Richard
07-15-2006, 11:04 AM
Went out yesterday with KD and spent the day at Sandmound and other locations. Here is what we found. KD will, hopefully, correct me when I get it wrong. :)
The very end of Sandmound is pretty much dead now. :( The water temp was 80 and there is an algae boom that has probably reduced the oxygen in the water. The spot is probably a spawning area for April, May and June, but now it is probably not worth fishing. The water starting about where the boat docks start is better. I have not fished this area as it can be difficult for top water, but sub surface might be good. :?: There is potentially good fishing from the upper end of the slough to , but not into the lower area if you pick your spots. I'll try to have maps to suggest areas to fish, but they wil be fairly obvious. For those launching kayaks, etc. I have got two Marinas where you might want to launch if you want to fish Sandmound. I haven't called them, but it says they have launch facilities.
Emerald Point Marina at the top end of Sandmound. 4230 Stone Road. Just after crossing the bridge into Bethel Island take Stone Road to the right and go to the end.
Carol's Harbor, 4850 Sandmound at the lower end 4850 Sandmound Keep going sraight on E Cypress (don't take the left to Bethel Island) go to the end and turn left on Sandmound Road. I would call to make sure about this one - phone 925-684-2803, at least that's the number I got, it might be old.
More bad news, sorry :( They are spraying for hyacinths all over the place. KD says this puts the bite down for about two weeks. If you see an area that looks like it has been sprayed "recently" move on and try another location.
This will be a weekend day so fish the areas beyond the no wake zones early and late, unless you like big waves washing you overboard. :shock:
OK, some good news, FINALLY :D We did catch fish. I, of course, with my normal skill managed to early release or miss the strikes on the really big ones. KD must be having nightmares after a day out with me. :oops: The largest ones we saw were in the tullies on Roosevelt Cut just at the end of Piper Slough. There is a stong current here and there are not a LOT of fish, but they appear to be pretty big. The area will be unfishable once the skiers and jet skiers get on the water so if you want to fish it fish it very early or near dark.
The area across from Russo's Marina looks promising, although we didn't fish it so that's an additional possible launch point for non powered boats. There was an 8+ pound bass caught (and released) on top (not on a fly rod) behind the docks next to the Lundborg launch site. So fishing the docks and the walls between the docks on Piper Slough near Lundborg could be a real possibility. I have seen two bass probably 8 and 5 pounds behind the docks at Franks Marina. There are a lot of semi abandoned docks in the area and while I have not fished them I know they hold fish. Fish on the levee side of the docks when possible.
OK that's MORE than enough. I am looking forward to the 22'nd and hoping that everyone has a enjoyable time. :) :)
The very end of Sandmound is pretty much dead now. :( The water temp was 80 and there is an algae boom that has probably reduced the oxygen in the water. The spot is probably a spawning area for April, May and June, but now it is probably not worth fishing. The water starting about where the boat docks start is better. I have not fished this area as it can be difficult for top water, but sub surface might be good. :?: There is potentially good fishing from the upper end of the slough to , but not into the lower area if you pick your spots. I'll try to have maps to suggest areas to fish, but they wil be fairly obvious. For those launching kayaks, etc. I have got two Marinas where you might want to launch if you want to fish Sandmound. I haven't called them, but it says they have launch facilities.
Emerald Point Marina at the top end of Sandmound. 4230 Stone Road. Just after crossing the bridge into Bethel Island take Stone Road to the right and go to the end.
Carol's Harbor, 4850 Sandmound at the lower end 4850 Sandmound Keep going sraight on E Cypress (don't take the left to Bethel Island) go to the end and turn left on Sandmound Road. I would call to make sure about this one - phone 925-684-2803, at least that's the number I got, it might be old.
More bad news, sorry :( They are spraying for hyacinths all over the place. KD says this puts the bite down for about two weeks. If you see an area that looks like it has been sprayed "recently" move on and try another location.
This will be a weekend day so fish the areas beyond the no wake zones early and late, unless you like big waves washing you overboard. :shock:
OK, some good news, FINALLY :D We did catch fish. I, of course, with my normal skill managed to early release or miss the strikes on the really big ones. KD must be having nightmares after a day out with me. :oops: The largest ones we saw were in the tullies on Roosevelt Cut just at the end of Piper Slough. There is a stong current here and there are not a LOT of fish, but they appear to be pretty big. The area will be unfishable once the skiers and jet skiers get on the water so if you want to fish it fish it very early or near dark.
The area across from Russo's Marina looks promising, although we didn't fish it so that's an additional possible launch point for non powered boats. There was an 8+ pound bass caught (and released) on top (not on a fly rod) behind the docks next to the Lundborg launch site. So fishing the docks and the walls between the docks on Piper Slough near Lundborg could be a real possibility. I have seen two bass probably 8 and 5 pounds behind the docks at Franks Marina. There are a lot of semi abandoned docks in the area and while I have not fished them I know they hold fish. Fish on the levee side of the docks when possible.
OK that's MORE than enough. I am looking forward to the 22'nd and hoping that everyone has a enjoyable time. :) :)