The much needed rain has raised the lake level about five inches and it is expected to reach the zero mark on the Rumsey Gauge within a few days. In fact, some experts are predicting that the lake will rise to a foot above Rumsey within two weeks. If that happens, most of the public boat ramps such as the ones at Lakeside County Park and Redbud Park will reopen..
The stormy weather has kept all but the most hardy fishermen off the lake. There are parts of the lake that are muddy but most of the lake is in a very fishable condition. A few fishermen are having success using jumbo minnows in the clearer water in the south end of the lake, The fishermen are rigging them several ways. One method is to rig the minnow on a drop-shot rig with a 4-inch tag line. This allows the minnow to swim freely. Another method is to run a small hook through the lips of the minnow and attach a small split shot about 8 inches up the line and then free-line the rig. The split shot keeps the minnow from swimming to the surface. A third method is to use slip bobber. All three methods are very effective.
Typically two fishermen will use about two to three dozen minnows in a day’s fishing. The minnows cost $12 per dozen, but it can mean the difference between success and failure.
For those who prefer to use artificial lures, the lipless crankbait such as the LV500 made by Lucky Craft remains the top lure. It’s also an easy lure to fish. Just cast the lure out and once the lure hits the water give a short, hard jerk and then allow the lure to sink to the bottom. Repeat this action as you slowly reel in the lure. Many times a bass grabs the lure when it’s resting
motionless on the bottom. Other times the bass grabs the lure on the fall. On the fall, the lure resembles a dying shad as it flutters down. The LV500 has rattles which are so noisy that they can be heard buzzing all the way back to the boat.
Prior to the storm the docks at Library Park in Lakeport had been giving up a few bass and catfish. On Saturday, one fishermen caught three quality bass by casting a LV500 from the dock. Another fishermen caught a 15-pound catfish using a nightcrawler for bait.
With the exception of a couple of small team tournaments, most of the bass tournaments won’t be occurring until January. In other words, the lake will get a much-needed rest.
Catfish action remains steady and the more successful anglers are fishing in the deeper water using either nightcrawlers or live jumbo minnows. The catfish are in excellent condition with bright shiny skin and no sores.
Bluegill action has been decent for those who can locate the schools of fish. One area still producing a good number of bluegill is Shag Rock.
Trout action at Upper Blue Lake has slowed down. A few trout are being caught by trollers working the area near the Narrows. The lake hasn’t been stocked in nearly three weeks.
Clear Lake draws a few duck hunters and most of them are well behaved, but not always. Recently a pair of hunters were spotted hunting in the Anderson Marsh Historic State Park. The observer said the hunters were shooting at pelicans and osprey.
Not only is it illegal to hunt within the confines of the park but it is also illegal to shoot pelicans or osprey. This infraction carries hefty fines. The observer did call the local game warden who promptly showed up. What those hunters did not only broke the law but it gives legitimate hunters a bad reputation.
The fall wild turkey season closes Sunday. Overall the hunters have found the hunting to be good and they report seeing many wild turkeys in Lake County.
