Lake Sonoma 1-15-08

Hit Lake Sonoma today for the LL Steelies. The lake looked great, just slightly stained from the storms. Launched at Yorty at 0900 and headed straight for the money spot. Hooked up on the fly rod pretty quick. The usual aerial show and then heads right into the trees and breaks off. Frustrated but just happy to have hooked up. About 15 min. later I’m trolling a Rapala it gets slammed. The Steelie is on about 20 seconds and throws the hook. Frustration level HIGH! The wind picks up so I head to Cherry Creek. I’m casting the fly rod and Wham! 5 min, two awesome jumps and a barn burner run and I’m thinking I might land my first LL Steelie on the fly rod. The fish has other ideas and takes off ripping line from the reel and GONE. Came unpinned as I still have the fly. Frustration level through the ROOF!

Back at the ramp at 1530. I have been trying to land a Lake Sonoma Steelie on the fly rod for two years, so close. Oh well, beautiful day and no work, can’t beat that.

Matt

Wow, way to give 'em hell Matt.  Sounds like you are dialed in.  A couple breaks here and there and you have 3 fish to show for.

Were you casting the fly the entire day or did you troll it too?

Keep up the good work!

Michael

I troll until I find a good looking spot then I stop and cast for awhile. Today, one on the troll and one casting. The last fish I would guesstimate at 20 + inches. That one hurt!!

Matt

Great report - thanks.  Those moments of good action leave a lasting feeling of wanting more!   

Great job capt. those steelies are one of the toughest fish to land. I thought smallies threw a lotta hooks but those steelies got them beat. I've been up there and had 7 or 8 solid hook ups with 0 landed.

Great job capt. those steelies are one of the toughest fish to land. I thought smallies threw a lotta hooks but those steelies got them beat. I've been up there and had 7 or 8 solid hook ups with 0 landed.

What would you attribute this too?  A soft mouth?  Smart fish?  Just curious.

Michael

Nice pics & report, capt matt!
man, those fish fight hard, aren't they!?  I hooked some 14 inchers there & they fought like nothing else...
The lake looks great.  Can't wait to go back there...

What would you attribute this too?  A soft mouth?  Smart fish?  Just curious.

No soft mouth they just go ballistic when hooked you think you got them beat they see the boat and they go ballistic again. They move around a lot violently, they have broken hooks and splits rings on lures meant for bigger fish. Maybe because they haven't been perverted with plantings, check out their fins.
 

Mickfish is right on when he says they go ballistic. I believe they really use the heavy weight of the FLY line as leverage to throw or pull the hook. I am going to start experimenting with shorter length shooting heads and shorter heavier leaders. So close I can taste it.


Matt

I am going to start experimenting with shorter length shooting heads and shorter heavier leaders. So close I can taste it.


Matt

I think you should use longer leaders instead. The more distance from the fly line the harder for the fish to use it as leverage. Also you may want to consider using a lighter fly line.

I started out chasing these fish with 9ft, 4 and 6 lb tippets but had a couple break off on the first jump. I have since gone to a 6ft, 6 lb tippet and have so far survived the aerial shows only to lose the fish in the trees or have the hook pull. The fish don't seem to be leader shy... I don't know I'm just hoping to crack the code. As for line, I have tried 6wt, 8wt, floating, sink tip, still water, you name it. I have had the most action using Steelhead shooting tapers. THANKS for the suggestion.

Matt

think you should use longer leaders instead. The more distance from the fly line the harder for the fish to use it as leverage

Might just give them a running start