1st day on the yak!

Picked up my brand new straight edge angler Saturday and went straight up to McIver to Estacada Lake to try out the boat and catch some fish.  The boat was a snap to set up, in minutes I was paddling through calm glassy water.  Huge grin! I landed 4 rainbows which swam around inside the kayak with me.   I'll get some string next time.  Bankees and PBs were quite jealous of my set-up. Great first day on the water.

Nice catch

Way to get it done!  I get lots of great comments and envious looks from PB. As odd as it seems, the better the PB the people are in, the more envious they seem about kayak fishing.  Maybe the grass does always seem greener on the other side.

Yep, they know I spent less than a grand on my entire setup, didn't need a truck and trailer, and out fished them. zing!

Yep, they know I spent less than a grand on my entire setup, didn't need a truck and trailer, and out fished them. zing!

A few of my friends with PBs run dual 115 or dual 150. They burn crazy amounts of fuel per hour even trolling.  I smile every time I pass a big boat fueling up. Several times a month I get asked to hop aboard and split fuel costs. So far I've only taken them up on their offer twice all year and they have a very nice boat...but it's not better than my kayak in my eyes. Lol!!!

Way to get it done!!


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Nice catch! I haven't gotten up on the Clackamas reservoirs much at all this summer - glad to see there's still fish left. Care to share what bait/lure was working?

Went up again today and limited out (5) in two hours.  Nightcrawler on a #6 hook with a split shot about 3 feet above.  I cast, let it sink for a bit and then very slowly reel it back.  Better than guessing what depth they're at IMHO.  I will use a bobber sometimes or a spinner if its very sunny. There are tons of trout out there, saw some big fish too, maybe a salmon cruise by, but not interested in anything.  I was between the boat ramp and the dock on the opposite side of the lake.  Didn't get much exercise today.  Great spot for beginners/ family outing.  Getting ready to try some bigger water.  I was thinking, Clackamette or Multnomah Channel.  Ok for intermediate paddlers?

Went up again today and limited out (5) in two hours.  Nightcrawler on a #6 hook with a split shot about 3 feet above.  I cast, let it sink for a bit and then very slowly reel it back.  Better than guessing what depth they're at IMHO.  I will use a bobber sometimes or a spinner if its very sunny. There are tons of trout out there, saw some big fish too, maybe a salmon cruise by, but not interested in anything.  I was between the boat ramp and the dock on the opposite side of the lake.  Didn't get much exercise today.  Great spot for beginners/ family outing.  Getting ready to try some bigger water.  I was thinking, Clackamette or Multnomah Channel.  Ok for intermediate paddlers?

Clackamette can be swift at times and busy.  But lately it doesn't seem to busy when I drive by in the mornings and evenings.  George Rogers Park is an awesome place for all kinds of fishing and (sight seeing  ).  The river is wide and deep there with not much current.  HOWEVER, if you don't have a cart to haul your kayak down the long steep ramp, or if you live on the east side of the river, the launch at the west end of Oak Grove Blvd is much easier.  Also, watch out for the Portland Spirit in the evenings.  The captain is a dickhead.  Unless, of course, you are the captain.  Then, just kidding.

Great start!  That is a great, peaceful lake - cannot believe I haven't been back there in a couple years.

Our first trips on the Willamette were George Rogers and Sellwood Park.  Both easy access to the water, and very enjoyable spots for the kayaks, with fishing available.

-Sam

excellent.

good tip on sell wood.  I am totally addicted to fishing out of the kayak! I put in there today at noon and picked up this nice smally drifting along the bank by the springwater trail. With my 2# test ultra light it was a blast.