Bass action slowed a bit on Clear Lake this past week although there are a lot of small bass being caught. The good news is fishermen are seeing more bass on the spawning beds and “sight” fishing has improved. The water clarity is good in some areas and poor in others. The problem is that algae blooms have dirtied up the water.
The shoreline from the State Park to Lakeport continues to be one of the better fishing areas. Bass are also being caught in the north end around Rocky Point and along the Nice-Lucerne shoreline. The south end of the lake near Rattlesnake Island is also kicking out a few bass. Shag Rock and Henderson Point have been productive as well.
Senkos have been one of the top lures throughout the lake. Most fishermen are rigging them wacky style, which means they run the hook through the middle of the Senko and they use a hook with a weed guard on it. Many fishermen use no weight or a small splitshot. The lure is cast or pitched back into the heavy weed cover and allowed to sink. Most of the time a bass will grab the lure on the fall. It also can be used to tease a bass guarding a nest into striking.
Topwater action is also starting. A number of fishermen report getting blow-ups on plastic frogs cast to the weed mats.
There are no major bass tournaments scheduled on the lake for the weekend but there are several club tournaments.
Crappie action is rated from fair to good. The docks at Library Park in Lakeport are providing decent action. Lakeside County Park is also giving up decent numbers of crappie as well as a few bass. The crappie action at the State Park has slowed considerably. Crappie are also being caught near Shag Rock and off Henderson Point.
Both Upper Blue Lake and the East Branch of the Russian River were stocked with trout this week. Trollers continue to be the most successful fishermen at Upper Blue Lake. Bank fishermen are also scoring although it takes some patience waiting for a bite. On the East Branch of the Russian River, the successful fishermen have been working the deeper holes with Power Bait. One of the better areas has been beneath the bridge. Trout are also being caught on small crankbaits.
Lake Mendocino has been very good for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. One of the better areas has been along the eastern shoreline near Crappie Cove. The successful fishermen are drop-shotting a plastic worm in 15-25 feet of water.
Lake Pillsbury is another good bet for the weekend. The lake offers excellent bass and trout fishing. Letts Lake is another excellent lake for fishing and just camping. The lake holds trout and bass and limits are common. Letts Lake is located in the Mendocino National Forest and can be reached from Stonyford.
Ocean bottom fishing off Fort Bragg has been very good with fishermen catching some huge lingcod. The salmon fishing is still rated as very poor.
The Lake County Chamber of Commerce is holding a “Kiss My Clear Lake Bass” contest where the three candidates who finish with the most votes have to kiss a live bass on the lips. The contest is for charity and I am one of candidates. Each vote costs a dollar and my charity is Lake County Hospice, so I will be out seeking votes. Votes can be cast at the local tackle shops and other businesses. The actual event occurs June 26 at Library Park in Lakeport starting at 3 p.m.
