Panther Marintins or Rooster Tails (with a single barbless of course). In pools above and below Standish Hickey you can find trophy fishing in that size range. Its actually a great time if you have young ones that can cast on super light 4 or 6lb line- non stop action!

The big ones, say 12 to 16" are super red hot but they are quite smart and difficult to catch. Id say they rival or even surpass a rainbow. They will cruise around in glassy, shallow flats in groups of 5 or 7 like a fleet of Star Destroyers but they are tough catch. Take a dive in the deep pool at Standish Hickey and you will see some big ones. They are really the hottest bite in the south fork Eel in the summer if you can catch them. The south fork is generally way too warm for trout or steelhead holdovers in the summer except for a few spots that have a cold confluence with a local creek.

Whats interesting is that if you hook a 6 incher and fight it, often a hog Pike will shoot out of the fern like plants and go for the 6 incher on the hook- but hooking the big guy is another story. Ive heard stories of locals using every trick in the book; lures, flys, and illegal stuff like salmon eggs, and live bait like worms, crayfish, and roach fish, etc to catch them but they still wont take it. Ive caught a few big ones on the smallest rattling Rappals here and there though. Ive even used f4lb fluorocarbon on the big ones with no luck- although Ive heard fluorocarbon is only for salt water??

Anyway, go ultra-light and you'll have a blast on the tiny ones.

Anyone have experience with these type? Do they work well?

https://www.amazon.com/Ahi-RSB-800-Sabiki-Catcher-3-Piece/dp/B003SL740W/ref=asc_df_B003SL740W/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312142476371&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13960085941505022216&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031944&hvtargid=pla-570336071958&th=1

Some years back i recall reading about a dfg or coast guard sting where they put out traps containing dye marked crabs. Back at the harbor they checked catches with a uv light and nsbbed some folks. Mighta been hmb or sc.

Glad to have other cupcakes in the water. Im probably going to be there around 7am.

This is last minute but Im trying to take a buddy fishing tomorrow in the Fort Ross/ Timber cove area. Im in El Cerrito and looking to borrow a near by tandem or single sit on top. Will return it that afternoon/evening. Offering $20 buck for your troubles. We are probably going to do a quick ab dive before we fish as well. Company welcome. Thanks Jeff

Cool, Im in a gray Cobra. The ranger said it was glassy and calm til 1ish today. See you guys there.