San Pablo Opener - Friday 2/15/08 Combat Fishing!!!

Looks like I get to play this Friday and will officially start my fishing season with this trip!  Yea!  Looking forward to meeting many of you at the Launch ramp.

Important note for the regulars at San Pablo Reservoir.

There is a new 3 month pass for Entry and Kayak that is $40.  That means you break even if you launch at least 4 times with your kayak in the next 3 months and anything there after is a bonus.  You might want to pay for this before opening day if possible.  Pre seasons passes will be sold today from 10am to 6pm.

Call them at 510.223.1661

Luis

Sorry guys i'm going to have to bail on you for Fri. Big people stuff came up that needs attending to. Frank

Updated Recon of San Pablo...

On Monday 3,600 lbs of trout were planted and 300 lbs were whoppers or fish over 5 lbs.  On Thursday another 3,600 lbs of trout are going to be planted for opening day Friday and 300 to 500 lbs will be whoppers. 

The weather today was windy and the water was a little muddy.  Hope for the best on Friday.

Luis

Thanks for the updates, Adam & Luis!
yeah, the water doesn't look that good, but we have one more day to recover from today's wind...

Sorry guys i'm going to have to bail on you for Fri. Big people stuff came up that needs attending to. Frank

sorry to miss you there Frank, but good luck on Dino hunt Sat!

I still have a few questions...
I couldn't find out about their fishing rules & regulations... can someone let me know their special regulations (bait & rods limitations, etc...) or good tactic for yak-fishing there...
and is the boat ramp same direction as main rec area?
Please let me know!
Thanks!!!

I still have a few questions...
I couldn't find out about their fishing rules & regulations... can someone let me know their special regulations (bait & rods limitations, etc...) or good tactic for yak-fishing there...
and is the boat ramp same direction as main rec area?
Please let me know!
Thanks!!!

If you have a 2 rod stamp, you can fish with 2 rods. You need to purchase a dayfishing permit and boat launch on entry. SPR is a no contact reservior so I usually wear waders. I would bring the usual trout trolling, casting and bait soaking if desired. Night crawlers are popular trolled behind flashers but I don't use them. Bring a downrigger if you have one and some LMB stuff like stick baits. I suspect most of us will be trolling topwater for the first hour or 2 with plugs or spoons. If we haven't limited out by lunch, bring some powerbait to soak while we dine on man dogs and beer. If you don't have a lot of trout stuff, I can lend you some of my secret lures. The boat ramp is a few miles south of the main rec area.

scott

I still have a few questions...
I couldn't find out about their fishing rules & regulations... can someone let me know their special regulations (bait & rods limitations, etc...) or good tactic for yak-fishing there...
and is the boat ramp same direction as main rec area?
Please let me know!
Thanks!!!

You will be with good company on this day and some of the guys have this reservoir dialed-in.  They load the place up for opening day and most of the fish will be on top or schooled in an area.  A big tip from the guy behind the counter is to look for the Cormorant birds who will be feeding on the smaller trout released.  The lake is very high due to the rains and the fish should be close to the Main Rec. area.  Most of the people will be fishing as close to shore as possible without interferring with the shore casters.  Don't get to close or you will be a target for them.

Like Scott said you need a 2 rod stamp to fish two fishing poles.  This reservoir is a NO CONTACT fishery so don't get caught standing in the water unless you are wearing waders.  They will arrest you for standing in the water without waders.  No live bait is allowed on this reservoir and a majority of the fish being caught on opening day are planters. 

Good luck to all on opening day which usually is the best day for this reservoir.  Below is a picture of the Cormorant.

Luis

Thanks, Scott & Luis!
I have second rod stamp & I think I have some trout stuff...
hopefully, this wind dies down good.
see you guys tomorrow!!!

Here are the ONLY 2 lures I have EVER caught a trout on in any lake.
I tip the needlefish w/a small pc. of nightcrwlr. and some trout juice attractant on both lures.   
see u tomorrow and the wind is forcasted to lay down today. 

Here are the ONLY 2 lures I have EVER caught a trout on in any lake.
I tip the needlefish w/a small pc. of nightcrwlr. and some trout juice attractant on both lures.   
see u tomorrow and the wind is forcasted to lay down today. 

Thanks for your secret lure & the pics of fish w/ them, Adam!
what size needlefish you were using & any color preference?  I probably gonna go get them tonight...
can't wait for tomorrow...

i think it's about 2.5" and I got one that is easy for them too see..white or anything bright.
cUthen!

Here are the ONLY 2 lures I have EVER caught a trout on in any lake.
I tip the needlefish w/a small pc. of nightcrwlr. and some trout juice attractant on both lures.   
see u tomorrow and the wind is forcasted to lay down today. 

So there I am, an hour ago, in Bay Tackle in El Cerrito, picking up a few bits and pieces for tomorrow. I have all the stuff I need but I think "I might as well grab an extra FisHunter Rapala while I'm here". I pick one up, and happen to glance up at the customer pictures that line every aisle. I see, right above the row of these very rapalas, a familiar looking face in a yellow Prowler, Bass in hand, knife in mouth........

awww shucks, NB.  your making me blush

Wish I could hit it on opening day with you guys, but I have to stockpile the vacation days...   Good luck and post some results!   I'm curious to see how the inspection BS will delay the usually trouble-free launch.  The 8:00 thing is a major bummer as well.  I launched exclusively from the Orinda side last year.  The left side of the ramp is usually coned off, with access for car toppers only.  Always a launching spot available.