Sunday South Bay Lakes - Anderson/Chesbro/Uvas

So while I'd prefer to hit nearby lexington, it's looking like crap right now with all the drainage work by H20 authority.

Instead, I'm hitting up the South Bay chain this weekend before a brunch at my in-laws in Morgan Hill.  Can't remember if its Sat or Sun, but I'd like to hit both days.  Early on, early off (0530 to 1100)

Initial preference is Chesbro.  From what I hear, its way up, like 6 feet from the flood levels.  The shallows by the burned out quail cove inn have always been pretty good to me early season.  Lot of stickups and flooded brush.

http://events.mercurynews.com/morgan-hill-ca/venues/show/7720-chesbro-reservoir-county-park. 

Target:  cookie cutter bass, crappie, and oddball resident trout (yes, there are some in there, not many).

I could prolly do Anderson or Uvas, but Coyote is a bit out of the way for my weekend schedule.  Prefer to steer clear of Calero b/c of boat traffic.

What's your experience at Uvas?  I'd really like to go somewhere and try and catch some crappie.  Only done that once at Lexington, with very limited success.

What's your experience at Uvas?  I'd really like to go somewhere and try and catch some crappie.  Only done that once at Lexington, with very limited success.

To the left of the picnic launch and boat ramp, I used to knock em stiff along a submerged fence line on mini jigs and slipbobber.  Also the "swimming" beach to the right of the boat launch is a good spot for em.  Other spots: anywhere along the dam, but mostly near the road.  Uvas is cool b/c there will be plenty people night fishing.  And if you bring small minnows...fuggedaboutit.

At Chesbro, a hotspot for crappie include: the flats by Willow Pass, flats by Quail Cove Inn (when flooded), and of course, the dam.

It will be intersting to see how Uvas and Chesbro do this spring. Both lakes were drained to nothing. Chesbro was drained so low that the gauges did not register for more than a month. Bank fishermen were keeping many limits during the lean months. Not only of bass, but also crappie, catfish and carp. I am sure there are some fish left in the lakes. I hope they have a successful spawn this year.

It will be intersting to see how Uvas and Chesbro do this spring. Both lakes were drained to nothing. Chesbro was drained so low that the gauges did not register for more than a month. Bank fishermen were keeping many limits during the lean months. Not only of bass, but also crappie, catfish and carp. I am sure there are some fish left in the lakes. I hope they have a successful spawn this year.

Totally...  Those lakes were near bone dry...  Drove by a few times, wanted to shed a tear.  Chesbro was a decent place to bass fish for me about 4 years ago, especially by the dam or far end of the lake.  When I last passed by it, by the shack around mid lake? I saw a odd site that looked like a road, and a bridge, at the bottom of the lake.  Wish I had my camera, still wondering what the heck that was.

Uvas, I had seen down to a puddle in the later part of last year.  But when I was 14 I stood at the very bottom by the damn when it was completely dry one year.  I guess the fish eventually repopulate over time, but still was sad to see.

might meet you there - keep us posted on which one you decide to go.

When I last passed by it, by the shack around mid lake? I saw a odd site that looked like a road, and a bridge, at the bottom of the lake.  Wish I had my camera, still wondering what the heck that was.

Man-made reservoirs can be weird that way; they don't always clear everything out before they fill them. When Trinity lake was nearly drained during the drought in the late 70's, you could see old cars, roads & building foundations on parts of the exposed bottom...not that I'm old enough to remember that myself...

I'll be at the Willow Pass turnout at 0830 on Sunday.  hopefully Coyote Bait will be open on the way (doubt it.)  If so, I'm picking up some small minnows.  Otherwise, i'm tossing crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs.

Hope to see some NCKA'ers out there. 

Where is that now you will be fishing?  I can meet at coyote b&t easily, bout 15 mins from my place. 

Where is that now you will be fishing?  I can meet at coyote b&t easily, bout 15 mins from my place. 

Oh, meant to say I'm gonna be at Chesbro tomorrow morning.  It's a pretty small lake so I hope to run into you there.