Stanislaus River

Did a short trip to the Stanislaus. Launched at The park, paddled upstream and fished as we floated downstream. We were throwing spinners and worms at downed trees and grass to the sides with no luck. Notices some fish hitting topwater so I put on a rapala and 1st cast got a hit. Threw by the bank to a downed tree and as it went over the tree got a sweet hit and it took off like a smallie, I was shocked when i got it to my yak and it was a squaw fish. Does anyone know what this actaully is? I have always called them Squaw Fish but it looks like some kind of carp. Had a great time only went out for an hour and it was by friends 1st time kayak fishing. River was low unlike the Tuolumne which is still to high to float down. Great to get out!!!!!!

Badog

Looks like a great time out OTW with your buddy!!

Don't know what the name of the fish is, but it sounds like it was fun to catch!!

Thanks for sharing the cool report and pics!
 
Sincerely,

Jim

Hey Dave, looks like fun. Just curious did you see a lot of carp and suckers while on the river? I was thinking of taking my bow out there next week.

We will have to hook up on the Tuoulumne this year.

Jeff

Jeff, saw lots of small ones. Didnt see any bass or smallies. Soon as the Tuolumne is ready,  I will be all over it!!!!!

Badog

Looks like a nice river.  Thanks for the report and pictures Dave.

Nice report - sounds like a great time.

I'm not 100% positive, but after some digging around on the UC Davis Fisheries Biology page I'm fairly certain your correct in calling that a Squawfish.  Sacramento Squawfish to be exact. 

When I first saw it I thought it could be a Mountain Whitefish, but according to the UCD page - http://ice.ucdavis.edu/aquadiv/fishcovs/fishmaps.html, their range is limited to the east slope drainages.

Their range is limited to east slope drainage. What does that mean? I catch them all over the Rio Vista area when I fish for striper's in the fall. But only when casting to the Tulley's. And that little mouth will inhale a 1oz. rattle trap with no problem. And its not fun getting it back.

Great pics and report - looks like a blast.   

Thanks for the info Fishabuoy. Reelfish I did have a heck of a time getting that hook out, it started rolling between my legs and the hook snagged my pants and almost got planted in my leg. Tough fish to lip , since lip was so smooth and hard!!

Badog

Their range is limited to east slope drainage.

Reel -
I was saying that the Mt. Whitefish is supposedly only found in East slope drainages (this according to the maps on the UCD website).  Squawfish are found all over the westslope out to the Delta according to maps on the same site.

Got ya.

WOW!! .  That looks picture perfect ! the water looks like its running at the perfect pace. and i might add you look like your enjoying yourself ! and you got a bonus, golden bass !   tight lines. great report. thanks. 

We have no Squawfish in California anymore.   .    .   .   .  they changed the name to Pike Minnow. 

hey, DAve-  great report.    We will have to get out again this year.

Lawrence