Lake McClure/Merced River 2/17-2/18

[William Novotny]

First let me warn you there will be no fish porn unless you want me to snap a pic of my freezer. Unfortunately my phone died on day two when I started getting into some fish.

Saturday morning was like Christmas for me when yakmedic dropped off my new to me moken 14. Thanks Matt, she handles great! Got my dad's truck loaded the next morning and strapped her down and it was off to work where I would be picked up in 8 hours to head straight up to Lake McClure where my uncle is a fish and wildlife warden. (Can't get used to saying wildlife and not GAME). We got to his camper around 2am and settled in for a good night sleep.

The next morning the plan was to 4 wheel into a remote section of the lake that was not accessible to the public and get some good catfish action. we found a good place to set up camp and unloaded the gear.


our view from camp of what's left of the Merced River. The water level is down a record 80%


the first day was spent mostly scouting out the area and looking for a good access point to the river with our trucks. It gave us allot of opportunity to play in the mud.



the catfish never really made an appearance outside of a few small specimens so we retreated up towards base camp for some food and drinks.





the next morning i got the yak wet for the first time and I have to say the thing is perfect. It's so comfortable and stable without sacrificing speed and tracking. So happy with it.

Sorry for the selfie. This is my happy face.


The river was still breathtaking despite how low it was.



and unfortunately phone dies where the actual fish report begins......

The plan was to paddle the 8 mile length of Lake McClure back to our original starting point At McClure point where I would meet the fellas later that day after they drove back.
I started my morning trolling a flasher rig with a 24" 2# floro leader to a 1 1/2" trout pattern rapala tipped with a small piece of earthworm. I used lead core line and trolled at depths between 20' and 40'. Within the first 10 minutes I was on my first trout. Nothing big just a nice healthy pan size. From there it was constant action and a quick limit of fish. I kept fishing hoping for kokenee or King salmon but just continued to nail the trout which were released to be caught again another day.

After awhile i reeled in my rigs and just focused on the paddle and putting miles under the yak. Got back to the meet point around 2 pm to a camper smelling of home cooked crock pot chili. I was so tired from my paddle all I wanted to do was eat and sleep which is whati did. Woke up early to pack and head back to civilization.

Sorry not much of a report. This was more of a family boys weekend then a yak trip but it felt great to get out and fish. Now that I'm back in the game I'll be around allot more often.