Lake Sonoma chrome 03-01-08

Got off work at 0700 and NEEDED to do some fishing. The tides did not look that great and just the thought of fighting the commute traffic to Marin made my choice of Lake Sonoma a no brainier. On the water at 0930 and the weapon of choice was a 4lb ultra light setup top lining a Needle Fish with a split shot for the LL Steelhead. I troll out of Yorty and the wind is howling in the main body of the lake. I head for Cherry creek for what I think will be my best chance at a fish and to get out of the wind. Just as I enter the arm I have a nice hit but it doesn’t stick. 15 minutes later fish on and after a nice battle and several cool jumps, 20 inches of chrome in the net. Not the 25 inch fish I was looking for But I will take it and my first ever AOTY points. Trolled back to the launch without another hit. The lake is real close to ideal conditions for the Steelies, another week or two without rain should make for nice water clarity.

Matt

Nice fish and report.

Leap Year much?

OOOPS, I'm so tired I don't even know what day it is or even what month it is.

Matt

  gotta love it... my first thought... 3-1? this belongs in hookups, not fishing reports!  LOL, man am i glad to see that sonoma is turning around finally.. right in my backyard.  sounds like you got it right on the surface? 

The fish was hooked 3 or 4 feet under the surface in about 60 ft of water. The question has been raised if the fish should count towards AOTY since it is a WILD Steelhead Trout. ALL the Trout in Lake Sonoma are wild and allowed to be kept. A ruling would be appreciated. THANKS,

Matt

Nice going matt.  What was the pattern of the needlefish you were using.  I would love to get out there and try it.
Dave

i may just need to give it a shot on monday

I'm not sure what the name of the pattern is........I think its called "clown ????" Its the white one with the multi colored poka dots. I Have always had good luck with that one at lake Sonoma.

The question has been raised if the fish should count towards AOTY since it is a WILD Steelhead Trout. ALL the Trout in Lake Sonoma are wild and allowed to be kept. A ruling would be appreciated. THANKS,

If it's legal you are good Matt, it's not really a steelhead since it didn't go to sea. Counts a lot more in my book than those tailless  pen raised, chow fed monsters in a lot of the other lakes, nice fish

[/quote] Counts a lot more in my book than those tailless  pen raised, chow fed monsters in a lot of the other lakes, nice fish
[/quote]

I agree.  I hardly ever target the planted trout in the lakes.  I usually catch one by accident while bass fishing.  Even though the planted 'bows have plenty of fight in them, I would rather catch a wild fish that has had to survive on its own from the beginning.  The planted trout are ugly anyway.

Congrats and great report, Matt.  Those points definitely count!

WTG!   

As long as it is a legal fish to catch then you are good.

NIce one Matt  !!

Way to go Matt !!!!!!   I'll be in Redding next week for school.  I'll buzz you when I get back and we can head out for a Dino hunt!!!

anther nice Lake Sonoma fish! WTG, capt matt!
so how's water there?  cleared up a lil?
I'm thinking smallmouth too...