True Crime Adventures – Hansen Dam – “Snake”

So it’s 10:45 Sunday morning and Snake said he would be there at 10. I’m in the lot below the new construction site next to a guy who was working on his truck. I was considering heading out on my own when the phone rang. It was Snake. He was 2 blocks away, and now on foot. He said something about his old lady giving him a hard time about fishing and he apparently got out of the car and began walking to Hansen. When he arrived he was in full regalia. Black shirt, Camo pants, backpack and rod. He had advised me to wear the same but all I had were black shorts and shirt… good enough for now. I shook his hand and we set out towards the dam. We walked completely around the backside of the property and even climbed to the top of the dam to get around a deep river outlet area. Lot’s of rain this year. When we were at the top of the dam, Snake spotted a snake. He called it a Corn Snake. He really lives up to his name.

We eventually entered the swamp and reached the lake. It’s a giant sandy beach, truly beautiful. We were directly across from the spot I got caught at previously. We could see the lifegaurd and he could see us. He was just not motivated enough to come all the way out and get us. It was great looking at his sorry, lazy ass over there. Snake had delivered on his first claim. He said we would not be caught. But we failed on the part about not getting skunked.

I fished a drop-shot roboworm and Snake fished a shad lure as well as other top water swim baits. We saw no action. Not even a tap. I can only imagine that we were there at the wrong time. It was straight up 12 noon by the time we first cast. There are several stream inlets here that should attract fish as they deliver food to them. I think we were outdone by the time of day.

As we hiked out we discussed various US government conspiracy theories. Always good hiking conversation. I gave Snake a ride home to the valley and then picked up some nice carne asada from ROE-ZEES in Tujunga then went home and had myself a BBQ.

True Crime Adventures – Hansen Dam – UPDATE- “Making Contact”

About a week after my original post I received a private message from a ninja inviting me to join him on a mission to Hansen Lake. He goes by the name “Snake” and claims to know the best spots and more importantly, how to evade “The Man”.  Stay tuned for more.

True Crime Adventures – Hansen Dam

I decided it was time to fish the actual lake at Hansen Dam. I usually invite my brother when I fish, but this time I was going solo. He is a cop and I was planning on breaking the law. No need to get him involved.

I have often gazed upon the lake below the concrete pond and thought, “If I am going to get skunked anyway, I might as well do it on a proper body of water”. There is nothing more depressing that getting no bites while fishing in a square water container with a lifeguard watching my every move.

So I premeditated my crime and packed everything I needed in my backpack and drove to the park. I turned right instead of left and went as far as I could before fences closed the road. I parked the truck and slipped into the brush with my rod and backpack as stealthily as possible. After walking for literally miles through the swamp I eventually found my way to the actual lake. Bear in mind that I could have walked directly to it if I parked in the first lot. But I was committing a crime and wanted to sneak in from the back! Much more exciting, if not stupid.

On my hike through the swamp I found a rustic campsite, no doubt made by the locals. There were empty cans of bud light, a used condom hanging from a log and a pair of torn pink undies hanging from a branch. Wow. “What a fantastic place to drink and ****”, I thought. She must have been hot.

When I finally reached the lake I was surprised at the beauty and peacefulness. I found a small opening where I had just enough room to toss my line out in a half-assed fashion. My rig was home grown earthworms from my city provided (Glendale) compost bin with a barrel weight and swivel 3ft up the line. I was certain that I would be slamming fish within minutes. I was disappointed when nothing happened, but not surprised. At one point a huge fish that looked like a carp leaped out of the water just out of my casting range and belly flopped back in. Almost as if to spite me.

I made the decision to move to a better spot, and started to move through the brush when I heard the ATV engine in the distance. I quickly got down and paused motionless as I heard the vehicle drive down the dirt path just above me. No doubt, this was “The Man” hunting me like an animal. After he passed it seemed safe so I ventured on. As I ducked under branches and made my way to the opening by the dirt path I heard loud talking and laughing nearby. I froze and turned slightly to see the ATV and its passengers parked in an opening on the lake. I was about 50ft behind them. They did not see me. I slowly crept back to cover and waited, hoping they would leave. But they didn’t. They laughed and talked loudly. I could not make out a word they were saying. It was annoying and I was trapped.

I decided to wait them out. Eventually, after about 30 minutes, I heard the ATV start up and drive back down the path above me. I laid low for a moment, and then made my move. When I arrived at the opening I was excited. There was more than enough room to cast and there was even a lifeguard rescue surfboard nearby in case of I needed to paddle out and free my line from a branch. Just as I cast for the first time, I again, heard the ATV behind me.

My soul was crushed and I felt great panic. For a moment, I thought of running into the brush, but I had had enough. I simply stood there and continued to fish until the lifeguard pulled up, by himself this time, and informed me that I was not allowed to fish on the lake. So I left. I walked back to my truck, which was at least a mile away now, and drove home, skunked again. I have unfinished business at this place and I fear that I must return some day.