Goose & Warner Lakes Redbands

[Bob Laskodi]

Went fishing for the elusive Goose Lake and Warner Lake Redbands in early July. Stream conditions were just superb with the majority of runoff having subsided. And with still a bit of snow on the ground, and springs running quite nicely, good fishing will continue for the remainder of the summer. We did quite well, scoring well on both Goose & Warner Redbands. In addition to catching the "dinks" we did get quite a few "trophy" Goose Lake Redbands up to 15", and browns up to 16". I am some what reluctant to name specific streams on the internet due to the fragile nature of these fisheries, but I am willing to answer questions via PM to help you in your quest for these rare fishies, and quite frankly these fishies need lots of friends to protect their dwindling habitat (except for my "trophy" redband spot, that would cost you way too many beers to get that one out of me!).



Shore is purty up here in Warner Lake Redband country!


Chris fishing for Warner Lake Redbands. Yes, these streams are that tiny!


Warner Lake Redband


Warner Lake Redband


Warner Lake Redband


Juvenile Goose Lake Redband


Adult Goose Lake Redband

[Katz]

Gotta love the markings on those little guys.

I used to fish a creek about 1.5 hrs north of San Luis Obispo called Willow Creek. Tiny little creek that ran right into the ocean. We would fish a tiny stimulator pattern and a trailing brassy and catch fish 3-6" one after another. Sometimes even one on the dry and one on the wet in the same cast.

Those big parr marks (correct me if I'm mis-naming them) on those small fish were fantastic. Some of the coolest looking fish I have ever seen.

Thanks for the pics and post. Brings back some great memories for me


Kraig

[Wednesday Caster]

I agree- those marks are beautiful. God's camo against us scale stalkers. See my avatar San Gabriel River (So. Ca).

Katz: Willow Creek? I go to Atascadero every fall for thanksgiving and was wondering where I could chase some trout. Quick yahoo only resulted in the city of Willow Creek. Could you give me some details? email: info@optimavo.com

[bigtj]

www.topzone.com or delorme. A search engine isn't going to get the job done.

[Katz]

You can easily jump or step over this "creek"!! VERY small water, but beautiful LITTLE fish. I think we once got one that was close to 8" and it was an absolute monster.

Lots of crawling through the bushes and "bow and arrow" casting.

As for how to get there.

We would just head up Hwy 1 into the Big Sur are and it is one of the first creeks you come to. About 1 hr drive. There is a small beach and parking area there if memory serves. (It was 15yrs ago - darn am I getting old).

Kraig