A new world record for rainbow trout has been established. The fish was caught at Lake Diefenbaker near Saskatoon in Saskatchewan, Canada in July.

Adam Konrad of Saskatoon caught the 43-pound, 6-ounce rainbow on a Mepps Syclops Spoon, on six-pound test line. No stranger to big trout, Adam has caught a number of rainbow in the last few years from 18 to 33 pounds.

Lake Diefenbaker, not a household name, was the recipient of 100,000 triploid (sterile) trout accidentally dumped in the lake. These fish just eat and eat with no activity spent for mating.

I have a feeling Lake Diefenbaker is going to be a popular place during this next year. We all dream of catching a world record fish, and, of course, all records are open to competition.

 

North Coast Rivers in Crisis

All of our major North Coast rivers are listed by the state as impaired for water quality. Who is responsible for water quality and flows to ensure fish quality on these rivers? It is the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. With lower flows because of a lack of rain, more concern is shared as we go into this fall.

 The biggest problem is that the staff is less than half of what it used to be.

Correcting the North Coast water quality is a legal requirement set out in both California law and the federal Clean Water Act. With the Regional Water Quality Control Board being understaffed, nothing is getting done.

Locals living near rivers are becoming involved. They are forming groups to work with the water quality agency to look at the TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) and improve their river quality.

 We need the governor to fill job positions and keep the care of our coastal rivers a high priority. In years to come, the water quality will become a bigger and most important issue.

 

Salmon in the Sacramento River

The annual run has begun. The pros are booking trips through December.

At the last report, fishing has been slow and spread all through the day. The daily convention at the barge hole is under way. It is fun to catch big salmon from a boat on the river, and these guides know the routine.

A trip is not a cheap venture anymore. All day trips can run up to $300 per person or more. There are many licensed guides available — you can find them by contacting the Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association in Anderson or the Chamber of Commerce in Red Bluff. There is a list of licensed guides who all belong to an association. Check the local chambers.

 The boats are very comfortable and clean. In addition, all bait and lures are provided by the guide. You may bounce row, pull a tuna wrapped quick fish, or use other special lures.

The guides work for the fish and usually limit out.

The only problem with river fishing is that sometimes you can catch a fish that has been in the river for a while and is not very red. I remember when my son caught a 50-pound salmon. It was a great fight and made for fun memories, but when we went to clean him, he was almost white, not even pink, so we left him on the shore for the sea gulls.

The side benefits from a good trip are fun — hot weather, cool water, and plenty of wildlife. A boat usually holds four to six fishermen. Four is better.

The year we went for the Grand Slam, we caught our limit of salmon, then worked hot shots for steelhead. We caught four steelhead, then finished off with a bunch of rainbow. What a trip that was!

 

Shore Fishermen

It is hard to catch many fish from the shore, but in some lakes and rivers it can be done. Nobody has more patience than shore fishermen.

You cast out and wait for the bait to settle and hope it doesn’t hang up on a twig. You then keep the perfect tension on the line so you can see the bite.

A special comfy chair is a must. Of course, you also have to watch the line.

Some fishermen put a little bell on their line to inform them of a bite. Trout fishermen have to be quick or they miss the fish.

Cat fishing is a little different since the catfish usually chew on the bait and hook themselves.

It is a whole different world, but one a special group look forward to for a day of relaxing and maybe even some fish.

George Carl can be reached at gcarl@sbcglobal.net.