Bass action on Clear Lake is moving into high gear. As the water warms the bass are becoming more active and are chasing shad. Most of the fishermen are having little trouble catching 15 to 30 fish per day.
A good example was Kelseyville angler George Hill. Hill said earlier this week he caught 17 bass in a space of less than three hours by using a Carolina Rig and fishing the tules in the north end of the lake.
The Carolina Rig is one of the oldest bass fishing methods around. It was extremely popular before drop-shotting and a few anglers still use it today. It”s extremely simple to use and even a novice fisherman can catch bass with it.
A medium-action spinning rod or casting rod is used. A sliding sinker is attached to the line and then a barrel swivel is attached. Some fishermen use a bead but it”s not required. A 24- or 36-inch leader is then attached to the swivel. At the end of the leader the hook is attached and plastic worm is rigged weedless. The rig is cast back in the tules and retrieved very slowly so that the worm just slides along the bottom.
A quicker method that accomplishes the same thing is “split-shotting,” where a worm weight is pegged with a tooth pick and the weight is slid up the line about 24 inches from the hook.
Both the north and south ends of the lake are producing good numbers of fish. There has been a decent topwater bite early in the mornings and the last hour before dark. The top lures have been either a Skitter Pop or a plastic frog.
Crappie fishing continues to be good in the south end and only fair in the north end. The best area this past week has been the docks near Luebow Point.
The crappie action has really slowed down compared to a year ago. A look at my notes for June and July of 2005 show that catches of 100 fish per day were common and the action was good all around the lake. This year a good day is when you can catch 25 to 50 fish and most people are happy to catch 15 crappie.
Huge bluegill are still being caught at just about any location. All that is needed is a spinning rod, and either red or meal worms and a bobber. Fish the tules near the docks.
Catfish action for small catfish has been good in the south end of the lake. Cache Creek has been one of the better areas.
There have been a number of reports of lakeside home owners seeing large globs floating in the water resembling jelly fish. According to Department of Fish and Game senior biologist Rick Macedo, these globs are likely threadfin shad egg masses.
Shad will spawn throughout the summer as long as the water temperature stays mild. They spawn by rushing at the shoreline and at the last moment turning and spewing their eggs. The eggs have a sticky substance and will adhere to weeds or any object and even float. The eggs are often found on the bottom of boats and the lower units of outboard motors.
Trout, kokanee and bass are being caught at Indian Valley Reservoir. The kokes are ranging from 12 to 15 inches and are holding at a depth of 40 to 50 feet, so downriggers are needed. The best trout action has been from mid-lake to the north end. Bass, both largemouth and smallmouth are being caught all over the lake.
The East Branch of the Russian River was scheduled to be stocked with trout this week. Upper Blue Lake won”t be stocked again until the week of July 10.
Striped bass are still being caught in Lake Mendocino. The best action has been early in the mornings when the stripers boil on the surface. Topwater lures like the Zara Spook have been taking most of the stripers.
The ocean bottom fishing season off Fort Bragg opens Saturday and the fishing should be good. Salmon action is rated fair to good.
