More Northern California Fishing Reports...
Sacramento River Fishing Reports
Shasta Lake Fishing Reports
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2003 : 1 2 
Year :
2002
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Fri Aug 15, 2003 10:40:04 PM Northern California
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Jim and Martin, showing off their beautiful salmon, and George, on the swim platform.
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This trip started like most others, as I met Jim and Martin at their Motel in Anderson at 5 AM, and off to the river we went. But... what a trip this proved to be, as the day progressed. We put the Vicki Ann in the water, and slipped across to a sand bar to bait up, but on this particular morning, we were in for a special visit by one of the locals. A juvenile Canadian Goose appeared on the port side of the Vicki Ann. As we moved out into the current, turned the main motor off, and started the kicker motor, the goose was swimming beside us. We fished, and (George,as he was affectionatley by the fishing group) the goose, swam... until he found his place on the swim platform at the back of the boat, where he remained until we decided to head down the river. I shoo-ed the goose off the platform, and we were off. 5, 10, 15, miles we traveled, finally settling down, and turning the Vicki Ann back into the current. Then, as we were fishing, a bird on the wing appeared up-river, and as it drew closer, we could see that it was none other than George. As we all watched, George proceeded to land to the port side of us, swim around the back of the Vicki Ann, and once more roosted on the swim platform. As we slipped back, the cry of Fish On was heard! George came into the boat, and was now on the engine cover watching us as we fought and landed a beautiful 28 pound Buck King. After we took care of the fish, George just sat and watched us. After that, he jumped down into the boat and into the center of a seat, where he sat for quite a while, then jumped off the side of the boat, dunked himself once, and returned to the comfort of the swim platform. We decided to head back up-river, and George found his way back into the Vicki Ann, and took the ride back up-river. One more fish came into the boat, with George's approval. Five hits, 2 fish in the boat, at 28 and 28 1/2 pounds, and one goose. This was a strange day, and no one would have believed this story, had we not taken the photos of this happening. People in passing boats were taking photos as they went by. This story was written this way, at the request of Jim and Martin. They had a great time, and will be coming back soon.
Arrrrr Matey's! Ken, The River Pirate
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Thu Aug 14, 2003 10:42:00 PM Northern California
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Mitchell, Obie, and Allen, each holding a beautiful bright salmon.
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This trip began at 5 AM, as I met Obie, Mitchell, and Allen, and we headed for the river. With the crisp morning air nipping our ears heading up the river, I settled the Vicki Ann down, started the kicker, and turned the main motor off. We began to slip back slowly, down the river, and about two thirds through the run, the first cry came... Fish On!! Mitchell was now engaged in the first scurmish of the day, but it wasn't meant to be, as the fish threw the lure back at us. The second was much the same, as were a few more hits and misses. By this time, the fish were ahead on points: Fish 4. Fisherman 0. But... that was about to change, as Allen was now up to bat. Would the hooks hold, or would the fish once again win the battle? Yes, they held! A beautiful 23 pound fish was hauled into the boat. A couple of passes later, another one made it's way to the Vicki Ann. So, we moved once more, and Mitchell was on the field. As he was maneuvering through his opponents with the precision of a world class athlete, he kicked and scored! The river had given him his Trophy for a job well done. We moved back up-river, and Allen joined a fish in another battle, that he finally won, as this silver beauty was tossing and turning trying to take it's Trophy, Allen coaxed her to the waiting net. The day ended with 4 fish to the boat, and 7 more declaring themselves as Victors. We put the Vicki Ann on the bunks of her trailer and put it in dry dock for the night. It was a real pleasure to have the oppourtunity to share this day with Obie, Allen, and Mitchell, with many memories of good fishing, and I hope to see them many more times in the future.
Arrrrr Matey's! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate
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Sat Aug 9, 2003 9:40:54 PM Northern California
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Brittany and Larry
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This trip began at 5 AM, when Dallas and I met Brittany and Larry at their Motel in Anderson. These two were celebrating, as Brittany had planned this trip as a surprise for Larry, so we talked for a few minutes, and off to the river we went. When we arrived at the launch ramp, it was obvious that the river had been dropped. This was not a good sign, as these fish do not take kindly to changes in their environment. As a result, not much went on this trip. We fished hard, all day, (and I'd like to say, that Brittany is a fine angler herself) but the fish were just not co-operating, and we went fishless. Even I can admit to a bad fishing day, now and then, as no one can always predict what these fish will do, but these two will be coming back, and next time... they will both be showing off their catches for the day. I'm hoping to see them back before the salmon season is over, and as you can see in their photo, they were still smiling.
Arrrrr Matey's! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate
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Mon Aug 4, 2003 11:30:17 PM Northern California
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Chris and John Ross holding their 18, 19 and 20 pound salmon.
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This trip started at 5:00 AM, when Dallas (my first mate) and I met John, Kevin, Joel, Chris, and JohnRoss at their motel, and they followed us to the river. We were loading the ice chest into the Vicki Ann, when John realized he had forgotten his fishing license at the motel, and left to retrieve it. As we headed up to the first hole above the ramp to return after one drift, to my surprise... a boat came roaring up the river and settled in just below us, and John was waving at us from the other boat, (Man, he must have flown!) and now the group was complete. As we hit all the holes down-stream, while marking fish, there were no biters. (Another case of fish with locked-jaws.) This was probably due to the recent storms that had been moving through the area over the last few days. Finally I saw a few active fish in a hole after we made our way back upriver, and decided to sit on top of them, and our luck was about to change.
It was John first. The rod went off, and the fish's dance began. The fish decided to take a swim in the next hole, downriver... but John talked him out of it. The fight lasted for about 15 minutes, with both combatants not wanting to give an inch, but finally the fish surrendered. A bright male of about 18 pounds found his way to the boat, and into his Private Pool with a Jacuzzi Pump. Two passes later, Kevin had a hit, or should I say, a pull from the space shuttle taking off. Unfortunately the stages separated, and the fish continued on it's way. It was now after noon, and Joel's turn. The fish had inhaled his lure, and they were now engaged in a tug-o-war... with Joel on one end, and the fish on the other, back and forth they went, to see who would be the victor of the line. Joel finally wore her down, and she too, decided to come to the Private Pool provided. Now, with a couple of more passes, and a few more close calls, JonRoss was on, and the stage was set. The fish ran and jumped one time, like an actor who had a case of stage fright, and only wanted to leave the set, but JonRoss was standing his ground, and finally conviced her to come to the Pool Party for the leading actors. About 19 more pounds for the Vicki Ann to take back with her. Now the time had come to depart the water, and get ready for the next day.
This day (Aug. 5th) began with the same group following Dallas and I from their motel to the river. We headed up the river again, and dropped in. On the second pass, Chris entered a wrestling match for the World Title. Chris delivered the first move of a devastating cross-body, as the fish turned sideways in the current, and then came the counter-move, the fish... with an arm-bar trying to dislodge Chris's shoulder. The match continued almost the full length of the hole, until Chris put his finishing move on, and I... the referee, declared Chris the Victor, and handed him the Title Belt.
Then, the bite went off, so we moved up the river a little ways with not much luck. We tried a few more holes, and had a few more pull-downs, and it was getting harder and harder to find any user-friendly fish. The guys were getting a little tired, and the fish were just not co-operating, but, I had one more trick up my sleeve... a small shallow run that I have caught many fish from. The guys dropped their lures in, and the Vicki Ann began to slide back slowly through the shallow water as everyone was watching the bottom of the river getting ever closer to the boat, towards the bottom of the hole, and all but 2 rods were put back in the rod lockers. I had Dallas at the helm, and I instructed him to back off the throttle, when someone asked if these fish ever hit on the way in, and as he sat back... his question was answered. Fish On!! The fish was on a tear! The lines were cleared, and the battle started raging. About 10 minutes into the battle, the fish decided to head South for good, and leave us all behind. I slipped the boat into reverse, but it was too late. The fish had straightened the hook out in it's jaw, and what a way to end the day, but this group was just teriffic, and we all had a great time. I hope to see all of them back next year.
Arrrrr Matey's! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate
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Fri Aug 1, 2003 11:41:31 PM Northern California
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Jim and Tony with a bright 23 and 24 pound salmon.
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The August 1st salmon opening on the upper river started with a BANG!
This trip started like many other trips with Jim and Tony, only this time, they brought Janet and Lenny. They drove to the Gravel Bar where the Vicki Ann was waiting, as I had been scouting the evening before. As everybody boarded the Vicki Ann, the motor came to life, and we headed to a spot that has produced many, many fish over the years. This spot is not deep, but the fish like it just the same. We turned into the current and dropped the lures out behind us, and started backing. We had backed only about 10 feet when the rod at portside-middle, flattened, and the reel started loosing line. A swing and a miss, so we continued our decent. About halfway down the drift, Jim's rod followed suit. Fish On! Fish On!! Everybody cleared their lines, and the fight began! Back and forth between fisherman and fish... but finally the King was defeated. It only took about 15 minutes... and a bright fish of 23 pounds was in the net. A few more holes and a few more swings, and the fish were winning. The sun was high in the sky now, and the cry went out once again. Fish On!! The lines were cleared, and this time it was Janet's turn. 20 minutes, 30 minutes, and the battle raged on. The fish began to surcome, and started to come peacefully to the boat... a very large fish, looked to be 40 to 45 pounds, and then with a flick of his tail, and one last ditch effort, under the boat he went, as the line went slack. He had keel-hauled the line and taken his spoils with him. He was now the proud owner of a bright new lure, and probably showing it off to all of his friends!
We retied the leader and put another lure on, and headed up for another drift. We'd just put the lures back in, and Jim once again announced Fish On! This time the fish ended up in the net. The day ended as we pulled to the campsite, and it wasn't a bad day, with 2 fish in the box, 9 fish on, and 3 slaps, and 1 more day to go.
The next day (Aug. 2nd) started under cloudy, rainy skies, and the fish had shut off. We fished until 10:30, and the lightening decided to join the party, so to the bank we went. Everyone went into town until the storm cleared, and the rain had stopped falling on our parade. About 3:30, we headed off again, to try to pry these fishs' mouth's open. 3 hits later, and Tony was hooked up, and the fight was on again! One more 24 pound Sac River King had succumbed to the pressure. Finally, the day had it's way... not much fishing time left, but we caught one fish, and as all anglers know... Fishing Is Fishing. We had a good time anyway, and everyone went their separate ways, with memories of fun and fishing in the Sacramento River.
Arrrrr Matey's! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate
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Sat Jul 26, 2003 11:20:04 PM Northern California
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Kevin with a 32 pound salmon, and a big smile.
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This morning began at 5:15 AM as Tom, Kevin, and Tony met me at the dock for their second day of fishing. The day went much the same as yesterday, as the fish were in the lock-jaw mode. So, we headed down river. As we were backing down through the Lava Beds, I heard, Fish On... but it wasn't meant to be. After a vicious strike, and a line stripping run, it was over, as the line went limp. The fish had taken the Kwik-Fish that once was at the end of the line. Once again, the fish had won, and returned to it's upstream swim. We were working hard, and the fish were laughing. Then, a few more bites and misses, and a few more holes later, Kevin was just waking up from a power nap, and his rod went off again, and this time he made it stick... a beautiful 25 pounder succumbed to the relentless pressure applied by Kevin! One out of six in the boat, reluctantly I docked the Vicki Ann, and the guys disembarked. We had some good times and comraderie that only the river can provide. I hope to see Tom, Kevin and Tony back aboard, for some more good times, and conquering of the Kings of the Sacramento River.
Arrrrr Matey's! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate
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Fri Jul 25, 2003 11:10:55 PM Northern California
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Tom is standing proud, with a 36 1/2 pound salmon.
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This trip began as I met Tom, Kevin, and Tony at their hotel, and off to the river we went. The morning air was filled with electricity, and I mean literally. Luckily, as we pulled to the boat ramp, the sky had cleared, but was still overcast. We were still able to fish in safety, so away we went with the Vicki Ann taking us down the river. We settled in about 4 miles down the river, and I turned the boat into the current, and the lines went out. The first drift produced nothing, as did about the next hour and a half, when Kevin said, "Fish On"! As we were clearing our lines, the fish suddenly decided to do something else, and left as quickly as it had come. Tom hooked up some time later, and the line was leaving the reel as if the fish had caught a southbound train while going full speed. The fight was on!! Tom would make a little headway, and the fish would take it back, and as the fight wore on, the fish was getting tired, and so was Tom. After about a 25 minute fight, the fish finally came to the net... a beautiful 36 1/2 pounder. We fished for a while longer, and the sky started to darken again, and the lightning was getting closer, so I moved the boat up the river, and the lightning started closing in a little, so I brought the Vicki Ann to the dock. After a while, the storm had passed, and the Vick Ann swept us down the river once again. This time.. roe was the call, and Kevin was on! It wasn't long before the river delivered another 34 pounder to us, and the day came to an end with only 2 to the boat. Everyone enjoyed this trip, and the guys went back to their hotel, with another day of fishing on their minds.
Arrrrr Matey's! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate
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Sat Jul 19, 2003 10:37:21 PM Northern California
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Robin and Fergal enjoying their day on Shasta Lake.
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Class is in today...
I met Robin and Fergal about 8:30 this morning, at the Antler's Resort Marina. As Fergal came walking down the stairs, Robin was waiting by their car. We conversed a minute or two, and then boarded the Vicki Ann. The hour was a little late for me to head to the Goose Neck, as the boat traffic on Shasta Lake was already becoming crowded. I was hoping for a few fish to come our way, even though this day was scheduled to be a learning experience. So, we headed further up the Sacramento River Arm up to the 5-mile an hour Buoy instead. Well... that wasn't stopping folks from speeding by us like there was a fire chasing them, so we headed back towards the Marina, and the down riggers went out, and the lines went down. The first fish came at about 40 feet... a little spotted bass of approximately 11/2 pounds. Now, with a few fish under out belt, we switched from trolling to casting, and about 11:00 AM, and a few more fish, we found a shady spot to begin our lessons, and cast some fly rods, as neither Robin or Fergal had ever cast a spinning rod or a fly rod before, and had requested that I teach them both some basics. After about 30-45 minutes, they were both casting a fly rod. These two were enjoying every minute, casting with so much enthusiasm, and learning so quickly, that I believe they will both become fine fly casters, and will always enjoy fishing.
Now it was time for a dip in the lake, as the mercury was pushing 110 degrees, and we spent a while hiding under the I-5 Bridge, and a Railroad Bridge. The day ended about 4:15, when we docked at the Antler's Resort.
Robin and Fergal are planning to be married in two months, and I think they make a lovely couple. This was a fun day with two great folks, that I enjoyed having aboard my boat, and I hope to see them again.
Arrrrr Matey's! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate
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Wed Jul 16, 2003 11:36:30 PM Northern California
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Barry, holding a bright 28 pounder, and Thom, holding a 26 and 28 pounder, on opening day of Salmon Season.
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This day started at about 4:45 AM. Barry arrived at the River Rest Resort while I was having coffee with Dallas, my 1st Mate for the day, and Thom was not long behind. We said our Hello's, and took the short walk to the dock where the Vicki Ann was waiting to take us to the start of another Salmon Season.
As we were idling down the river, the air was brisk, and anticipation filled the boat. We rounded the last corner to find the hole that had been quiet just the day before, had now become a boat parking lot. As we took our place in line, I decided not to park at this lot. No... instead we would go back upstream to the Red Barn and solitude, but the fish gods were not amused, so it was time to move again... down and around the parking lot, and down to the bottom of the parking lot, and bliss, once again. First drift, second drift, third drift... didn't produce ner' a nibble, but on the fifth drift that was about to change, and the cry of "FISH ON" rang out as the line on Thom's reel was pulled off and the fish was headed south. Finally... to the boat and netted, was a 28 pounder! By this time it was already 9:30 AM. At 10:30 AM, the second fish grabbed Barry's plug and tried to rip the rod from it's perch in the rod holder where it was lying. After 10-15 minutes, another 28 pound beauty was laid to rest. Then Thom was on once again. The line was being pulled off his reel, and the river gave up another bright 26 pound fish!
So, as early afternoon rolled around, with deadlines to meet, Thom had to be on his way. As he reluctantly disembarked from the Vicki Ann, he took with him 2 of the river's beauty's, and I hope some great memories too.
Then Barry and I decided to take a break for a while, as the sun was high above us, and the air was now on the warm side, but Barry had only 1 fish, and there were fish in the river to be caught, so after our break, off we went again! The hole where we had caught the other fish, now looked like a ghost town. So, away we went up the river. The boat finally settled, the lines went out, and the boat began to slip backwards down the river. Then it happened! Fish, fish, fish... and the stage was set once again. Barry at one end, and the fish at the other, and line being peeled off the reel. The rod bowed over, and the line was as tight as an over-tightened guitar string, with each combatant not wanting to give an inch! Finally the fish yielded and came to the net... another beauty of 29 pounds!
With our quotas met, the day would now come to a close, with memories of another great day of fishing imprinted upon our minds.
Arrrrr Matey's! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate
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Tue Jul 15, 2003 11:29:47 PM Northern California
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Zack is pictured here, with 2 spotted bass on the same lure.
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This trip began about 6:00 AM, as I brought the Vicki Ann to the fantail of Zack's houseboat, that was nestled in the Blue Canyon Cove on Lake Shasta.
Zack, his 9 year old son, and Jerry, knew the bite was going to be tough today, as we'd had 2 days of a full moon, and the fish had been feeding all night. We tried numerous baits... to no avail. Not even minnows would pry some of these fishes' mouth's open. So, it became necessary to cover a large amount of water, and the trolling gear was now going to have to be employed. As we started trolling, the rod snapped out of the downrigger, and the first fish came to the boat... not too big, but a pretty little spotted bass, caught by Zack's son, as were the 2nd and 3rd fish. Then Zack and Jerry got in on the action, and Zack brought in 2 more on the same lure at the same time, and a few more came to the boat for the trio. Unfortunately... nothing of much size today, but the guys were in good spirits. The air was getting very warm, and we fished about 5 to 7 miles of the Pit Arm from the Arbuckle Flat. This trip ended a little early as the little guy was getting tired, and I dropped them off at their house boat. I hope to see this trio again sometime, and I'll be looking forward to another trip with them in the future.
Arrrrr Mateys! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate
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2003 : 1 2
Year :
2002
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