The Memorial Day weekend signals the official start of the summer fishing season and Clear Lake will be wall to wall with boats during the three-day holiday. In fact, a visit to one of the public ramps located around the lake makes one wonder how so many people can afford the $4 per gallon for gasoline to travel to Clear Lake.
The overall bass fishing is still not wide open on the lake. The winds and cooling temperatures have definitely slowed the action as most fishermen are working hard to catch seven to 10 fish per day.
One reason for the slower-than-normal action could be the fishing pressure and the clearer-than-normal water. On any given day the parking lots at the boat ramps are full of boat trailers. The water is also exceptionally clear for this time of the year and the aquatic weeds are already starting to reach the surface of the lake in many areas.
By far the best technique to catch a bass is by drop-shotting a plastic worm. Senkos are a close second. Both methods are producing a good number of smaller fish, the average weight per fish running about 2-3 pounds. A few larger bass are being caught on jigs in the deeper water in the south end of the lake.
Most of the bass have competed their spawning cycle and as is typical with post-spawn fish they are hard to catch. The trick to success is a slow retrieve. In other words, just inch your plastic worm along the bottom.
Catfish action is improving, especially in the Cache Creek area. Jumbo minnows are the top bait followed by cut bait and nightcrawlers.
Crappie action is still slow and only a few fishermen are having any success. From all indications the crappie fishing won”t improve much throughout the summer.
Trout action at Upper Blue Lakes has been good when the winds subside enough to allow anglers out on the lake. On most days this past week the winds have kept most of the fishermen off the lake. The lake will be stocked with trout next week. Bass action has been good at Lower Blue Lake.
Lake Pillsbury will be stocked with trout next week and the fishing should be good. The Memorial Day weekend traditionally brings out a lot of campers and the campgrounds are expected to be full for the holiday.
The East Branch of the Russian River will also be stocked with trout next week. This will be the first stocking since the opener a month ago.
The lake level at Indian Valley Reservoir continues to drop and the only action has been for bass. The few fishermen out for bass report excellent fishing. The best action has been near the dam.
There is still time to enter the Father”s Day essay contest. To enter, all you son or daughter has to do is write a letter of 300 words or less on why he/she wants to take their father, mother, grandparent or guardian fishing. The winning youngster and the adult receives a free fishing trip on Clear Lake with professional bass fisherman Mark Crutcher.
In addition, the winner receives a new fishing rod and reel and a tackle pack from the Tackle it tackle shop in Lakeport. Bruno”s Foods in Lakeport is providing lunch for the trip.
The contest is open to all youngsters who are in grades three through eight. Include your name, age, address, telephone number, grade in school and the person you want to take fishing. Only one entry per youngster and the entries must reach the Record-Bee no later than June 11.
Send the letter to Record-Bee Sports Editor, P.O. Box 849, Lakeport, CA 95453. E-mails can be sent RBSports@aol.com. The letter can be handwritten, typed or sent by e-mail. For more information on the contest call 263-5636, ext. 35.