AUGUST 23RD, 2003 MT SHASTA SKI PARK 1PM TO 5PM * 530-926-8600

Castle Crags is almost surreal! What an amazing uprising of volcanic wonder. Did you know Joaquin Miller lived right below these crags in the 1850's? He left his parents in Eugene, Oregon to come down to California in search of the gold fields. Little did he know he would become one of the most famost authors to ever live. His original name was Cincinnatis Hiner Miller, (I would change my name, too!!). He later married a Wintun Indian and had a daughter named Shastina.

Hey everyone this is Craig Ballenger a famous local author that has written the book, Shasta Head Waters. This is a wonderful book loaded with information and history on the Upper Sac, the area and the characters that played a role in it's development. This is a must get book if your into the Mt Shasta scene as far as history and fishing goes. He'll even sign a copy for you! Call him at 530-926-5556 for your own signed copy of Craig's book. Craig has lived here all his life and is a big asset in regards to the documentation of history in this area.

I decided to take a road trip to visit my friend Jim Bansemer, a Klamath River guide who takes people up the mouth of the Klamath to fish for Sea Run Steelhead and to catch the Salmon that enter the mouth of the Klamath from the Ocean. I decided to take the long route down hwy 96 pass Somes Bar. On the way I passed the Salmon River and thought you'd like this pic.

This is where the Salmon River dumps into the Klamath, down by Somes Bar. The river is only open from Novemeber 1st through February 28th and there is a ZERO BAG LIMIT. So, go to fish not to keep; there's a reason this river is protected. It needs your help.

Here's the Trinity River near Willow Creek off Hwy 96 and 299. Down stream from here the Trinity dumps into the Klamath River at Weitchpec. As I made my way onto Hwy 101, my anticipation of catching Steelhead grew larger and I realized what a special adventure this had become. I continued my journey towards the town of Klamath to see Jim and get ready for the morning boat ride up the Klamath River!

The next morning we left from Jim Bansemer's R.V. park located right near the mouth of the ocean, on the Klamath River. We took his professional jet boat for a 20 minute ride up to the Blue Creeks. On the way we saw this black bear probably down to get a drink or he was smelling something fishy? The ride was awesome and I suggest you call Jim to set up your own adventure! 541-661-0398 Gold River outfitters, Klamath,Califonia. Steelhead or Salmon Trips.

We made it to our destination after a short scenic ride up a frosty canyon at 6:00 am in the morning. Shasta and I were very excited for what the day had to offer and Jim made us breakfast right from his boat kitchen! Later, He also gave us some smoked Salmon and it was the best I've ever tasted!

When we first got there I got several Steelhead on but couldn't managed to keep on any? Jim had to show me how it was done and smoothly fought and landed a healthy half pounder with Shasta as his guide!

Look at how silver the Steelhead are at the mouth of the Klamath! We realized it was still a little early for the main run but it didn't matter, the experience was priceless. Besides, I still went home with a 25 lb Salmon I bought in town and boy was it good!! ** Please catch and release all wild Steelhead. It's the law**

This was wonderful riffle to hang out on and catch Steelhead half pounders. In another month the run will be in and the occasional adult will grab your fly!

This was the icing on the cake for me! On this trip I saw the Salmon River dump into the Klamath then I saw the Trinity dump into the Klamath and finally the Klamath dumping into the ocean. The waters of the North State are incredible, hope you have time to see them too!**MANY RIVERS TO YOU, JACK TROUT** NEXT WEEK MOUNTAIN LAKES, UPPER SAC AND MORE!!!!

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