In Search of Brown Trout

Any suggestions on where to fish in the general Sacramento/Bay Area/Foothills areas if I want to find some Brown Trout? I would normally consider Ice House/UVR but the roads are iced and lots of snow. Same with most of the other Sierra lakes. Any suggestions?

-Quinn

Pagin Clayman!

Quinn,

I'll be in South shore from the 30th till the 2nd. I plan to fish Tahoe for browns and possibly Fallen Leaf for macks. Don't know my exact schedule yet, WX permitting of course and I need to talk to Jude  . You're more than welcome to join me if you want to make the trip.

Mike

I would normally consider Ice House/UVR but the roads are iced and lots of snow. Same with most of the other Sierra lakes.?

Most trophy brown trout fisherman prefer these conditions.  This is prime time for them and with conditions like those you mentioned, it keeps your fair weather fishermen home.

I called some buddies I worked with at SMUD who told me they plowed the Ice House parking lot.  They usually plow the boat ramp too, but couldn't recall if it was or not.  If the ramp isn't plowed immediately after the snow event, it would be by the next weekend.  (They like to fish too!) 
UVR is a bit tougher to get into, it's got steep roads and switchbacks that sometimes don't thaw and ice up for weeks at a time.  I'd have to chain up all 4 just to get in and out due to the ice. 
A couple weeks ago, some guy and his kids nearly slid off the road going that way; into Junction Reservoir (the outlet of UVR)  It was on the news with a CHP helicopter and everything to assist them. 

If you head up to Ice House, give me a shout.  (If you want company that is.)  I'll bring the camper too.  It's good to change clothing in, heating up the coffee, soup, and just warming back up! 

Let me know if you guys hit Ice House, would like to join if schedule allows.

Many Sierra foothill reservoirs have big browns (for example - Melones, Tulloch, Pardee (currently closed)).  Patience and lots of trolling to get'em.

This is probably the best time of the year for catching a lot of nice browns in my neck of the woods, particularly in Lake Almanor.  Vertical jigging is the ticket.  If you're interested in a run to Almanor, let me know and I can PM you details to put you on fish.

To put things into perspective, the last time I went out, I landed 24 browns with the biggest topping 25 inches  .  They get real easy this time of year as long as you know where to fish and what to throw at em!

Its all about Almanor & Tahoe..... Im around just holla

This is probably the best time of the year for catching a lot of nice browns in my neck of the woods, particularly in Lake Almanor.  Vertical jigging is the ticket.  If you're interested in a run to Almanor, let me know and I can PM you details to put you on fish.

To put things into perspective, the last time I went out, I landed 24 browns with the biggest topping 25 inches  .  They get real easy this time of year as long as you know where to fish and what to throw at em!

PM sent!!!

I'll throw a little more wood on the fire for an Almanor run.  This is from ten days ago.  They'll be easy pickings at least into mid-January.  Three hours from Sac!

Would love to catch a brown like that!  Dunno about the weather tho.  Your garb looks like it may be a tad cold.  I know, I'm a whimp
   

Would love to catch a brown like that!  Dunno about the weather tho.  Your garb looks like it may be a tad cold.  I know, I'm a whimp
   

It's a tricky time of year for sure.  If you're not prepared for the cold, it can turn miserable very quickly.  I invest in layers, Gore-Tex, hand-warmers in each boot, and good gloves.  Keeping the feet and hands warm and dry are absolutely paramount.  But if you really want a big brown, this is the time!  They don't get any easier than they are in winter.

Quinn,

I'll be in South shore from the 30th till the 2nd. I plan to fish Tahoe for browns and possibly Fallen Leaf for macks. Don't know my exact schedule yet, WX permitting of course and I need to talk to Jude  . You're more than welcome to join me if you want to make the trip.

Mike

Hey Mike, dude...you rock. That is an awesome invite and it means a ton! Right now, those dates may not work, but I will ping you if they do. Thanks so much brother!

-Quinn

I called some buddies I worked with at SMUD who told me they plowed the Ice House parking lot.  They usually plow the boat ramp too, but couldn't recall if it was or not.  If the ramp isn't plowed immediately after the snow event, it would be by the next weekend.  (They like to fish too!) 
UVR is a bit tougher to get into, it's got steep roads and switchbacks that sometimes don't thaw and ice up for weeks at a time.  I'd have to chain up all 4 just to get in and out due to the ice. 
A couple weeks ago, some guy and his kids nearly slid off the road going that way; into Junction Reservoir (the outlet of UVR)  It was on the news with a CHP helicopter and everything to assist them. 

If you head up to Ice House, give me a shout.  (If you want company that is.)  I'll bring the camper too.  It's good to change clothing in, heating up the coffee, soup, and just warming back up!

Jerry, wow. Way cool man! Thank you!!! I am blown away by the amount of help people offer here. I will post if we are courageous enough. I am worried about the roads. i have a 4 Runner and I have chains, but I am cautious as I have a my 12 year old in tow... Thanks so much for the intel and offer!

-Quinn

This is probably the best time of the year for catching a lot of nice browns in my neck of the woods, particularly in Lake Almanor.  Vertical jigging is the ticket.  If you're interested in a run to Almanor, let me know and I can PM you details to put you on fish.

To put things into perspective, the last time I went out, I landed 24 browns with the biggest topping 25 inches  .  They get real easy this time of year as long as you know where to fish and what to throw at em!

Thanks Clayman. We may actually do just that. My son really wants a brown for his Jr. AOTY points, and we got not alot of options in the Sacramento area. Thank you man!
-Quinn