7/20-21 Donnells or Salt Springs

Well I am going to have another weekend to fish hard. I want to try and go some where epic that has good odds of Large WILD fish.

Im contemplating trying either Donnels, gate should be open that weekend as its opener of stream trout, if not I know the back road through Hells half acre ( around back side of beardsly is already open,

That or Salt springs Reservoir on the North Fork of the Molekumne.

Having fished both before, I know they both hold good numbers of Wild fish, and some very large fish as I have heard of 10+ browns comming out of both lakes and have caught 3-4 lb rainbows in both. Both are a descent drive to get to, and I'd entertain camping at either Saturday to increase fishing time, They both have free camping though the accomadations are minumal.

I should also add both have EPIC VIEWS, 1500 ft cliffs that drop down in to the lake, donnells has a 700 ft water fall, and Huge granite domes. Im kind of leaning toward Salt springs as it is a hair easier, but both will be a job to get a kayak into.

Any one interested in Joining me, I have done both 2x before solo, though is always more fun with others.

Why, oh why, are the stars always aligned against me?  This is the first time in a long time that I get to fish 2 weekends in a month and I pick the weekend before and after.  Hope to hear your report Garet.

As for the stream opener, pretty sure that is the following Saturday, April 27th.

I might be down not sure about camping but at least a day trip. How hairy is the road into donell? Gotta work on the wife ill let ya know

its a good road, by dirt road standards. Its is just slow as alot of it is is blasted and could use alot of gravel to fill in between the constant bumps, you drive like 10-20 mph and it takes like 40 minutes to go 8 miles.

At donnels you do have to drag your kayak 1/4 mile on wheels from the gate to the damn, and we will have to lower our Yaks via rope, 20 feet from the damn to the shore, ( there is a ladder for us to climb down)  as the lake is down, No from the damn launch as I have been able to do in the past.

Salt springs is a little farther drive to get there but will not involve the 1/4 mile hike or the ropes, to lower the kayaks, though I believe the carry down to the water is steeper at salt springs.

As far as the camping, I'm just thinking for all the effort to get there and get the kayak in the water, we will get extra time on the water if we get there Saturday, launch,  fish the evening and then fish the following day.

hmm I thought streams opened the 3rd saturday in april, I am probably wrong though and it is the last, it will add 30 minutes to the drive to donnells.

Dilbeck this weekend I am going up to Beardsley Sunday morning if you want to head up there, should be a 20 + trout day, though I would not expect anything bigger than 16 ish.  I'll be taking the GF so I don't want to do a trip this involved with her, it would double my work, lol

I'm out that trip would require more advanced planning for me. As soon as the pass opens I think a Bridgeport trip is in order.

I'd definatly be down for bridgeport, Mike, if its a day I have off, I work,