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Two Fine Days on Mosquito Lagoon

January 6, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

Two Fine Days on Mosquito Lagoon

It’s wintertime, which means even in central Florida, you have to pick your fishing days around the weather. I had two fine days on Mosquito Lagoon this week, both beautiful days. I went to different places. Although the water was remarkably clear in both places, the results (from a fish-catching perspective) were markedly different.

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

One thing I noticed in both places was that wherever there was hard substrate (rocks and/or oyster shells) there were sponges growing. I don’t know what species they are, or if they are native or exotic. How many sponge experts are there??? When’s the last time you saw a field guide to sponges of the southeastern United States?

I do know sponges filter enormous quantities of water, and provide hiding places for small fish, shrimp, and crabs. So I was glad to see them, and am hoping they are not a sign of a coming apocalypse.

Best fish of the day!

Wednesday I fished around spoil islands. Nothing, nothing, nothing, then a load of fish on a small spot maybe 50 yards long. Seatrout and red drum, lots of little guys, but a couple decent ones, and no puffers were caught. I used one of those synthetic Clouser Minnows I tied last week- one fly all day. No collateral puffer damage, mission accomplished. Saw a few fish along the shoreline of the return trip, had one good shot using a bendback, got an eat, pooched it.

Same fish, different perspective!

Friday I went to River Breeze. Water looked great clarity-wise. Not much grass, lots of Rhodophyta. A saw maybe a dozen fish, some quick math, it came out to about one fish seen per paddled mile. Not gonna catch much with that density. Had one bite all day from a trout, watched it take the RipTide shad, and I missed it to complete the skunking. I went to several of my favorite winter spots up there, too. While I very much enjoyed the day and the paddling, I won’t be visiting again for a while…

And that, folks, is a Two Fine Days on Mosquito Lagoon Report. Thanks for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go on a walk! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report, Paddle Fishing Florida · Tagged: , , , , ,

A Fine Day Fishing, And Happy New Year!

December 31, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

A Fine Day Fishing, And Happy New Year!

The weather broke enough for me to have a fine day fishing, so that’s a good thing. Hope everyone’s Christmas was cheery, and best wishes to everyone for a happy new year!

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

According to the weather forecast (which are, of course, very unreliable and untrustworthy), Wednesday was supposed to be the best day of the past week. The forecast wasn’t spot on (there was more sunshine than expected), but it was darn close.

It was a gorgeous day, light winds, comfortably warm when the sun was shining, great for paddling. The water in the Mosquito Lagoon was quite clear. The odd thing was, all the fish I caught were gotten blind-casting with a fly rod. I could not catch any of the fish I saw. Most of them were either 10 feet away or already run over when I saw them, but I did have two decent shots at reds. Both fish spooked off the fly. In spite of that minor frustration it was a wonderful day, and I stayed out until sunset. I did not make a single photo, though.

Clousers with synthetics.

There’s plague of puffers out there. I just tied up a half-dozen Clouser style minnows with synthetic wings. Bucktail cannot hold up to the constant trimming by the puffers. Hope these new ones are more durable! I caught three puffers Wednesday, and by the third was considering starting to kill them. Didn’t happen. No fish were harmed, was fishing barbless…

All you want out there right now…

Almost finished putting a floor into the van, intend to finish today. Here’s what it looks like so far-

The almost-finished floor in the van.

Read this from the Miami Herald.

That’s a Fine Day Fishing Report. Thanks for reading! And again, best wishes for a great new year.

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go on a walk! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2023. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Flies and Fly Tying, Sienna Van conversion · Tagged: , , , , ,

Boreas Still Here, No Fishing. And Merry Christmas!

December 23, 2023 by · 2 Comments

Boreas Still Here, No Fishing. And Merry Christmas!

Last week I wrote about Boreas, god of winds. Boreas still here, and again, no fishing. The Econ gauge as I write this is just under 12 feet, the Haulover Canal gauge at 1.5 feet, so fishing would likely be a waste even if I were to brave the gale. I might be getting cabin fever…

Best wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy holiday season! Merry Christmas!

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

Great Blue Heron, Orlando Wetlands Park.

It was quite the week, though. A visit to the dermatologist to have pre-cancerous lesions frozen off my face. I remember all the fun in the sun I had for thirty years every time that happens. The winter solstice was Thursday. I love the pagan holidays! I disassembled the old camper build in my van and took halting steps towards building the new one. Rodney Smith and I took a walk at the Orlando Wetlands Park. Susan and I bought a new window install for our abode- cha-CHING! And, we had a guest blog by Julia Mitchell, enormously different than anything I might write.

Black vulture, Orlando Wetlands Park.

 

Purple aster, Orlando Wetlands Park.

 

American shad, St. Johns River.

Those of you who need fishing-related activity can take solace in the fact that the first shad to be caught in the St. Johns River will likely be caught between now and New Years Day. Dust off the shad tackle and get your flies and lures ready! Along with the shad, crappie, bluegills, a few largemouths, and if we’re lucky, those striper hybrids that Florida calls sunshine bass will be caught too!

Black crappie.

 

Largemouth bass, a very aggressive little one.

 

“Sunshine” bass, St. Johns River.

That’s the Boreas Still Here Report. Thanks for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go on a walk! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2023. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: central florida destinations, Uncategorized · Tagged: , , , ,

Midlife Reimagined: Embracing Change for Personal Renewal and Growth

December 22, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

Midlife Reimagined: Embracing Change for Personal Renewal and Growth

Guest Blog by Julia Mitchell,  photos by John Kumiski.

 

Navigating the midlife phase can be a transformative experience rather than a crisis. This stage of life, often marked by introspection and change, offers a unique opportunity to realign with one’s true aspirations and desires. The following strategies provide guidance for embracing this phase as a period of positive growth and self-discovery.

Embrace Wellness as a Foundation

Well-being should be the cornerstone of any life transition. A balanced approach
to physical health, including regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and sufficient rest,
lays the groundwork for mental and emotional stability. This holistic approach
fosters resilience, enabling you to face the challenges of midlife with vigor and a
positive outlook.

Chart a New Professional Path

If your current career no longer sparks joy or fulfillment, it might be time to explore new horizons. Crafting a polished resume in PDF format can be a significant first step in this journey. A tool to convert a PDF can facilitate the process, ensuring your credentials are presented in a professional and accessible manner. This small act can set the stage for a rewarding new career chapter.

Cultivate Self-Understanding

Midlife often prompts deep reflection on personal happiness and fulfillment. Whether through personal introspection or professional therapy, understanding the root causes of your discontent is crucial. This self-awareness is a powerful tool, guiding you toward more fulfilling life choices and relationships.

Expand Horizons with Online Learning

In today’s digital age, educational opportunities are more accessible than ever. Online courses and degree programs offer a flexible and practical way to acquire new skills or qualifications. Exploring these available options can be a
springboard to a new career or a deeper understanding of a beloved hobby or interest, reigniting your passion for learning and growth.

Revitalize Your Style

Refreshing your wardrobe can be a powerful way to boost self-esteem and mark
a new phase in life. A style update can reflect your evolving identity and renew your confidence, helping you to feel more aligned with your current aspirations and lifestyle. This outward transformation often mirrors the internal changes happening within, symbolizing a renewed commitment to yourself and your journey.

Seek New Adventures

Stepping outside of your comfort zone and embracing new experiences can be a revitalizing aspect of midlife. Whether it’s traveling to a new destination, trying a new hobby, or meeting new people, these adventures can bring a fresh perspective and invigorate your daily life. Embracing the unknown with an open heart and mind can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper appreciation for life’s diverse experiences.

Embrace the Power of Laughter and Positivity

Surrounding yourself with humor and positive relationships is vital for emotional well-being. Laughter and joy are not just fleeting moments of happiness; they’re powerful tools for resilience and mental health. Cultivate a social circle that brings laughter and positivity into your life. Engaging in activities that spark joy and amusement can significantly uplift your spirits and offer a refreshing escape from daily stressors.

Gain Perspective Through Reading

Books about midlife transitions can offer valuable insights and perspectives. Reading about the experiences of others can provide comfort, inspiration, and practical advice, helping you to navigate your own journey with a sense of companionship and understanding. This literary exploration serves as a reminder that you are not alone in your journey, offering diverse viewpoints and strategies to manage this transformative period.

In this journey of midlife transformation, embracing change is key to unlocking a richer, more fulfilling chapter in life. This period, often characterized by introspection, offers a precious opportunity for personal growth and self-realization. It’s a time to reassess priorities, explore new passions and jobs, and
build a lifestyle that resonates deeply with your evolving sense of self. By actively engaging in this process of renewal, you can redefine what fulfillment and success mean to you. Ultimately, midlife isn’t a crisis to be feared, but a valuable milestone in life’s journey, rich with opportunities for renewal, discovery, and joy.

 

Julia Mitchell, incredibly passionate about the activities that fill her days, wants to share her adoration for her favorite lifestyle topics with the world and encourage others to turn their INspiration into OUTspiration.

Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Uncategorized · Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Boreas Makes an Appearance

December 16, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

Boreas Makes an Appearance

In ancient Greece, Boreas was the god of winter winds. Yeah! He showed up this week! Wind speeds ranged from 15 to 30 miles an hour, steadily, all week. No, I did not fish. The bad news is, it looks the same for next week, too. Merry Christmas!

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

Tuesday I had a doctor’s appointment. When I got there, I got a, “We’re very sorry, Mr. Kumiski, but the doctor isn’t here today. They were supposed to call you…” No one called me. If I hadn’t shown up, I would have gotten an invoice. Since the doc didn’t show up, I sent them one.

When they don’t pay (and they won’t), I will write it off on my taxes as an uncollectable debt. This is the same doctor that, when I was sick and called repeatedly, took four months to return the call. Then I got billed $150 for a ten-minute telephone conversation. Power to the patients!

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Susan and I have been pretty happy with the camper setup in my Toyota Sienna, but we found a better design, which you can see below-

I spent part of a couple days this week disassembling the old camper build, in preparation of assembling a new one. The new bed will be a few inches narrower than the old one, but we think overall this build will make better use of the space we have in there.

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I tied a few flies, and did some writing, some of which was about tying flies!

https://riversandfeathers.com/author/john-kumiski/

https://blog.globaloutdoors.com/?author=604144e9071ab616be8ac66a

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I took a walk on the Florida Trail, but did not take any pictures. But I did wrap and ship presents and even a (very) few Christmas cards! Pretty laid-back week, all-in-all.

That’s the Boreas Makes an Appearance Report. Thanks for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go on a trip! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, ©John Kumiski 2023. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Sienna Van conversion, Uncategorized · Tagged: , , ,

Back from Safari

December 9, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

Back from Safari- A Photo Essay

I’m back from my safari to the most accessible wilderness in the eastern United States. On November 26 the chariot, filled with camping gear, supplies, fishing tackle, and topped with a kayak, took me to Flamingo, in Everglades National Park. I can’t give all the details of the next ten days, but if it wasn’t for biting insects it was well nigh perfect.

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

Rather than try to write a narrative, I’ll caption the photos.

On the way to Flamingo.

 

Also on the way to Flamingo.

 

My favorite greeting in Flamingo was from an American crocodile.

 

Nice tree near the visitors center.

 

The white ibis was less threatening looking than the croc!

 

I got nothing in a day’s fishing on the outside, so headed into the back country.

 

My first fish of consequence. It crushed a gurgler.

 

There were other fish back there, too.

 

 

 

This one took a bendback.

 

Ready to go at Nine Mile Pond. I also paddled the Noble Hammock trail. Never had been on either.

 

Moved to Long Pine Key. Many fewer biting bugs.

 

There was once a missile base inside the park.

 

Near the missile base was a great place to watch the sun set.

 

Moved to Monument Lake campground, in the Big Cypress.

 

Went for a 24-mile ride (in the van) on this loop road.

 

More dwarf cypress!

 

Spiders!

 

Great egrets!

 

Alligators!

 

Butterflies!

 

Tree snails!

 

Epiphytic ferns!

 

But, don’t run out of gas back there.

 

Treated myself at Joanie’s. Also stopped at Clyde Butcher’s Gallery– HIGHLY recommended!

 

My next move was to load up the kayak with gear and supplies at the Gulf Coast Ranger Station in Everglades City, and head out to the Gulf Islands.

 

The fish of the trip took a Clouser Minnow.

 

I met Mike Conneen and Matt Giles on Picnic Key.

 

Matt slings some fly line.

 

He got excited about this trout.

 

We’re all together on the Gulf.

 

Matt, hooked up to a bull shark.

 

White pelicans soaring.

 

I stopped for some photos.

 

 

 

I found this mollusk in my kayak!

 

Dawn on Picnic Key.

 

What my van looked like when I got home.

 

That’s the Back from Safari Report. Thanks for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go on a trip! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2023. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Paddle Fishing Florida, Photo Essays, travel blog · Tagged: , , , , ,

One Day Fishing Report

November 24, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

One Day Fishing Report

Thanks for reading my One Day Fishing Report. There was that Thanksgiving thing you may have heard about, and with the exception of Monday, the weather was shaky the rest of the week.

Ordinarily at this point you’d read, “Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.” I don’t that link works right now. Feel free to try. If it doesn’t work, there will be no recourse until I straighten out the website.

The website! I believe I saved all the content on the old one that I wanted to. I believe spottedtail.com moved to the new host. The domain isn’t pointed that way yet. If I have time on Saturday, I hope to work on it. If not, it will be at least a couple weeks.

Either way, most likely there will not be a post next week.

OK, Fishing!

Wednesday Scott Radloff and I took the Bang-o-Craft out from Haulover Canal. Wanted Beacon 42, but the bridge was closed. We headed east, then north. The water was fairly murky. No sight fishing happened, but it was cloudy.

Scott, tossing a small jig, hit a solid fish on his first cast. Unfortunately, it came unglued. I got a juvie redfish, then an eight-inch snapper, then had a suicidal seatrout, a fairly large one, attack my tail-amputated-by-a-puffer plastic shad right next to the boat. Usually, panic ensues and the strike is missed. Somehow I caught and released this beast. It was probably pushing four pounds, quite a nice one.

We went to change spots, and the motor decided it didn’t want to work anymore. With minor difficulty, we returned to the boat ramp and loaded the boat, just after noon. We’d gotten three hours in.

I shoot photos of clever signs and bumper stickers I see. Below, please enjoy a few of them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That’s the One Day Fishing Report. My next report, two weeks hence, should have some solid fishing and photo action. Thanks for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go on a trip! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2023. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report, Uncategorized · Tagged: , ,

No Fishing Report, Fishing Photo Essay

November 16, 2023 by · 2 Comments

No Fishing Report, Fishing Photo Essay

Thanks for reading my No Fishing Report. There was no fishing this week. The weather all week was terrible, and I’ve been simultaneously trying to move my website and fight a respiratory infection. Since I have thousands of images of fishing, we’re going for a walk down memory lane with a few of my favorites.

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

First, my website saga. I found a new host. Moving the website has been an ongoing problem, but I hope to finish it by the time you read this. I guess we’ll see come November 25!

These photos share some of the reasons I’m compelled to fish. The fish bring me to beautiful, wild places! Fish are beautiful, wild beings! Truth is, I often feel sorry for the fish, even while I try to catch them. But nothing brings me “into the moment” more than stalking a fish. I love the fishes and the places they live.

Tammy Wilson slings a line, Okonoluftee River, NC.

 

Hillsborough River, Florida.

 

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.\

 

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.

 

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.

 

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida.

 

Canaveral National Seashore, Florida.

 

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.

 

My favorite bass flies.

 

Drop shot with Allison and Alex, Goodness River, Alaska. The fish was an Arctic grayling.

 

Maxx battles a mahi with a three-weight, off the Florida Keys.

 

Waiting for the storm, Everglades National Park.

 

A nice snook does a flyby near our canoe, Everglades National Park.

 

Big man, big fish, big water, little boat. Off Cocoa Beach.

 

On Cape Sable, Everglades National Park.

 

Near Port Canaveral.

 

Maxx, Matt Van Pelt, and Alex, Everglades National Park.

 

Any time can be nap time. Goodnews River, Alaska.

 

Mike Conneen, Shark Point chickee, Everglades National Park.

 

Tyler Williams with a double, Goodnews River.

 

Crappie fishing, Lake Monroe, Florida.

 

Boating a halibut, near Whale Pass, Alaska.

 

My smallest tarpon ever, Everglades National Park.

 

Tammy takes Barbie fishing, Mosquito Lagoon, Florida.

 

During a kid’s fishing outing at Lake Ashby, this girl caught this killifish. She was real happy about it!

 

Slinging line at sunset, St. George Island, Florida.

 

River Dog, Everglades National Park.

 

Campsite on Tiger Key, Everglades National Park.

 

Little tunny causing a fracas off Port Canaveral.

 

American crocodiles, Everglades National Park.

 

Battling silver, Goodnews River.

 

Battling silver, Goodnews River.

 

Me, circa 1955? 56? My dad made the image.

 

Shuttle launch from the Indian River Lagoon.

 

Halloween Pennant, Everglades National Park.

 

Willie’s log, Goodnews River. He used a bunny leech, and 10-pound tippet, on an eight-weight.

 

Exploring the backcountry, Everglades National Park.

 

Maxx battles a tarpon, his first on fly, off LaCosta Island, Florida.

 

That’s the No Fishing Report. Thanks for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go on a trip! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2023. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Photo Essays · Tagged: , , ,

Econlockhatchee and Other Stuff Fishing Report

November 10, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

Econlockhatchee and Other Stuff Fishing Report

Thanks for reading my Econlockhatchee and Other Stuff Fishing Report. Oh yes, it’s been quite a week, with a trip up a mountain, a trip across the country, and a trip down the Econ.

All you veterans, thanks for serving. I hope you’re taking advantage of your Veterans Administration benefits.

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

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First, some local news. Host Gator has been hosting my websites (spottedtail.com, johnkumiski.com, spottedtail.com/blog) since 2011. Before I left for California, I received an invoice from them for the next three years- $539 and change. When I was selling fishing charters, and selling books, paying the bill made sense. Now I collect Social Security and have a mostly fixed income. The website no longer makes me any money. Paying that fat bill isn’t a good financial decision for what is now in essence a public service.

The upshot is, on November 25, all the material on those sites goes up in cybersmoke. I hope to keep blogging but have not found a host yet, something else for me to do this week. Or maybe the blog ends too. We’ll see, I suppose.

OK, I think I found a new host. Will update all of you next week.

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Tuesday

The mountain summit is inside this 1930s CCC building.

Maxx and I went up Mount Diablo, quite a famous mountain to geologists, mapmakers, and surveyors. The summit is used as the reference datum for land surveying in much of northern California and Nevada.

We did nothing more than check out the views and the wind caves, walking and jumping around the place as needed. It was a beautiful day in an awesome place, and I hope to bring my bride there, sooner rather than later.

 

Tuesday night I took a red-eye out of San Francisco, on which I actually slept some. Wednesday was mostly rest and recovery.

Thursday

Nice fatty, best of the day. Almost crashed and burned between the current, the fish, and the fallen trees.

A splendid day found me in the canoe, floating down the Econ. Although I got a single, modest bass on fly, there was zero surface activity. Most of my fishing was with a Culprit worm. The fish seemed to like it.

A couple of the many alligators out enjoying the weather. Speaking of fatties.

Friday and Saturday

I’m booked solid with honey-dos and errands. I am ripping the camper part of my van apart and starting a major upgrade. I hope to blog about it! 🙂

That’s the Econlockhatchee and Other Stuff Fishing Report. Thanks for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go on a trip! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2023. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, travel blog · Tagged: , ,

Humbled in Northern California Fishing Report

November 5, 2023 by · Leave a Comment

Humbled in Northern California Fishing Report

Thanks for reading my humbled in California Fishing Report. Oh yes, it’s been quite a week, with not many fish caught by me.

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

King salmon, right next to me, old and moldy.

On Monday, Alex brought me fly fishing on (in, we were wading) the Feather River. As we walked on top of a berm to the fishing spot, I spotted what I mistakenly thought was a pair of otters. Turned out they were 20-pound Chinook or king salmon. The river was full of them. They were oldy and moldy, on redds. There’s an emergency closure on all angling for chinooks in California- we were after steelhead. Alex got one about 20 inches long, but we weren’t close to each other, so no photo. I hooked two kings, one in the butt (I broke it off) and one somehow in the mouth. It shook the hook, a good thing. No fish for me.

A BIG trout at the Trinity Fly Shop.

Tuesday found us steelheading on the Trinity River. We stopped at the Trinity Fly Shop first, then spent several very chilly hours in the river. I had one bite from a guppy, and we were properly skunked.

We stopped by the Sundial Bridge in Redding on the way home.

Alex had to work on Wednesday, so I soloed it on the upper Sacramento River. I met a very kind angler by the name of Eric in the parking area. He took me down the river, giving me pointers as we walked. We got to the “spot”, then split up.

The Sacramento River, one view.

 

My only fish of the week.

I fished a couple hours without a bite. Large, round boulders made wading difficult, a recurring them out here. The erudite fly fisher here carries a wading staff. I’ve never used one, never having seen the need, but the need here is painfully obvious!

The spot where I captured the beast.

Working my way back up the river, I ran into Eric again. He’d gotten two little ones, and was leaving to go somewhere else. I stayed, and at the next spot I got the first fish I’ve caught in California, a rainbow trout that may have been eight inches long. At least if didn’t have any parr marks! Hey, it was a fish!

Imagine these rocks under 2-3 feet of water and covered with algae- that’s what I was wading in.

I managed to fall down, not in the river, without hurting myself. My feet slid out from under me on a steep slope cover with pine needles and leaves. BOOM! Down I went. Humbling.

Mexican sage, in the genus Salvia.

Thursday Allison and I visited three parks, one of which had an herb garden. The most interesting from a fishing standpoint was the Horsetown Clear Creek Preserve. From the top of the gorge, we could look down into the water and watch salmon fanning their redds, just awesome. I’d like to visit with a fly rod…

Manzanita tree, common in these parts.

On Friday, Maxx and I went to the upper Sacramento again, a different spot this time. Again, tough wading. Again, I got skunked. Again, I fell down, tripping on a stick. Maxx hooked three fish, lost one while the photo guy fumbled with his phone, lost one on his own, and got the other. Not real big, but good for him!

Maxx with one of his fish on the upper Sacramento.

Saturday was our last fishing day. We went out, on the lower Sacramento River in Alex’s new drift boat. Would I get a real fish? Would any of us?

Messing with the boat.

As it turns out, I once again stank up the boat with a solid skunking. Maxx, however, caught three wild rainbow trout, one of which was respectable. I got to row Alex’s boat, a Clackacraft, which rows like a dream. I was impressed with it. We had a great time, and I enjoyed spending the day with my sons way more than any minor disappointment from not catching a fish. Maxx got some- we were good.

Maxx, hooked up. Alex, on the oars.

 

His first.

 

His second.

 

The last one, up close. Courtesy Maxx Kumiski.

There are so many mountains, so many trout streams connected to the Sacramento River- check out the watershed map below.

That’s the humbled in California Fishing Report. Thanks for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go on a road trip! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2023. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, travel blog · Tagged: , , , , , ,
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