Smallies In The Fall

I've heard rumblings over the years that Natoma was once a great smallmouth fishery, and I have caught them occasionally while chasing trout. But the last month they are really coming on, and the average size is surprising. The first one I got recently was 16 inches long, and had to weigh 4 pounds EASY-at least 2 inches thick at the shoulders! Nick hooked up with an even bigger 17 incher that was also quite fat. Although I am targeting the trout on most occasions, I now have a fall-back method for catching more fish. Too bad for now, the weather just got perfect for the trout bite, expect pictures soon!

Digging for Gold

Today I took my son Nick gold panning to show him some basics and get out for the day. We grabbed some Subway sandwiches and headed down Salmon Falls Rd. We parked at the Sweetwater Creek parking spot and hiked downstream about a half mile almost to Folsom Lake. Due to all the rain and snow we got this winter, the lake is really high, but nice and clear. We set up on a little side creek and plinked around for a couple hours. Found only a couple flakes, but the scenery was worth the trip.