Bass fishermen at Clear Lake continue to struggle with huge weed beds and a dropping lake level. As of Thursday, the lake level was 3.03 feet on the Rumsey Gauge. Actually, the fishing area has shrunk to about three-fourths the size of the lake.
For example, the entire north end of the lake from Lakeport to Rodman Slough is little more than a giant weed bed that extends more than a mile out into the lake. In many areas it”s so bad that outboard motors are becoming fouled with weeds.
Most of the fishermen are concentrating their efforts in the south end of the lake where the fishing has been rated good but not great. The big problem is because of the limited areas where you can fish there are normally several boats working the same area. In other words, the fishing pressure has been intense, especially on weekends.
The topwater action that had been going on all day a few weeks ago is now limited to the first two hours after daylight and the last hour before dark. The buzzbait is still being the most successful lure.
During the middle of the day, most of the fishermen are either casting jigs or drop-shotting. Without a doubt a jig is one of the most effective lures in the tackle box. To a bass the jig resembles a crawfish, which is one of their favorite foods. Most of the fishermen attach a trailer to the jig to give it more action, and one of the best trailers is the Paca Chunk made by NetBait. This thing looks and acts like a living creature and the bass just gobble it up. A pack of eight costs about $3 and they can be purchased at any of the local tackle shops.
The jig should be either cast or pitched over the rocks or back in the weed mats and allowed to fall. When it hits the bottom just gently lift the tip of your fishing rod. When a bass grabs a jig all you will usually feel is a slight tap. That”s the time to set the hook. It is one of the easiest lures to fish. Some fishermen are finding success dropping the jig down in the holes in the weed mats.
Now that hydrilla has been found again in the lake, fishermen are cautioned to be sure and clean all the weeds off their boats and trailers before leaving the parking lot. Hydrilla can spread very easily to other bodies of water or even around the lake. If it gets established, it will cost millions of dollars to eradicate.
100 Percent Bass is holding a rookie team tournament on Saturday. The tournament goes out of Lakeport and the weigh-in starts at approximately noon. The local Wednesday evening shootout will go out of Lakeside County Park next week. The entry fee is $20 per person with a $10 option. Only one fish per angler can be weighed in. To enter, just show up at the county park at 5 p.m.
One of the most popular bass tournaments held on Clear Lake is the Bob”s Marine, Champion-Stratos-Javeline team tournament. That tournament takes place Sept. 6-7 out of Konocti Vista Casino, Resort and Marina. All proceeds go to the Make A Wish Foundation.
To enter the tournament you must be the owner of a Champion, Stratos or Javelin bass boat. Call (209) 551-2165 for more details.
Catfish action is still very slow. One problem has been the heavy weed growth that has stymied the fishermen. The best action has been at night. A few crappie are being caught in the deeper water in the south end of the lake, but it”s hardly worth the effort.
No local waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout this week. Both Upper Blue Lake and the East Branch of the Russian River won”t be stocked until next month.
The opening weekend of the Zone A deer season saw very few bucks taken. In fact, most of the hunters didn”t even see a buck. The hunter numbers were also down considerably. The B-zone deer archery season opens Saturday.
The Fish and Game Commission has set the waterfowl season for 2008-09.
In Lake County and the Sacramento Valley, the season opens Oct. 18 and runs through Jan. 25, 2009. The daily limit is seven birds per day, which may contain all mallards but no more than one hen. One pintail, two redheads and two scaup can be part of the seven-bird daily limit. No canvasbacks will be allowed this year.
