Beale AFB/Yuba City CA

[Beale_Bass]

I'm still new to the Beale AFB area, and most of my forrays into the bass fishing world have been confined to the base, but if anyone lives in the area and wants to hook up for some fishing (and doesn't mind sharing tips and secrets!), give me a holler!

Frank

[fourbizz]

I live about a half an hour from you. Im not bass fishing these days, but youve got some local lakes that are good for numbers, if not neccesarily size.

Collins is very bankable. Lots of spots. Some good ones.

Camp Far West is also pretty bankable, and you will catch a ton of fish, but they will be little ones. There arent many guys on this board from our area, I will send you a message with a link to a local site where I am sure you will be able to find a backseat.

[Dad_Golf_Fish]

I'm about 40 minutes from you, although I'm at Beale most Sunday's with the family to play golf. I just got a new-to-me boat last week, so you might have just found a back seat! Maybe we can meet up at the golf course some time to plan an outing.

Collins and Bullards are the better areas around. Collins updates their web site every week with the last week's fishing action. From what I saw there last weekend, the bass are still holding off the shallows between 15-20ft. Water temp was low 60's for the most part. On the other hand, there wasn't much serious fishing going on in my boat. With the wife/child along, the new boat owner mishaps, and just a really late start, most of the fishing was in really bad times. Still, a 1-2 lb. bluegill is still a thrill for a 6yr. old.

Since fourbizz mentioned there aren't many from our area and your at my second home, I thought I'd register just to let you know we are here (plus all the great info I've read here in the last week or so). Just give me a shout and we'll work it out.

[tomac]

I live 10 min from Beale, my wife works there. I fish around here with a buddy pretty regularly. I have also fished Collins and Camp far west, but felt like someone should point out that they are both pay-to-play lakes. I also have fished on base, there are some similar size small lakes and ponds around the area that also produce bass, some on BLM land, and others on private. The rivers also produce some bass, advantages of these sorts of places are the fact that you don't have to pay to get in, advantage of course to places like Collins is that there are rules catering to fishermen, like no jet skis allowed there. It all depends on what you're looking for, either way I am more than happy to share what knowledge of the area I have, just let me know. The pic I included isn't much to brag about, but it came out of Collins last week.

[Dad_Golf_Fish]

Yeah, Collins does charge and they are about the most expensive around here ($11 vehicle + $8 boat), but they do have some decent fish. More size than quality. The trout are a bit on the "soft" side. Nice bass and bluegill though. I don't remember the cost for Bullards. Rollins and Scotts Flat are a lot cheaper. I like the no jet skis on Collins, but starting Memorial Day they will let the water skiers in.

Seems like we have a few of us around this area. I was looking for a decent bass club, but the closest I can find is Auburn and it seems they mostly hit the valley/delta areas. Think we can find enough of us to start a small group and maybe some friendly competition? Is there one around already that maybe I don't know about?

[tomac]

Yeah, Collins is unique having Bass and Trout, but it does come at a cost. Those soft trout are something you are spot on about, since the bass would just annihilate regular size trout planters, they are planting them big, over 5 lbs I've heard. And trout that grow that big on hatchery pellets don't have much toned muscle.

As far as a Bass Club goes, I have actually thought a lot of the same thoughts you have. I have looked around to see clubs in Sac and they are all over the place as far as their tournaments. There is a big tournament at Camp Far West May 16 (total side note), but a lot of them do some definite traveling. Local low-key competition would be fun. I think I'll ask around to some of the people I know, find out if there are any clubs already established in this area I'm not aware of, and if not get an idea how many people may be interested. There may be a need for one.

[Dad_Golf_Fish]

I like the way you think! I'll ask around my neck of the woods. I already know one person who would be interested (besides myself).

I haven't seen much of Beale, other than the road from the Grass Valley gate to the golf course. Of the two small lakes on the course, I see guys fishing the one on #7 from time to time, but I've never seen anything pulled out of there. Where do you fish on the base?

We just had a conversation over dinner tonight about where we're going this weekend. I was thinking Scotts, but it sounds like the Mrs. might want Collins. I know the little one won't complain if she gets ice cream again after. I just need to remember the camera this time. I want to get to Bullards soon, but I want to do that on a non-family trip and get semi-serious. Last outing I only had one pole in the water and the little one was in control of it. She did get two fish though.

By the way, since I have two live wells, and I catch and release anyway, is it some type of unwritten crime to use one of the live wells as a cooler? It would save some room on the boat.

[Beale_Bass]

Man, I'm carrying a vendetta against Collins right now, after two trips with nothing to show for it!  At least my wife doesn't mind going as long as we pick up some ice cream.

I'm trying to make it out to Oroville and Engelbright more often, so if you guys in the area want to fish, let me know!  DGF, I'll always take a back seat that's available!

I'll keep this board up to date with reports from fishing trips.

Frank

[Dad_Golf_Fish]

Isn't Oroville doing inspections now? I don't know why I should worry about it, but I would bet that as soon as I hauled out there...

Englebright is ok if you like trout, but for bass, not so much.

Beal_Bass - Yeah, the ice cream heals the skunk wounds.

The vote for tomorrow's outing site still hasn't been decided. I'll post details after the trip.

[tomac]

Glad to see so much activity on here, glad to see everyone's been fishing.  Just for the record, I got skunked the first two times I went to Collins- I think it's some sort of unwritten rule.  The lake fishes weird for bass though, I have to admit I've never heard of another lake where the bass seem like they won't touch a spinner bait?  Everything seems to be happening on swimbaits and roboworms.  I did hear of some good action out there on lizards the other day.  I like the YUM zellamanders, I'm going to try some today.  By the way I am heading out to Collins within the hour, so Dad Fish Golf, if you're out there today, keep an eye out for a couple of guys in a blue and white Bayliner Cobra bass boat.  It's a 19' with a center console, probably the most unique bass boat in the world, you can't miss it.

Anyhow I checked around the area and found one bass club that serves the Yuba City/ Marysville area, they call the selves the Bass Busters (not the only club with this name, FYI).  They don't have a website so I wasn't able to do any research there, I did get a phone number for the HFIC (head fisherman in charge), although I haven't had a chance to call it as I have been keeping some peculiar hours the last couple days while out of town on business.  Either way the guy's name is Lou Keller, number is 530-743-3254.  I am planning on calling him today, but if someone else beats me to it there's nothing wrong with that either.

Good day, good fishing guys- I'm outta here.

[Dad_Golf_Fish]

tomac - PM'ed.

[tomac]

Ok,

Since this whole talk of a fishing club started on this thread, I figured I should bring all the details back here for those interested to see.

I called the number I found for Bass Busters last night, turns out the gentleman I talked to is the treasurer, has been for nearly 20 years.  Real nice guy, and a club that is definitely well established, very organized with a system for what they do.  They are based out of Linda, Ca. and meet the first Thursday of each month at the Peach Tree restaurant on N. Beale Rd in Linda (Corner of Feather River Blvd).

The club fishes year round with their season starting November 1st, and going through the end of October.  Their annual membership dues are $75 and they hold a club tournament (only compete within the club) once a month which typically has a $35 entry fee.  He did mention that they are experimenting with a new format where they hold an all night tournament with two sessions- one 6pm to midnight, and a second 1am to 7am.  Fisherman can enter either or both, but the entry fee is $70.  He said it is a new idea and they are determining whether it will continue based on feedback from the club members after they hold the first one.

They vote annually to determine the schedule for the year, the destinations typically include (but are not limited to):

Comanche

Black Butte

Collins

Camp Far West

Oroville

Berryessa

The Sacramento Delta

and a two day end of season fish-off at Clear Lake.

Their club welcomes boat owners and non-owners alike.  They use a drawing system to pair up a non-owner to a boat each tournament.

They offer a trial of their club where after two tournaments a new member can decide the club is not for them and their annual dues will be refunded.  Entry fees for the tournaments, however, are NOT refundable.  This seems like a great opportunity for a non boat-owner to be able to fish Bass tournament style from the back seat of another guy's rig.

Anyone interested should simply show up to a meeting and meet everyone.  There is a banquet room at the Peach Tree which is where the meetings are held.

p.s. everyone please be understanding that I am not at this time a member of the club, and I do not speak on their behalf.  Although I am typically thorough, there is a chance that I am not accurate on some of these details, and the club is in no way responsible for my mistakes.

[Beale_Bass]

Tomac,

Do you have a time that they meet on those Thursdays?  Bass Busters sounds like something I'm going to have to get in on.

[tomac]

Oh Shoot!

Like I said, I might screw something up... I forgot the time, sorry.

7pm for the meetings.  If you read a couple messages up I listed the phone number for the guy I talked to.  he's the treasurer.

Good luck

[Beale_Bass]

Preciate it.  I'll be there on June 4th.  

[lipsticker]

I was stationed at Beale 1990-1994, and the fishing around the area is amazing. I really miss it. On base, if still allowed, get a float tube and fish the lakes! They are full of big bass. My best on base was 11 lb from (can't remember the name) the lake you have to get the gate key for. Fish a 4" power worm, blue or camo. Flip jigs with a power craw around the trees & tules. In Upper Blackwelder, fish the stumps, beaver houses, duck blinds, and tules. You can walk the creek behind the O Club from the dam down behind housing and catch lots of bass, bluegill, etc. I have a 7lb Lagemouth mounted that I caught on a ultralight and a roostertail from there. Just about all of the lakes, creeks, etc have lots of fish in them.

Salmon in the Feather River at the afterbay outlet is a blast when theyre in.

We used to park at the bridge over Collins and walk the banks for bass and trout.

I worked for a tounament company, West Coast Bass, that is no more. We did tournaments at all the big lakes, the Delta, etc. Clear Lake is a big bass pig pen. You can catch big catfish there all day long, just don't eat them. The Delta is fantastic. I would recomend going to both of these lakes with someone who is experienced in both. The Delta can be a dangerous place. I was 1st boat out in my first time there, and proceded to launch my boat off a barge wake.

My favorite place is out the Grass Valley gate. There is a shooting range about 1-2 miles from the gate. Go past that, over the bridge, stay left. Wind your way to another bridge, go left. Park at the gate, walk up the hill. It is about a mile to the pond. Fish this from a tube, cast rattle traps & rip them through the weeds, or frogs in the weeds.

Remeber these were all spots in 1995 that were hot. Watch out for Rattlesnakes, and have fun.

[Beale_Bass]

Lipsticker,

Frisky is the lake you need the key for, and my personal best bass was outta that pond.  I drag my float tube out there after work all the time, and it's always good fishing!

I didn't know you could fish that creek coming out of the dam, but I do now.  I'm going to have to check that out.  Same with the pond outside the Grass Valley gate.  As for fishing outside the base, I've done Oroville twice now, and I'm headed to Clear Lake in a few weeks.  

Did you ever try fishing the quarry ponds, near the concrete companies outside the Doolittle gate?

[lipsticker]

No, when I was there, you had to be someone or know someone to get into those ponds (that or take the chance of getting caught). There's enough good fishing there to last a lifetime. Another favorite spot of mine was Shanghi Bend on the Feather River. Shad, trout, steelhead, smallmouth, even a striper here & there

[Beale_Bass]

Man, you and me are gonna have to have some serious discussions.  Either that, or you'll have to write a Beale AFB Bass Fishing Guide!

I think I'll try the bend this weekend, if I find the time.  Frisky on base wears me out already!

[lipsticker]

You'll find trout at Shanghi in the channels cut in the clay bottom. Drift a single egg w/ a split shot through them. Steelies will also get in these cuts. Smallies are above the rapids in the big pool. Cast a spoon or spinner along the edges. Shad pile up below the falls. Use a curly tail crappie jig with enough weight to get it down to them.

We used to love to get up really early, and go to the afterbay outlet pool for King Salmon. I don't know if it's still open there for that, but you can catch some really big ones. My best was 29 pounds there. Throw a big #5 Mepps spinner out, let it sink to the bottom. Reel it in just off the bottom, and they slam them. Sharp hooks are key!

I had all the time in the world to fish then, i wasn't married with children!

[egoodie]

Well, I am pretty excited to have found this thread!!!

I live in Olivehurst, so I know Beale, YC, Marysville really really well... I know 3 places to catch tons of bass and catfish.  There are a few places off Hammonton-Smartville road, and there are also 3 ponds off Feather River Blvd, as well as lots of Shad and Salmon at Star Bend boat ramp.  

I only have 1 guy I go fishing with, and usually have been going about 3 nights a week.. Going to be doing a night fishing deal here pretty soon, there is a place out by Meridian which is off Highway 20 near Colusa in the Sutter By-Pass that has enormous catfish!

let me know if you want the exact locations, one of which is the California Gold Fields, near the Beale Gate there.  Alright!

Erik

[egoodie]

Did you ever try fishing the quarry ponds, near the concrete companies outside the Doolittle gate?

[HSinner]

I'm glad I came across this forum. I'll be arriving at Beale around the first of Oct. I was hoping there were some good spots to bass fish. I was never into fishing much, but since I've been home on leave I can cant stop. Right now I'm in south georgia and my father-in-law has taken me out a few times. He's caught a 13 pounder outta the lake we were in yesterday. No luck on the big boys, but we had a cooler full of 4-7 pounders. Good eatin'