As you may have heard at the last Club Meeting, we're excited to begin a new series featuring the local stillwater of the East Bay. These are the waters in your own backyard that are often overlooked - Contra Loma, Del Valle, San Pablo, Quarry Lakes, Shadow Cliffs, Lake Chabot. These waters contain excellent populations of bass, trout, and the angry panfish they chase around all day. But I know what you're thinking, I've heard it for years. "You can't catch big fish in local reservoirs.", "Our local lakes have too much pressure for the fish to bite.", or my personal favorite, "Fly fishing doesn't work around here." We're now learning these are myths, especially that last one. It's not that it can't be done, it's just easier to roll some trout dough into a ball, sit back, and wait for the bell-thingy to ring. The harder choice is to understand the ecology, the deep thermoclines, the "shape" of the water, and then to adapt your methods based on what moves these planted fish. Which is why you'll be hearing from experts on the subject through our Fish Talks - local fly shop owners, fisheries biologists, members with extensive experience - not just my opinion. Together, we can bring fly fishing back to the Diablo Valley.
Our first outing is at Contra Loma in Antioch on Sunday, June 13th from 6am-6pm where we will be fishing for bass, trout, and bluegill. There is plenty of room on the bank and from fishing piers or you can launch a watercraft. You're welcome to come as early or stay as late as you'd like, but you'll likely be tempted to stay awhile with the limited crowds and natural surroundings. Fees are collected upon park entry and typically range from $10-20 per person, depending on age, vehicle, and/or watercraft. A Fish Talk will be held via Zoom on Thursday June 10th from 6-7:30pm where Joseph Sullivan, East Bay Parks Fisheries Manager, will be on hand to discuss the sub-surface food web of the reservoir and the most effective equipment, tactics, access, and locations for targeting each species. This is my home water and I'll also share my experience fishing it over the past 10+ years as well as some COVID and boating safety precautions.
This series is an excellent "lab" component for those who are taking or have taken Stillwater Academy and will be equally informative for both bank and boat fishing. You don't have to drive for hours, these are simple day trips on the weekends that you can easily sneak into your schedule. All of the trips through the end of the year can be found on the Outings page and I look forward to seeing you there!