Everyone in California has discovered houseboating! Fishermen houseboat so they can stay at the hot spots. Water skiers houseboat to get to remote areas. Families houseboat so Mom enjoys minimal amenities. So at times Lake Shasta and parts of the delta look like aquatic bumper cars. There's nothing wrong with that if you like crowds. If you do not, try a lesser-known lake, or consider an off-season, midweek visit or an extended weekend and you save money too. We most enjoy our old standby Delta, Shasta, Mead sites during the late fall and early spring when the fishing is best, the weather mild and crowds unlikely. Since most houseboats come complete with bedding, cooking gear, and linen, and since marinas stock food, you need bring only clothing, fishing tackle, and incidental items. The happy result is a low-key vacation sans the dubious joys of packing and unpacking each night. We know, we find houseboating an ideal way for friends or several generations in the same family to share vacations in coddled comfort.
The sheer variety of houseboat experience in and near California grows each year. We have tried rental and private houseboats on the California Delta, Trinity Lake, New Bullards Bar, Lake Oroville, Shasta Lake, Lake Mead and other waters. Add trips on Lake Mohave, the scenic 1,000 Islands section of the St. Lawrence, Lake Erie, Florida's St. John River and tidewater, Lake Texacoma and a number of other spots in the United States, Canada and Europe and you enjoy a wide range of choices. Delta Delights: Delta houseboating is different. In the East Delta you can rent pontoon boats and enjoy scenic anchorages such as the Meadows as well as shore tours in Locke, the only rural Chinese town in America. You get to play tag with container ships and sailboats, visit developing waterfronts and marinas and explore thousands of miles of waterways. Look for good black bass and seasonal striper, shad and salmon fishing. You can even, if your interest and gas budget permit, visit Sacramento, Stockton or Rio Vista waterfronts.
In the West Delta, winds whip up summer waters so many houseboats are V-hull stern drives that take fishermen out onto flooded Sherman Island. Watch for bridges and cable ferries as well as strong currents and winds. Fall visits are tops for weather and fishing. Some even chug down under the Martinez Bridge to explore the old town delights of Benicia -- check with your houseboat livery.
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