The first-day results of the three-day Costa Series FLW pro/am tournament weren’t available by the Record-Bee’s Friday print deadline but most of the fishermen said they were catching plenty of fish during the prefishing days.
Most of the anglers are predicting it will take at least 70 pounds on the pro side to win the event. The weigh-in Friday and Saturday starts at 2:30 p.m. The tournament field will be cut to the top 10 pros and top 10 amateurs for Saturday’s final round.
Each boat contains one professional and one amateur. Each fisherman is allowed to weigh in a maximum of five bass each day.
Overall the bass fishing on Clear Lake is improving daily. Most of the local fishing guides report their customers are catching from 10-15 fish daily. The larger females are starting to stage in the shallows to spawn. In areas where the visibility is good the fishermen will sight fishing.
The best areas continue to be in the north end of the lake. Rocky Point is producing good numbers of bass as is the area around the state park. The Nice-Lucerne shoreline is also producing good numbers of fish. A few shore fishermen are finding good action at the state park and at Lakeside County Park.
Most of the bass being caught have been in between 1-3 pounds with a few 5-pounders. There has been an occasional 8-pounder, but it’s been rare.
Drop-shotting has been the top technique followed by shallow-running crankbaits. A few of the larger bass are being caught on smaller swimbaits.
Crappie action
Crappie action continues to be wide open and limits are common. Just about every dock in the north end of the lake is holding large schools of crappie. Red-white crappie jigs or small curly-tailed grubs have been the top lures. Some of the crappie caught have been huge, including a few weighing up to 3 pounds.
There have been reports of fishermen seeing dead crappie around the lake. Clear Lake State Park in one such area. Dead crappie are also being seen in Rodman Slough. According to biologists, the cause of the dead crappie could be from the stress of spawning. This is normal and happens every year.
Catfish action
A few catfish are being caught but the problem has been a lack of fishermen. That will all change as we approach the date of the annual Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven Catfish Derby, which takes place May 18-20. The entry fee is $40 for adults and $10 for kids (age 15 and younger).
Highland Springs Reservoir (located just south of Lakeport) is a small lake but can be very good for bass fishing. It also holds some huge bluegill. This is an ideal lake for the kayaker or those with a cartop boat
Trout fishing
Trout fishermen are finding very good action in the East Branch of the Russian River, Upper Blue, Lake Pillsbury, Indian Valley Reservoir and Lake Pillsbury. The East Branch of the Russian River and Lake Pillsbury were scheduled to be stocked this week.
Without question Lake Pillsbury is a great getaway. There are several excellent campgrounds and the scenery is nothing short of fantastic. It’s one of the few places where you can view tule elk. The herd now numbers more than 150 animals and they can be seen all around the lake. The lake also offers excellent bass fishing and there are some huge trout. The best way into the lake is through Potter Valley. The road is gravel but well maintained.
