|
Update: Date changed from Feb. 28 to Feb.
21 due to conflict with the Flyfishing Show in
Pleasanton.
Donaldson’s are a unique strain of trout blended from
some of the best attributes of rainbows, steelhead and
cutthroat. What you get is a super-fast growing,
hard-fighting trout that acts more like a wild one than
a hatchery fish. While natural trout mature in 4 years
and weigh in around 1.5 pounds, Donaldson Trout mature
in two years and can weigh up to 10 pounds. And as for
eating they are tasty.
Fishing strategy:
Float tube, pontoon, or pram is the best way to fish
Rancho Seco; you can fish from shore, but it is easier
to get around when you are on the water. Water temp
will be around 45 degrees, so good waders with thermals
and wool socks are highly recommended.
Recommended rods: A
5 weight with an intermediate line is what I have come
to find is the best outfit to use. This strain of trout
likes to stay in schools and spends most of it’s time
just inches below the water. I have never fished for
them with a sink line of more than an intermediate sink
rate. If you plan on doing only catch and release I
recommend 2x tippet so you can bring the fish in quicker
for a faster release. If you plan to keep fish and do
not mind a longer fight I use 4x tippet. I have not
found these fish to be leader shy.
Recommended flies:
My personal choice is almost anything in an olive color,
such as wooly buggers and wiggle tails. You can usually
catch them on a size 6, but when the fishing gets tough
switch down to a size 10 or smaller. Other colors that
I have found to work are black and brown, with and
without rubber legs.
Fishing location: I have found that most of the fish I
have caught are usually in very shallow water, 1’-4’ of
water. On occasions we have found them cruising around
in deep water up to 10’ deep, but still caught them on
intermediate lines in the upper section of the water
column. It seems as if they swim around in circles like
a Nascar race, so if they disappear, do not worry; they
will return.
I recommend 2X leaders if you are going to do catch and
release; you’re able to bring the fish in sooner for a
quicker release. |
