Lake McClure/Merced River 2/17-2/18 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

William Novotny · 02-20-2014, 10:14 AM

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.

yakjoe · 02-20-2014, 10:29 AM

good times with friends looks fun

FISH11 · 02-20-2014, 10:49 AM

Pictures look great. Anytime spent 4 wheeling and kayaking is great. Made better when you catch and cook some fish. Thanks for sharing

jruiz · 02-20-2014, 11:24 AM

Fishing, 4wheeling, camping, and kayaking is a well put together trip

Amish Ed · 02-20-2014, 12:06 PM

Man, it looked like a great trip until I saw the asparagus.

ful-rac · 02-20-2014, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amish Ed

Man, it looked like a great trip until I saw the asparagus.

Yeah no shit...!!!

Where's the beef?!

ful-rac · 02-20-2014, 12:07 PM

That looks great Will!

Team sewer is gonna have to put together another campn trip soon...!

William Novotny · 02-20-2014, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ful-rac

That looks great Will!

Team sewer is gonna have to put together another campn trip soon...!

I have full access to some pretty remote, untouched areas where the trout fishing is great, you make your own trails, you can fire of rounds without anyone batting an eye and best of all it's free. Gas and food was all we paid. I'd love to get a bigger party going.

YakMedic · 02-20-2014, 06:46 PM

Looks like a fun trip, glad you enjoyed the Moken its a great platform. I keep itching to make it up that way for fishing trip I want a shot at salmon though.

William Novotny · 02-20-2014, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YakMedic

Looks like a fun trip, glad you enjoyed the Moken its a great platform. I keep itching to make it up that way for fishing trip I want a shot at salmon though.

Thanks again Matt, this yak is perfect. Couple months we can make those salmon happen.

02-20-2014, 10:14 AM	#1
William Novotny The carpetbagger Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: tha newps Posts: 1,474	Lake McClure/Merced River 2/17-2/18 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. __________________ "The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope." http://www.badinfluencetattoo.com/gallery.php?artist=21 Last edited by William Novotny; 02-20-2014 at 11:16 PM.

02-20-2014, 12:06 PM	#5
Amish Ed Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,906	Man, it looked like a great trip until I saw the asparagus. __________________ Amish Ed You can't catch it again if it's dead!

02-20-2014, 12:07 PM	#7
ful-rac Emperor Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buena Park Posts: 3,649	That looks great Will! Team sewer is gonna have to put together another campn trip soon...! __________________ There's nothing colder than yesterday's hotdog.

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02-20-2014, 10:29 AM	#2
yakjoe Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 144	good times with friends looks fun

02-20-2014, 10:49 AM	#3
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,643	Pictures look great. Anytime spent 4 wheeling and kayaking is great. Made better when you catch and cook some fish. Thanks for sharing

02-20-2014, 11:24 AM	#4
jruiz Large Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: La Verne, CA Posts: 1,011	Fishing, 4wheeling, camping, and kayaking is a well put together trip

02-20-2014, 06:46 PM	#9
YakMedic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Wrightwood Posts: 623	Looks like a fun trip, glad you enjoyed the Moken its a great platform. I keep itching to make it up that way for fishing trip I want a shot at salmon though.