The algae blooms, weed growth and hot weather have had an impact on the bass fishing at Clear Lake.
The algae has now spread throughout the lake, and most of the anglers say they are having to cover a lot of water to find active fish. 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.
Overall the bass fishing is only rated as fair, with most of the fishermen happy to catch and release 5-6 fish per day. There have been times when the bass have been actively feeding with the best action early in the mornings.
Jigs and drop-shotting a plastic worm have been the top lures. The jig fishermen are finding success by flipping the jig into holes in the weed mats. The trick to success is to keep on the move.
Earlier this week, I fished near Long Tule Point and caught my fish by flipping a jig into the weed mats. The only problem was for the eight bass that I caught I pitched the jig into at least 100 holes.
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. The reason could be that there are so few baitfish holding under the mats.
The fishing pressure is also down considerably. Normally the parking lots at the launch ramps should have at least 10-15 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.
The Sunday bass shootout that has been going out of the Clear Lake Vista Resort (formally Ferndale) has switched to the Konocti Vista Casino with the fishing hours changed from 6 a.m. to noon. There will be a tournament this weekend.
BBT will hold a team tournament on Saturday out of Redbud Park in Clearlake. The weigh-in will start at approximately noon. That tournament is expected to draw at least 50 boats.
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.
Good numbers of catfish are being caught near Rattlesnake Island and the entrance to the Clearlake Oaks Keys. A few catfish are also being caught in Konocti Bay, Shag Rock and in Horseshoe Bend. The successful fishermen are drifting cut bait or using either live crawdads or nightcrawlers.
A catfish derby is scheduled for August 24-26 out of the Lakeport Yacht Club. The derby is sponsored by the club. The entry fee is $50 for adults and $15 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, and boaters are asked to stay away from the nesting birds. They will abandon their eggs if bothered.
Trout action at Upper Blue Lake is rated good 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.
The East Branch of the Russian River was stocked with trout this week and the fishing should be excellent for the weekend.
Indian Valley Reservoir is still providing very good bass action. One fishermen visited the lake earlier this week and reported catching 15 bass by working 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. The fishing pressure has been very light.
