Catfishermen will be out in force this weekend as the Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven Catfish Derby gets under way at noon today. The derby ends at noon Sunday and the award ceremonies starts at 1 p.m. at the Clearlake Oaks Firehouse.
Fishermen are reminded they have until 11 p.m. tonight to enter the derby. Call 998-1006 for more information. Limit Out Bait and Tackle in Clearlake Oaks will be open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. today and Saturday and until noon Sunday for fishermen who want to purchase catfish baits and other fishing tackle.
Weather will play a major role in the success of the anglers in the derby. Rain and cool weather is in the forecast for the weekend, which could have an impact on those fishing from boats, especially if there is wind. Regardless of the weather, the derby will still field some 400 fishermen and the winner will take home $4,000 in cash.
The good news is catfish are being caught and the best areas have been in the Clearlake Oaks Arm near Rattlesnake Island, the Clearlake Oaks Keys and the shoreline at Glenhaven. Horseshoe Bend also has been producing some decent action as has the shoreline near the old Konocti Harbor Resort. The bigger catfish are being caught on jumbo minnows fished near the bottom. Cut mackerel has been taking quite a few catfish, too.
Most of the fishermen predict it will take at least a 25-pounder to win the derby. Each fisherman is allowed to weigh in only one catfish at a time. If he catches a larger one, that one will replace his/her previous best weight.
On the bass fishing scene, the fishing has been excellent one day and slow the next and the reason for that is the unsettled weather. Most of the bass have now either finished spawning or are still on the beds. A number of fishermen have reported seeing schools of small bass fry in the shallows. There also have been some large females caught in the deeper water just off the tules.
Typically the females will stay near the nests for a day or two after they released their eggs and then will move off into the deeper water. The males guard the eggs and fry for a several days before the fry move off and start to feed. The good news is the high water this year has allowed the bass fry to move into the tules and other weeds and stay hidden from predators such as bluegill and crawfish.
The annual PG&E team bass tournament will be Saturday and Sunday and operates out of the Konocti Vista Casino. Weigh-in times are 2 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday. The tournament is expected to draw about 30 boats.
The Clear Lake Outdoors Tackle Shop, located on Soda Bay Road in Lakeport, has new summer hours in place. The shop opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Hours Sunday are 7 a. from 7 a.m. to noon on Sunday.
A few crappie continue to be caught near Shag Rock and off the docks at the Indian Beach Resort. The best action has been at night and crappie have been weighing from 1-2 pounds, with an occasional 3-pounder.
Trout action should be excellent this weekend at the East Branch of the Russian River. The stream is scheduled to be stocked this week and will be stocked again next week. Most of the successful fishermen have been casting a small Panther Martin spinner in the deeper pools. At Upper Blue Lake the best action has been for trollers working the middle of the lake and fishing at a depth of 10-15 feet. Bass fishing continues to improve although there have been very fishermen out after them. The best action has been the shoreline between the Pine Acres Resort and the Narrows Resort. Drop-shotting a plastic worm has been the best lure.
Lake Pillsbury is kicking out a few trout and the bass fishing has been excellent. In fact, the outstanding bass fishing is the lake”s best-kept secret and bass 3-8 pounds have been common. Indian Valley Reservoir is also providing some excellent bass fishing and even an occasional trout. Both smallmouth and largemouth bass are being caught with the best smallmouth action being near the dam on jigs. Even a few crappie are being caught.
