A number of fishermen are concerned that the algae blooms are having an impact on the bass fishing at Clear Lake. The algae has now spread from the south end to the north end of the lake and most of the anglers say it has had a definite impact on the fishing.
The type of algae that is most common is the Lyngbya. That”s the algae that is long, stringy and yellow in color. The problem is this algae is now attaching itself to the floating weeds and creating large mats. The algae is also suspended from the surface to the bottom.
For example in North Lakeport the algae is so thick that many boaters are afraid to launch their boats. Several boaters have said the algae has been clogging up the water intakes on their engines.
Overall the bass fishing is only rated as fair, with most of the fishermen happy to catch and release 5-6 fish per day.
WON BASS held a team tournament on Sunday that drew 10 boats and only five weighed in limits. The winning team was Kevin Hall, of Middletown, and Jimmy Ghiroso, of Hidden Valley Lake, with 20.07 pounds. The best action has been the first hour after daylight and the last hour before dark. These have been the times when the bass have been actively feeding. Jigs and shallow running crankbaits have been the top lures.
What is surprising is the lack of a frog bite this summer. In past years, the weed mats would attract the bass and fishermen would have explosive fishing by casting a plastic frog to the mats, but not this year. For some reason the bass just aren”t concentrating under the mats.
I”m also convinced that the adult bass population is down considerably. Most of the experienced fishermen agree. This, and the thick algae, has been reflected in the fewer number of fishermen on the lake. Normally the parking lots at the launch ramps should have at least 20 boat trailers parked in them, but this summer the lots are virtually vacant.
Part of the lack of fishermen can be blamed on the economy but a lot has to do with the poor fishing and the condition of the lake.
Whereas the bass fishing is only rated fair, the catfish action has been rated as good; the only problem has been a lack of fishermen.
The Indian Beach Resort continues to provide very good catfish action for its guests. A few catfish are also being caught near Rattlesnake Island, Konocti Bay and in Horseshoe Bend. The successful fishermen are drifting cut bait or using either live crawdads or nightcrawlers.
A catfish derby is scheduled for Sept. 2-4 out of the Lakeport Yacht Club. The derby is sponsored by the Lakeport Yacht Club and the Lakeport Volunteer Fire Department. The entry fee is $50 for adults and $10 for children. Entry forms can be obtained at all the local tackle shops or by calling 279-1974.
The grebe population is starting to increase, which indicates that small bait fish are starting to appear. The small fish are the primary food for the grebes and good numbers of grebes are being seen between Lakeport and the state park. There have been only few baby grebes seen to date.
Trout action at Upper Blue Lake is poor to fair for those that are using downriggers to get their lures down to 30 feet. The Department of Fish and Game hasn”t stocked the lake for several weeks. Bass fishing remains very good with jigs or plastic worms the top lures.
Indian Valley Reservoir is still providing very good bass action. One fisherman visited the lake earlier this week and reported catching 15 bass by walking the shoreline near the dam and casting jigs and spinnerbaits. He said that he caught both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The catfish have also been biting as well as a few crappie.
