Since moving down from Oregon to San Antonio, I've been spending a lot of my time learning a new lake and new species for me (Redfish). I'm 3+ hours from the gulf and Calavaras lake is about an hour from my house & I can use my bass boat which is nice. The Redfish are stocked as fingerlings and actually do fine in freshwater if acclimated to it. It's been a STEEP learning curve to get them to consistently take flies in still water. The lake reminds me of Klamath Lake in Oregon, as when it's on its ON and when its not its not. full sinking lines, lots of blind casting over drop offs and other transition zones. preferably noisy baitfish patterns imitating shad have been what has worked so far. I've found that I'm pretty much the only guy (idiot) out there fly fishing, but the opportunity for big fish is there. Last Saturday was one of my best days with 6 to the boat, one epic break off (15lb is way too light) and a couple of LDR's. lots of fish in the 25-28 inch range. my PB is ~32in and I saw a 36 incher caught on bait while I was out there.
Anyway, I hope all you enjoy the pics and every fish was released.
Posted by mbenke88