1980 | Delta-Mendota Canal
It appears unlikely, but this was a promising place to put out your line. The water in this section had indeed been screened at the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in the fishracks, but tiny fingerlings and some eggs made the trip through the low-lift pumps and were thriving in the canal. So fishing was encouraged to bring the striped bass and other species out before they had to contend with the next series of pumps and distribution systems downstream. Do watch your footing though; the canal banks are steeply sloped and gravelly, the concrete lining walls slick with algae, and you will need to tread water and drift along the side until safety escape ladders or last-resort buoyed lines come near your hands.
▷ At the time of this picture, there was a State Police officer patrolling in a light plane, low and slow in an aerobatic Citabria, just in case someone tried to make trouble or get into it. My foundation letter led to a congressman’s introduction to the state water agencies, and a phone call got me a superb ride and a great conversation with a fine pilot.