Briones/USL

mopro · Post by **mopro** » Tue May 16, 2006 6:21 pm

I'm looking for a partner to fish with at Briones and/or Upper San Leandro. I night fish at Briones and fish USL during the day. I went to Briones a few nights back by myself but would like someone for safety reasons and for more fun (and to snap pictures of 6lb smallmouth). If you've fished there before or are interested let me know. Park Rangers need not inquire

Mo

Fish Chris · Post by **Fish Chris** » Tue May 16, 2006 7:05 pm

not sure how many of the forum members here know that both of these lakes are completely off limits to the general public.

I know a bunch of guys that have snuck on there and caught lots of nice bass to 8 lbs, but the funny part is, nearly ever "legal" place available to us, especially the ones that stock trout, produce a larger top end size anyway, which is where I place my focus.

I'd rather catch the "biggest" fish, than the "easiest" fish. Also, it's a lot easier to fish 3 days a week, when I'm not in jail.

Fish

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Tue May 16, 2006 7:30 pm

Fish Chris is absolotuely correct, both ponds are completely illegal to fish and the consequences can be severe, even for youths.

sTony

Johnny C · Post by **Johnny C** » Tue May 16, 2006 8:30 pm

Ahhhhh Tony, to be young and daring again!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bassinboys · Post by **Bassinboys** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:42 am

Hey Mopro...you are getting my adrenaline rushing just mentioning usl, or the other one, which I don't even call by its real name. I used to float USL, and fish Briones during the day. And this is less than 2 years ago

Biggest Smallies in Cali reside in Briones, no doubt about it.

Hey Fish Chris...thanks for letting everyone know these guys are illegal, I am sincere. These aren't lakes to mess around in. Over $1000 in fines can prove it!

Mopro...call me. I'm over in San Leandro, work off of Redwood road. I'll be your wing man. Just get ready to run when you hear the ghetto bird.
(510)703-3996

Hey Fish...did you doctor up my big girl yet? dying to see it on Trophy Bass.

Ben

mopro · Post by **mopro** » Wed May 17, 2006 9:19 am

I've never been caught at either place, but I'm probably due $1,000 in tickets and wouldn't complain after all the enjoyment those lakes have provided. One thing about it is the beauty of these lakes even though they are so close to dense populations -- they've been untouched for years and it shows.
Ben - Float tubing USL is VERY aggressive. I'll give you a call later this week to discuss. I live in Alameda and Lafayette, so we're close by.

Fish Chris · Post by **Fish Chris** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:14 pm

I certainly can't say that I never snuck onto a place or two as a kid..... but read this closely: "There is a reason they call it the WORLD WIDE WEB ! You just never know who might be watching your post. It could be guys in charge of keeping people off of places like these..... or it could be some jellous idiots that are always just dying to rat out guys like you that are just out to have some (of what you feel is) innocent fun.

But either way, on a parting word, let me just offer you this challenge. Try and bring a camera, and a scale. And after a trip or two, send me a photo of the biggest fish (or the biggest 5 of them even) and I'll bet you I caught bigger ones (this week even.... maybe even 2 hours ago !

at one of the most hammered public lakes you will find in Nor Cal

......and never once did I have to look over my shoulder.

Peace,
Fish

Blue_R70 · Post by **Blue_R70** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:45 pm

Fish Chris wrote:.....and never once did I have to look over my shoulder.

Yea, but where's the fun in that? Such a do-gooder!

mopro,

As long as you're making your less-than-legal exploits public, you may as well try sneaking into Crystal Springs Reservoir across the Bay if you haven't already done so. SF City employees/officials seem to have a ball there...

Another thing to try: dump a bassboat into Lake Merced in the middle of the night (yes, it can be done!)

mopro · Post by **mopro** » Wed May 17, 2006 4:11 pm

I didn't think talking about it on the board would be much of an issue. Anybody trying to catch me fishing there would be wasting their time and tax payer dollars. I'm not poaching (strictly catch and release), I don't litter, and I only follow trails so there's no errosion factor.

Fish Chris -- I'll take you up on that and keep you posted on the results. I have a new digital camera I'd like to tryout.
Blue -- You're my boy! Crystal Springs looks amazing, but I hear the fish are on the smaller side. Are you interested in a trip?

Mopro

Blue_R70 · Post by **Blue_R70** » Wed May 17, 2006 6:58 pm

mopro wrote:Blue -- You're my boy! Crystal Springs looks amazing, but I hear the fish are on the smaller side. Are you interested in a trip?

Ha ha...I don't think my old/out of shape self can take all that traipsing around in the dark with a float tube and tackle strapped to my back. Thanks for asking! It's always fun reading about other guys' afterdark exploits into No Man's Land though...

Good luck and watch out for the Man!