Estero Americano?

Anyone ever paddle up the Estero Americano? I have always been curious about the lower section as I have never seen it! Any info would be nice

Been there many times. Take the road just north of Valley Ford. Becomes Dillon Beach road. Cross the bridge. Look for a small access dirt road of a couple hundred yards. Follow to launch site under bridge. Unfortunately the estero is a non fish zone now but a nice paddle to the ocean if the NW isn't screaming. Good beach area at the end for lunch.

Why is it a non fish zone?  I have hunted in there many times for ducks.

No good reason but it became a "protected" area a few years back. Lotta stripers would come up the estero at times as well as some halibut. Asking the why question leads to Alice in Wonderland answers from the powers that be.

Time it with the tide and it makes it a cakewalk. Its a great paddle, goes past historic ranches. And at the end, there's a well protected site for camping.

Thanks guys! Great info and pics. Gotta love the NCKA! too bad about the non fishing area I really wanted to throw a fly around  in the lower area, gotta be some fish swimmin in those waters

It was part of the beloved MLPA  process, during which exceptions were made for hunting, so that's still allowed. 

Thanks guys! Great info and pics. Gotta love the NCKA! too bad about the non fishing area I really wanted to throw a fly around  in the lower area, gotta be some fish swimmin in those waters

Do it quietly on a weekday. Usually devoid of people. Never have seen a warden or ranger there. Fishing is permitted off the Estero beach and rocks so having gear on deck is ok. A few redtails can be found in the surf. Years ago commercial smelt fisherman would net hundreds of pounds of smelt at night. They had permission from the ranchers to drive in on the road leading to the last ranch. The smelt are probably still there so a camp trip with an a frame net might pay off.

dont get caught at the mid way point with a low tide as you will have to get out and pull your boat through the mud.