Delta Meadows Report

My brother and I fished the Delta Meadows section out of Walnut Grove on Saturday and had a blast.  Got out there a little late (9:15) but managed to be the only ones at the ramp.  It was the first time out on the yak this season for me and first time in a yak for him so the launch was pretty shaky, but we were able to keep dry for the most part.  The day started great in that we caught 2 bass in our first couple of casts.  We then spent the rest of the day pulling up weeds and finding creative ways to get our flies out of the trees.  All in all, not a very productive fishing outing, but still felt great to be on the water.  Now, some notes:

1) Fly fishing from a tandem requires a lot of trust in your fishing buddy, and when that fails cat like reflexes.

2) Had no clue that the tide currents could be that strong.  Many times I felt like I was swinging flies for steelhead.

3) Sun block is a good thing.  Forgetting to put on the sunblock is a lesson I will only have to learn once.

4) Either get there really early or plan on fishing later.  I think the two we caught were part of the morning shift, and we were to tired and sun burnt to make it to the evening bite.

-Ed

flyfishing from a tandem, that must have been interesting, thanks for the report, hope the sunburn heals quickly, cameron

Brave man, before I started guided in a kayak I guided from a canoe. My clients use my flies, I debarb the hooks on all my personal flies. I would have them straddle the bow seat and cast. That way they did not have to cast over me. While I did own a tandem I never took another person out in it. As I remember I took my daughter when she was in 4th grade out on Huntington Lake in a rented tandem. We weren't fishing, however she discovered really quick sitting in front she could douse me really well with the paddle.
That water was really cold!
seriously though, check those Delta tides before you go out.
My daughter also thought it was great fun ramming me when she was in a kayaK and I was in a float tube.

I forgot the sunscreen recently too. Never, ever, ever, will I do that again. Where do you launch in that area? I've been wanting to try the north delta area, but do not know where to put in. That area is a lot closer than heading down to Hwy 12, Disco Bay, or Stockton. A hook up with several of you I would travel, but alone I want to try closer.  I've put my ski boat in at Wimpys and Walnut Grove, but was hoping for something closer to the Meadows.

We launched from Delta Meadows River park in Walnut Grove.  Basically come south on River Rd. and make a left on Levee Rd. (just before you cross the connector channel).  You should see a sign for the park on your left.  Head up the dirt road about 1/2 a mile to the launch ramp.

Not sure if we made it all the way to delta meadows slough from here, but it seems to have plenty of fishable water.

Thanks for the response. Since my post I used my brain an did a search on the Meadows here. All kinds of info I should have found before. Now I just need some time to get down there. Maybe this coming week. Thanks again, Rob

Welcome aboard and thank you for the report Ed.