Bass fishermen at Clear Lake continue to struggle although a few are doing well. The bass are still on the spawning beds and are extremely spooky.
The other problem is that in many areas the water is cloudy, which is preventing anglers from seeing the fish on the spawning beds.
Most of the fishermen are catching from five to 10 fish per day. Jumbo minnows and live crawdads (if you can get them) have been the top two methods of catching the spawning fish. A few bass are also being caught on jerkbaits and by drop-shotting a plastic worm.
Several fishermen have reported spotting some monster-sized bass on the spawning beds but can”t get them to grab a lure.
Crappie action continues to be a hit-or-miss affair. The south end of the lake near Redbud Park has been one of the better areas, but even here the action has been nothing to brag about.
There have been reports of dead crappie and bluegill turning up in the Clearlake Oaks Keys. A Department of Fish and Game fishery biologist says the problem is most likely a lack of oxygen. The water back in the Keys has little movement and the warm weather causes oxygen depletion.
Catfishermen will be out in force this weekend prefishing for the upcoming annual Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven Catfish Derby. The derby is scheduled forMay 19-21 and more than 500 fishermen are expected to compete for the grand prize of a new boat, motor and trailer, plus cash prizes.
The entry fee is $40 per person and entry forms can be obtained at most of the local tackle shops.
Overall the catfish action has been a little slow but that should change as the catfish begin to spawn. Channel catfish spawn when the water temperature reaches 70 degrees.
Lake County has a new tackle shop. Clear Lake Bait and Tackle, located at 14699 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, is now open for business. The shop will be open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will carry a complete line of bass fishing tackle and gear as well a crappie, catfish and trout equipment.
Live bait such as jumbo minnows and nightcrawlers will also be available. The owner, Jeff Billings, is an experienced bass tournament fisherman. The telephone number at the shop is 994-4399.
The East Branch of the Russian River was scheduled to be stocked with trout this week. Spinners, flies and nightcrawlers should all work. To reach the fishing area, take the Potter Valley Road off Highway 20. There are a number of places where you can park and hike down to the river.
Trout action has been only so-so at Upper Blue Lake. Most of the fishermen are working hard to catch a five-fish limit. Trollers are having the most success.
Bass fishing has been excellent, with catches of 20 to 40 fish per day being common. The bass are spawning and plastics like the Brush Hog cast tight to the bank have been producing bass to 7 pounds.
Indian Valley Reservoir continues to kick out limits of bass and trout. The trout are ranging in size from 1-3 pounds and the best action has been in the north end of the lake.
Bass are being caught everywhere. Jigs and drop-shotting a plastic worm being the top methods. What is surprising are the number of smallmouth bass being caught.
At Lake Pillsbury, it”s the bass that are drawing most of the fishermen. The lake is in prime condition and the bass are on the spawning beds. The lake is scheduled to be stocked with trout during the week of May 22-26.
The ocean salmon fishing off Fort Bragg is still very slow. The party boats are averaging less than a fish per rod.
The private boaters are doing slightly better, but it”s still nothing to brag about.
The special archery spring wild turkey season closes on Sunday. Overall the hunting has been rated fair for the bowmen. Most of the hens are now sitting on eggs and the toms have stopped gobbling.
