09/16 American River (Howe) - Chrome, Pink, and Chartreuse

The water is running so low that you can basically just take a walk over the bridges or walkway and know there is nothing in there.  I decided to not even worry about getting out there and trying.  However, I had started to focus on my lure picking efficiencies and picked up a snorkel and mask to capture the deeper water targets.  I waited till noon when the sun is at its highest and lightens up the river floor with minimal glare.  It was a bit breezy that caused a little bit of ripple, but it was easy enough to see the little sparklies.  Another variance is that I am now becoming very skilled at stand up kayaking.  I run a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140 and it is a fairly stable kayak so getting up turned out to be rather easy.  Once I became confident in the roll being minimized once the side rail buoyancy prevented any further tilt, it was pretty simple.  I could even paddle upstream fairly easily.  This should really elevate my Bass fishing as well.  By getting the elevation from standing, my radius visiblility moved to about fifteen feet on each side.  With the low waters and the bright sun, I was able to cruise through, spot something shiney, don my snorkel set, and roll over the side.  After having to play tug of war with a lure still attached to the line and wrapped around a rock, I started to take my knife down to cut any resistance.  Because there is almost no current, I could dive with no problem without the kayak drifting away.  It was actually pretty fun and a bit more effective than using my trolling pole and a treble lure to snag them from the bottom. 

I ended up with fourteen lures with all but two from this years Salmon season.  Bright and shiny.  Generally I have been averaging about five lures per session and two sessions a week using my pole method.

In regards to Salmon, I dove the full run and the hole below the pump house and it was empty.  I also dove and scanned almost all of the section below the Sac State walkway with just a few areas that were +15 feet that I could not see the bottom.  Nothing.  Definitely not much holding up down there.  Hopefully we'll be seeing some of the big schools turning the corner soon. 

A couple of the kwikfish I picked up were the types with the led lights in the tail.  They were still activating so I look forward to testing them out on an early morning or evening Sac River run. 

I want to touch up a few of the Silvertrons and spinners where the coloration/chrome has dulled.  Anyone know of what is a good chartreuse paint to use to touch them up.  It is basically painting the blades only.  I don't need anything too technical like powder coating.  A spray paint in a UV would be awesome.  Also, where to find, perhaps a hobby shop?

 

Nice score bro

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You might want to consider reflective tape. they sell it all the fishing/bait shops. I spoke to guy yesterday at sportsmans who adds reflective tape to all his lures. He was buying red yesterday.
WTG!
Dave

Nice way to get some free lures! Now you have me thinking about buying a mask and snorkel.

What's the make and model of your mask/snorkel?

Maybe we can get a group dive together and pick up littler as well lure hunting.

I need to buy a GoPro or a cheap underwater camera


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Hey Steve. Stay outa my honey holes! Hahaa


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Nice collection    Thanks for the info on the AR Steve.