2016 Sierra Adventure: Lee Vining Creek, Upper Owens River and Hot Creek

This is going to be a short post because I didn't catch very much. In fact, the only picture I have is one of a trout flopping back to freedom. The fish got away while my sister was taking the photo. Lee Vining is the first river you encounter once you exit the East entrance of Yosemite national park. After taking Poole Power Plant Road you happen upon Manzanita campground. There are two situations:...

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2016 Sierra Adventure: May Lake

May Lake, located in Yosemite High Country, offers large, plentiful brook trout in addition to stunning vistas and easy access. It is a must-fish, particularly for novice anglers looking to score some easy trout. May Lake is small, not usually mentioned in most fishing books or guides of Yosemite National Park. However, it offers consistently excellent fishing at all times of day, which makes it...

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2016 Sierra Adventure: Tuolumne River

July 22, 2016 - July 23, 2016 Tuolumne River is difficult to pronounce, but a great place to catch wild trout in the 6 to 10-inch class. Located within the highly trafficked Yosemite National Park, parts of this river are very heavily fished, yet still provide abundant numbers of trout to the crafty angler.  The river is about 40 miles from Yosemite's West entrance (one hour), and situated...

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Bass Fishing at Foothills Park

For the duration of this blog I've kept my bass fishing techniques a secret. Boronda Lake, a small pond within Foothills park, is only accessible to Palo Alto residents. Granted, the gate is usually only staffed on weekends so you could probably drive right in during the weekdays if you are willing to take the risk. Boronda Lake has mediocre bass and sunfish fishing, but both species are mere...

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Carp Fishing in Drainage Canals

I have long lamented the lack of quality fishing close to my house, but in the past few weeks I have come to realize a plethora of large carp that reside in a drainage canal behind my house. The canal is named Matadero "Creek", and is essentially an avenue for excess storm water in Palo Alto. Because the the creek feeds into San Francisco Bay, it is subject to the ebb and flow of the ocean tides. The...

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Lingcod Fishing in Half Moon Bay

Giant lingcod, threatening whales and an old friend are subjects of this post. Blood and heartbreak are prevalent themes. Still interested? Then read on. As the 21-foot Boston Whaler crested sharply down the backside of the wave, I tried to quell a rising sense of vulnerability. Unfortunately, the size of the vessel was the least of my worries. The GPS computer on the boat would turn on and off,...

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Yellowstone Fishing

The Old Faithful Geyser  As I trudge through the calf deep mud and bison excrement, I hold my fly rod high above the muck with one hand. With the other I thumb the orange safety clip of my bear spray, listening for a rustle or a growl to warn me of an imminent attack. As I approach the river, a cloud of steam obscures the surface. Then, a sudden gust of wind lifts the steam and I see a dozen...

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