Warm and sunny days will greet fishermen on Clear Lake this weekend and it should improve the bass fishing. One problem right now is a lack of fishermen. The few anglers who have been out on the lake have had it all to themselves. Overall the bass fishing has improved slightly.
Chris Hurt of Novato reported catching five bass Wednesday. He said he caught all his fish on a square-billed crankbait in the shallow water near Lakeside County Park. Two other fishermen reported catching eight bass while drop-shotting a Senko along Highway 20 near Clearlake Oaks.
Topwater action has been slow although a few bass are being caught on buzz baits. For those anglers who prefer to use live bait, a jumbo minnow has been very effective. A few bass are also being caught on a nightcrawler rigged drop-shot style. The water clarity also has slightly improved in some areas and fishermen report seeing baitfish. Some of the better areas have been Rocky Point, Lakeside County Park, Konocti Bay, Henderson Point and the rockpiles near Rattlesnake Island and Jago Bay.
The water outside of the Clear Lake State Park is also holding some bass. The trick to success is to keep on the move until you locate fish and then work them slowly. Most of the time the bass are just picking up the lure and slowly swimming away.
For those who fish from shore, a few bass are being caught daily off the docks at Library Park in Lakeport and at Lakeside County Park. The dock at Redbud Park in Clearlake is also giving up an occasional bass. No major bass tournaments are scheduled for the weekend. There are two bass club tournaments scheduled.
Catfish action remains good for the few fishermen after them. Most of the catfish are being caught by fishermen working off the docks. Crappie are being caught at Shag Rock and Kono Tayee. Bluegill action has been very good for those using nightcrawlers. Shag Rock has been holding some huge bluegill.
Fishermen are wondering when the water will clear. The dark water is being caused by dying algae and it is normal for this time of the year. The water should be much clearer by mid-November when the fishing should improve.
Lake Mendocino is providing some decent bass action. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass are being caught. The lake is in excellent condition. The East Branch of the Russian River and Upper Blue Lake were on the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DWF) trout stocking list this week. Upper Blue Lake is a good lake to do both trout and bass fishing.
The few fishermen visiting Indian Valley Lake report catching plenty of bass although they have been small. The lake also was stocked with trout two weeks ago but only a few trout are being caught. The lake is in excellent condition. Yolo County will close the campground and the boat ramp at the dam for the winter on Nov. 13. Fishermen who want to use the lake will have to travel to the north end.
Highland Springs Reservoir is still offering good bass fishing for those using a kayak or float tube. Gary Hill of Kelseyville has been fishing the lake from a float tube and is averaging 10-15 fish daily.
The fall months are an ideal time to hike at Clear Lake State Park. The park is super clean and a safe place to hike. There are a number of excellent hiking trails and as a bonus you will often see wildlife such as deer and even the occasional bobcat, plus a wide assortment of birds.
The cool months are also an excellent time to make a hike up to the summit of Mount Konocti. To reach the area take Konocti Road out of Kelseyville and drive to the parking lot. The trail to the summit is actually a gravel road. The view from Wright Peak is nothing short of fantastic.
