Lake County will be a busy place this weekend as the Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven annual catfish derby, a pro/am bass tournament, a float tube bass tournament and a trap shooting contest all are taking place.
The catfish derby kicks off noon today and will draw most of the contestants as more than 500 fishermen are expected. The derby runs until noon on Sunday.
In addition to the catfish derby, Angler”s Choice will hold a two-day pro/am bass tournament, the Bass N Tubes hold its Clear Lake Open, and the Lake County Rod and Gun Club hosts a two-day trap shoot at its range at Highland Springs.
Weather will be a major factor in the catfish derby and this is especially true for the night fishermen. There is a chance of rain for both Saturday and Sunday, which could produce south winds. If that happens, it will make the fishing uncomfortable. The good news is that in the past few weeks some huge catfish have been caught near Cache Creek and Rattlesnake Island.
The winning catfish weighed 25.5 pounds last year and it took more than 21 pounds to finish in the top 20.
Bass fishermen will also be out in force as Angler”s Choice holds a two-day pro/am tournament. The float tubers will also hold a two-day tournament out of M&M Campground in Clearlake Oaks.
Overall the bass fishing on the lake has been tough. Most of the fishermen say they are working hard to put a few fish in the boat. The problem is that massive balls of shad are everywhere and all a bass has to do is open its mouth to get a meal. The majority of the bass are still on the spawning beds and the successful fishermen are sight fishing for them. However, a problem is that the water clarity is poor and seeing the fish has been a problem.
Crappie action has been fair to good in the south end of the lake, but slow in the north end. A good day is when a fisherman can catch 10 fish.
There continues to be reports of dead crappie being seen at various locations around the lake. Most of these crappie are adults and why they have died is unknown. It could be from the stress caused by spawning.
Crappie live only four to five years and these adult fish could also have died from old age.
Trout action has been fair to good at Upper Blue Lake. ?Trollers continue to have most of the success working the middle of the lake. The lake will be stocked next week. Bass fishing continues to be good.
The East Branch of the Russian River was scheduled to be stocked this week and should be worth a try for the weekend. The stream has been stocked on a regular basis since the trout season opened two weeks ago.
Trout, bass and kokanee are biting at Indian Valley Reservoir. The trout are ranging in size from 14 to 20 inches and Cripplures or a Needlefish have been the top lures. A few kokanee are starting to show up near the dam. Bass fishing has been excellent, with 30 fish per day being common.
Ocean salmon season off Fort Bragg remains very slow. Most of the party boats have been averaging less than a fish per rod.
The Lake County Rod and Gun Club will host a two-day trap shoot Saturday and Sunday at the Highland Springs range. Club members will have a shoot on Saturday. On Sunday, several ?clubs from Mendocino, Napa and Sonoma counties will hold a competition.
There will also be a barbecue on Sunday for $7. The public is invited to watch the meets. The range is located next to the Highland Springs County Park on Highland Springs Road, just south of Lakeport. For trap shooters this is an excellent club and the dues are only $30 per year.
