Angels Camp over last weekend

My wife had a business thing going on in Angels Camp this last weekend, so Drew and I took advantage of the free room and board and tagged along. 

Having never been there, I asked the NCKA folks for intel and was pointed to a good source at New Melones.  We checked things out and found the bite had been tough but there were some fish to be had.  Back at the resort, the local manager turned out to be a flyfisher, so he gave us some alternatives, one of which was running right under the bridge at the end of the town, Angel Creek.  We hit that Friday afternoon and managed some fiesty brown trout and one nice rainbow on the ultralights.  Should have brought the fly gear, but the ultralights were a fun way to coax the smallish fish from small water. 

The guy also gave us some intel on some lakes up highway 4 in the Sierra, so Saturday morning we headed up the road and Drew was so excited to fish, we hit the first lake we found, White Pines.  It was a descent spot, not big, but lots of willing fish.  We ended up with two rainbows, about a dozen stunted LMB's and some really aggressive bluegill.  All but a few came on small jerkbaits which was fun for Drew. 

All in all, we did well for a kind of last minute trip.  We also hit the new Bass Pro Shops down the road in Manteca.  That was cool, but I think I agree with Drew and my wife (Sandy), that the Cabela's in Reno was better overall.  I thought I somehow got a parking ticket on the way out, but it turned out to be a hello from a fellow NCKA brother, BrianG.  I guess he made the "pilgrimage" as well......

Norm

Excellent report - family times = the Best of Times.   

Sweeeet. Glad the intel worked out.Angel Creek arm is great.  Totally agree BPS was less than anticipated. No  better than OPS IMHO.

Scott

Nice pics and good info.  Thanks for sharing.

I hit BPS last weekend.  Took longer than expected because we made the mistake of trying to buy something from the fudge shop (3 people working there and it still takes forever to get anything even with a short line).  Otherwise enjoyed the stop.

Love the pic of the bluegill...amazing it hit something that seems impossible to get in its mouth. Gotta love their aggression! 

I am glad you guys got to enjoy the great weather!! What a great way to enjoy some family time!!!
Congrats on a great trip!!!!!!

badog

Xcellent!  that's a good job on finding the fish and getting them to bite. Drew is gonna be a serious YakFisher in the near future by the look on his face....infact, HE is one NOW! 
Thanks for the pics&port!...LOVEitWHENtheBUSHEStouchTHEwater!

Hey Norm,

Your son Drew may have a fishing buddy pretty soon. After taking my son
Brandon at BAMIV on his first kayak ride, he has been bugging me about
getting his own. It would have to wait till next summer though. This new
found hobby of ours is getting a little expensive.

Jed

INVEST in it!  you will have a Real_friend for life!

Great  report with awsome pics!!

Hey Norm,

Your son Drew may have a fishing buddy pretty soon. After taking my son
Brandon at BAMIV on his first kayak ride, he has been bugging me about
getting his own. It would have to wait till next summer though. This new
found hobby of ours is getting a little expensive.

Jed

I hear you Jed, but like da FishHunter said, it's worth it.  Hit me up when you want to get the boys out together, we have been expanding our range on father and son trips lately.  Drew tends to tire quickly from paddling, so when you do start, don't forget the tow rope!   

Thanks to the rest of you for the comments and kind words, I feel so lucky that Drew has started to really become passionate about fishing like I was at his age.  It's very cool......