RR/Lake Sonoma 1/7

Went down to Dry Creek and the River is still like mud but DC is running nice a and green. Tossed a Brad's for an hour for nada I did see 3 fish pushing up the creek. Decided to take the X-Factor up the lake for a paddle hoping the lake wasn't muddy. I was greeted at the Hatchery by their new sign.


Got to the lake at noon and it's still green and flat no wind. Trolled for 4 hours, saw only 1 fish I was trolling the points and as I approached one I saw a large Steelie chasing bait, perfect I thought I'm in a good line as I trolled past the point he hit the Shadrap and as I reached for the rod he jumped and threw the rap. The XF is super comfy,faster and tracks better than my F&D. It was so nice I was just enjoying being on the water.





Looking at the Dam with Mt. St. Helena with snow



Looking North



Creek



Geysers from the Bridge.

Great report, Man!  Thanks for sharing.  I love my X too.   

Nice report, thanks. The lake looked great, might hit it on Thurs with some new flys I tied. Any idea what the Steelhead count is at the hatchery??

Nope

Mickfish, are you suggesting maybe a trip this weekend to Lake Sonoma  Say maybe Saturday??

Say maybe Saturday??

I have to work Sat am then I am going to the Show. I will go up Sun or Monday unless I hit one of the Coastal streams.

Post when you think you are going. I know that other's think there yaks are going to dry up and fly away whith being out of the water for awhile 

Hey Mike, I'm on dial-up and don't get to see many pics cuz they take too long. The pics you just posted were great though. I actually got to see them! How did you get them small like that? They loaded up quick, and I appreciate that.
What coastal streams do fish? Gualala, Garcia?
It's raining hard as I write.

Juan on the picts I just went with the Gallery Defaults it was a suprise to me too.

Used to fish the Garcia but too many people fish it, it's really small and only stays in shape for a few days.
I'm going to give the Gualala a try I havn't fished it in a few years. Maybe launch at 1 and paddle up. I think you have to get out to fish unless the regs have changed.

nice pics and too bad on that mis.  You've been puttin in some time, up on "YOUR RIVER" Mike!  ...but I'll still be wondering how you do it every time you post a steelie pic! 
iwouldliketojustdrift&shotpics(maybe get lucky)   keep em' coming!

I stopped by the hatchery to check out the steelies. BEAUTIFUL  .  I was up pig hunting in cloverdale this weekend and saw three pairs in this little tiny creek up there.  They were probably 6-8 lb fish.  One pair was in such shallow water their backs were sticking out of the water.  I really need to have a camera with me.  I imagine they were probably ready to spawn.  They really couldn't have gone much farther up the creek.  Pretty awesome sight.
Dave

That's awesome Dave, something Mooch hass gotta see. How's your river fishing?

I have not been out yet.  I get too sidetracked picking mushrooms this time of year.  I did try to dive Saturday with JZumi and it was way too dirty.  We picked some mussels and a nice basket of black chantarelles instead.  I guess this rain will probably blow out the river for a while but I would like to go after things settle down again.