A number of fishermen are wondering why the aquatic weeds on Clear Lake are starting to disappear so early. Whereas a few weeks ago the weeds extended all along the shoreline and all the way out to the middle of the lake, this week the weeds are pretty much gone and even the algae has begun to disappear.
While the weeds usually last until well into August and even September, this year the weed growth started at least two months early because of the hot weather and low lake level. Aquatic weeds have a life cycle and once they reach maturity and produce seeds, the plants die. It appears that is what is happening at Clear Lake. The disappearance of the weeds in the middle of the lake wasn’t caused by spraying, rather it is a natural occurrence.
The other good news new is the bass fishing continues to improve each day. According to Troy Bellah of the Clear Lake Outdoors Tackle Shop in Lakeport, the reports he is receiving from his customers is that the bass action is rated very good overall. The only downside is the hot weather, which has been brutal during midday. Bellah says to fish early and late and stay off the lake during the hottest part of the day.
According to Bellah, the trick to success is to keep on the move and cover a lot of water until you locate active fish. The top lures have been chatter baits, small and square-billed crank baits, jigs and drop-shotting a plastic worm. Senkos rigged “wacky” style also have been effective. A few fishermen are having success casting a plastic frog to the small weed patches. Some of the more productive areas have been in the Clearlake Oaks Arm and off Redbud Park. Konocti Bay and Jago Bay are giving up a few fish as well. Henderson Point and Horseshoe Bend also have been giving up decent numbers of bass.
Another good area has been the shoreline along Windflower Point. The action in the north end has been slow although a few fishermen have been successful fishing around Rocky Point. Overall the water clarity ranges from semi-clear in the south end to a slightly green color in the north end.
Catfish are being caught at just about every location around the lake and one of the better areas is Henderson Point. Lakeside County Park as well as the State Park are also producing catfish. Live nightcrawlers or cut mackerel have been the top baits. Many of the successful fishermen are rigging the nightcrawlers drop-shot style and slowly drifting. Crappie and bluegill fishing remains very slow.
Fishermen are reminded of the Lakeport Yacht Club’s annual catfish derby, which is scheduled for Aug. 28-30. The entry fee is $50 per adult and $15 per child younger than 16. The deadline to enter is 9 p.m. on Aug. 28. There will be cash and other prizes. Call 279-1974 for more information.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DWF) website states that the East Branch of the Russian River and Upper Blue Lake were stocked with trout last week. There is a question if the Russian River actually got stocked. Several fishermen have been to the stream and have all come up empty. In fact, they report the stream is very low and they didn’t get a single bite. The DFW does take stream temperature readings and if the water is too warm they won’t stock it. At Upper Blue Lake, trollers are picking up a few trout by trolling at depths of 20-30 feet. The bass fishing remains excellent.
The Konocti Rod and Gun Club will hold its family shoot Saturday at the club’s range. It’s all free and a great opportunity for the public to learn safe gun handling and how to shoot. This is especially true for youngsters and spouses of hunters. There will be 10 different shooting stations to visit with a variety of firearms, including .22-caliber single-shot rifles, .22 semi-auto rifles, center fire bolt action rifles, center fire semi-auto rifles, black powder rifles and 12- and 20-gauge shotguns.
The club range is located at the end of Highland Springs Road in Lakeport, across from Highland Springs Park. Lunch will be available at the event. A large hot dog meal deal is $5 for a hot dog, chips and water.
