Salmon and SteelHead this season (NorCal)

I am looking to fish for Salmon and Steelhead this season via Yak and would like to meet a few others to join in. Anyone care to share some good spots, dates to put in?

What are your thoughts on fishing for these beauties in the sea near the mouths of the rivers (Russian River, or others north and south ?) Can anyone help with what the current regulations are for us recreational anglers in the sea / rivers and Steelhead-Salmon?

Thank again,

J

Dude!  You've gotta be kidding!  I like your energy, but you're pretty far off base.  Start with the DFG regulations because you're asking about issues that are strict and widely known.  You cannot go fishing in the ocean off California for salmon until at least April 1st of next year, and final judgment on that will be made in March.  River mouths tend to have restrictions for protection of spawners.  As for Steelhead, good luck catching one in the ocean.

Welcome to the Madness!

Black Ab is right. Check out the salmon restrictions on the Cali DFG website.
Ocean salmon are a no-no until at least next spring.

not to mention that it is also illegal to retain a steelhead while in the ocean..

OK thanks.... as you can tell I am new to this whole thing.......... just asking.

I understood that there are specific locations and dates that you can fish the Sac for Salmon... right? So all I am asking is where would be the best place and around what dates and if anyone wants to go.

In addition, I want to do a kayak float down the Russian River and catch my limit of legal Hatchery Steelhead. Some of you locals do this I know.......any chance you would throw me a bone and give me some tips........or post it?

I am up for something on the Sac anywhere it is legal and the best chance for some Salmon.
I know I can read the regs and I will but I wanted ask here to see if anyone has direct experience and willing to share it.

Thanks for any help,

J

Hi KokaNut:

      Sean White is the Local Guide I would contact at

http://www.gwkc.com/
                                                       Ernie

Its been many a year since i fished for steelehad in the ocean. the trick is that they will swim nearshore and hang where there is food. Find such an area and the an anchovy under a bobber works really good.

But i guess its not allowed anymore. but your post brings back some memories of days of hot fishing.

Buy this book it's super dated but short and no fluff. http://www.amazon.com/California-Steelhead-Jim-Freeman/dp/0877012687

Get your yak out on the river without gear now, so you will be ready for higher flows and figure how it handles and how you can drift through slots while fishing. You might have to adapt your rod holders.

Be able to tie eggbumper,uni,palamor knots fast. Put new line on your reels and check your drags

Get an anchor and mount quick release.

Read some of the old posts search Dec.-April Read and translate the Steelhead regs.

There will be some reports soon and maybe some hookups.

The first thing to learn about Steelhead fishing is you can't pick Dates you gotta go when the conditions are right. I will be posting conditions on the Russian.

Don't expect anyone to give up their spots as the rivers are hit pretty hard. I probably wouldn't tell you some of my spots I might take you there but not say so. If you are serious PM me and I can give you some spots just let me know what section of river you want to fish and how long you want to be out.

I will be fishing for steelhead near Sacramento as soon as the American river opens (Jan 1st).  You are welcome to join me, but I ask that you read all of the standard DFG regulations as well as the regs for the species and the area you plan to fish.

Thanks for all the suggestions and info thats really cool of you to share your knowledge...... off to study and get the yak ready........

well now if you are female and have a really sexy bod and dont mind fishing in a little tiny bikini i will be happy to give up my secret spots!!!

I will be fishing for steelhead near Sacramento as soon as the American river opens (Jan 1st).  You are welcome to join me, but I ask that you read all of the standard DFG regulations as well as the regs for the species and the area you plan to fish.

have you drifted the american before in a kayak?  i was considering doing this but couldn't figure out a shuttle partner in the area..

Sorry dudes....... im a dude also......also looking for such a fishing buddy as you described

[have you drifted the american before in a kayak?  i was considering doing this but couldn't figure out a shuttle partner in the area..

Yes and Send me a message when you are looking for a shuttle partner.