Local tackle shops are mystified concerning the lack of fishermen visiting Clear Lake. The conditions on the lake are perfect and the bass are biting, yet the lake is empty of boats for the most part.
“Compared to last year the conditions are 100-percent improved and the fishing is rated very good, but so far this summer we just haven”t seen the fishermen,” said Clear Lake Outdoors owner Dave Brabec.
The best action for bass continues to be the deeper water in the south end of the lake. Drop-shotting a plastic worm or Baby Brush Hog continues to be the top technique for landing bass up to 7 pounds. The bass have been holding on the rocky ledges in 15-20 feet of water. Areas such as Anderson Island, Rattlesnake Island and the deepwater docks near the old Konocti Harbor Resort have been kicking out good numbers of bass. A few fishermen are having success drop-shotting a live nightcrawler. Topwater action is still nothing to brag about but a few fishermen are having success working the edges of the weed mats.
The other major factor for the improved fishing, especially in the north end of the lake, is that the aquatic weeds are disappearing at a rapid rate. Areas choked with weeds just a few weeks ago are now clear for the most part. Water clarity is also improving all around the lake. I visited Indian Beach Resort in Glenhaven on Wednesday and the water conditions were perfect. Resort guests were swimming at the beach and others were catching bass, crappie and catfish from the docks.
The bass fishing in the north end of the lake is also slowly starting to improve. The fishing has been terrible in the Lakeport area to date this summer, however, a few fishermen are now having success working the docks with grubs and Senkos. The trick is to cast the lure deep beneath the dock into the shady areas.
Catfish action has been nothing short of outstanding for the few fishermen out after them. Cut mackerel and nightcrawlers have been the top baits. The best action is at Shag Rock and in Horseshoe Bend. Konocti Bay is also producing some decent catfish.
The Lakeport Yacht Club will be putting on its annual catfish derby Aug 23-25. The entry fee is $50 for adults and $15 for children. Entry forms are available at local tackle shops. Call 279-1974 for more information.
A few fishermen have been targeting crappie and are actually catching a few fish. Ken Taddie of Indian Beach Resort in Glenhaven said his guests are catching crappie by fishing at night. A few fishermen also report catching crappie near Shag Rock. The same area is producing some large bluegill.
Trout fishing on local waters is rated from fair to good. At the East Branch of the Russian River, fishermen who are putting in that extra effort are coming away with limits of rainbows. The river was stocked last week. At Upper Blue Lake, a few fishermen are having success by trolling at depths of 25-30 feet. The bank fishing has been slow. The good news is the bass fishing has been excellent for the few anglers after them. The bass are being caught on jigs, Senkos and by drop-shotting a plastic worm. The best areas have been near the Narrows and along Highway 20. The bass are ranging in size from 2-4 pounds.
There is no news out of Indian Valley Reservoir or Lake Pillsbury. The lake level at Indian Valley Reservoir is very low and launching anything but a small boat is nearly impossible. Even so, the lake offers excellent bass fishing. Lake Pillsbury still hasn”t been stocked with trout but the bass fishing and excellent camping opportunities make a trip to the lake worthwhile. For those who enjoy bird watching, the lake is full of nesting grebes although I have yet to hear of any chicks being seen. Hopefully the eggs will start hatching in the coming weeks. There have been reports of silverside minnows being seen, which is good news for the grebes as they supply the needed food for the birds.
