Speaking of Gold Miners......

[Jeff Fisher]

Ralph's topic yesterday brought back some interesting memories about miner encounters. I've come across many a miner in my days, but for the most part, have never been hassled or confronted. Usually, the miners I've come across realized I was just fishing and didn't pose any threat to their claim.

However, one time got kinda hairy. Jeff C. and I were deep into the MF Yuba up near Plumbago. If anyone's been in this canyon, you know how remote it is (even with the road). We didn't see any miners on the river, but on the way back up the wall to Allegheny, we took a wrong turn and ended up at the Plumbago Mine. It was like my xterra was a time machine and were back in 1850. Out of the shaft came 4 characters, 3 guys and a woman, one with a shotgun, long white beard, overalls, and every other miner stereotype you can imagine. We were asked if we had beer......then ammo.....then money. Long story short......Jeff and I looked at eachother and got the hell outta there, thankfully without incident. We found the road back up to Allegheny, and no......we didn't stop in for a beer at the local watering hole.

It's interesting to realize that many of these miners live down in these remote canyons for probably most of the year. I think it would make a very cool documentary movie if someone could interview these people.

Any other miner stories out there???

[Jeff C.]

LOL! That was quite an experience. I wanted to stop at the bar at Allegheny. It sure looked friendlier than the one that we passed in North San Juan with all the locals hanging out in the street outside of it.

[Ralph]

Lisa and I have hiked (you mostly swim) most of the Yuba Canyon from Milton to Plumbago. It is arduous but spectacular. There is some rope work needed at the second box canyon, but other than that it is scramble. Some good waterfall jumps. The fishing is good but not any better than much more easily accessed places.
Ran into a couple of big grows deep in the canyon and below the third box is the mining community you mention. Everyone carries a gun and it seems that most live distant from society because they are not very social. So far from anywhere, it makes you feel a bit vulnerable.

[Dave Neal]

The fishing is good but not any better than much more easily accessed places.

LOL. Nice creative diversionary tactic! I respect that...

Though you're nice enough guy and probably telling the complete truth. But I think for the other reasons you mentioned (insert banjo playing) all but the most adventurous, Glock toting anglers will probably stick to the more easily accessed places.

Looking forward to reading your new book, when it is coming out? (illegal grows on public lands)

[Ralph]

Book has been sidelined. We're watching the success of a very similar book, "War in the Woods: Combating the Marijuana Cartels on America's Public Lands" that came out a couple of month's ago. First hand account by CDF&G warden John Nores.

[Mike O]

A new title for your book which would reach the market better?

"Guerrilla Fly Fishing in Marijauana Country"

[Charlie S]

A new title for your book which would reach the market better?

"Guerrilla Fly Fishing in Marijauana Country"

Ralph fishes a lot in Mendocino County??????????????????

[Ralph]

[QUOTE=

"Guerrilla Fly Fishing in Marijauana Country"[/QUOTE]

I like it!

[Ned Morris]

Hey Ralph when are you going to update the Sierra Trout Guide? It's been over 20 years since version II. Please don't tell me that one is retired!

[Mike O]

Hey Ralph when are you going to update the Sierra Trout Guide? It's been over 20 years since version II. Please don't tell me that one is retired!

I found a Version I the other day...I was sure happy with myself. What a great book.