San Juaquin Fresno

Got a call from a friend last night,
Says he has access to the San Joaquin river in down town Fresno and would like me to come along.
This is a rare treat since about 99% of this stretch of river is surrounded with private property.
We met at his house around 9:00am and headed for the river. Got on the water around 9:30and was told we would be paddling about one mile upstream to fish in a side pond. After the 3/4 hour paddle we entered the pond and what a pond it was, Easily 1/2 mile long and 1/4 mile wide and lots of fallen timber for fish to hide in.
Started with a jig for no luck than tried a worm for the same. After a couple hours with minimal luck my friend told me he was catching fish on shallow chrome rip baits. The only shallow lure i had that was chrome was a Luhr Jensen Speed Trap so i tied it on and what a difference it made. First cast produced a 2lb bass and the action was steady for the rest of the day.
It was nice to see Fresno from a different angle without the concrete and traffic. I wish the powers to be would make this beautiful resource more accessable to the rest of us who don't own a piece of property on the river.
Eric

Great report! Looks like promising fishing area..

That looks like a realnice spot. BTW Happy Birthday. It seems that you share the 18th with me.Great pics!

Thanks and Happy B-Day to you also,
however mine is actually on the 20th.
Eric

Nice looking fish...and happy birthday to both of you.

Bryan

Looks like a great time was had by all. Nice to get a new perspective in an area you live in.

Happy birthday to both of you as well!

Ray

Cool report.   

that looks like a very nice place to paddle.  i have not fished any fresh water in a long time, not that the san joaquin is all that "fresh".

a smallmouth!(edited) oops! my bad, it's a big bluegill thanks for the great read and pics!...havin that ONE lure, sure made a difference....now I'm a believer in color coordination.

If they ever do make that river more accessible let me know. I occasionally head down to Clovis to visit my in-laws and a few hours away from the in-laws to go fishing would be nice.

Bsteves,
Next time you're heading to Clovis give me a post and we can hookup for some local fishing. I live on the border of Clovis and Fresno and there is plenty of good water within an hour drive.
Eric

My in-laws also live on the border ( close to Bullard and Willow).  I'll be down for about a week during Xmas and then again sometime in the spring.  I probably won't have my kayak with me, but I'll be sure to keep some fishing gear stashed in Clovis in case we ever hook up.

Brian

Sounds great,
I have several extra yaks avail to lend
just say the word

Eric

P.S.
I also run the largest all fishing store in
the area and have plenty of extra tackle 

Thanks Eric,

If you ever find yourself in Portland I have a demo boat and gear I can lend you as well.

Brian

Eric
thanks for the inspiring report and a few flashbacks.  my first kayak experiences were in those waters. our favorite day trip was the broken bridge ,below friant, down to hwy 99. a solid half day was the bridge down to the rice road rec/dump area. this was before I had started bringing fishing gear so that doesnt count fishing time just acting like idiots time.  BUT!  my father ,being far wiser than I, would nab monster bucketmouth from that rice road stretch of water. Im trying to do some time down in
 "the No" in Dec. and would enjoy a bass hunt if schedules work.
I believe that there is a "new" rec area by the broken bridge that has a launch and parking. Used to get some bow stocking there but not if sure of that is still happening.

  i have not fished any fresh water in a long time, not that the san joaquin is all that "fresh".

If you ever need a good cry read "san joaquin  a river betrayed". gene rose