Despite the recent wildfires most of the fishermen report catching up to 50 bass per day on Clear Lake. Whereas many of the fish weigh between 1-3 pounds, they are fun to catch, especially for the youngsters. Both the north and south ends of the lake are producing good numbers of fish. Just about all the local fishing guides report their clients are catching from 15-50 bass per day.
The topwater bite has been very good the first two hours after daylight and the last two hours before dark. One of the most productive topwater lures this year has been the Whopper Plopper made by River2Sea tackle company. The lure resembles a swimbait but is hard plastic. The lure floats and the tail spins when retrieved. The lure is cast to the edges of the weed mats or tules and retrieved slowly. Most of the fishermen cast the lure using braided line. The lure makes a splash while being retrieved, which attracts the bass. This is an excellent lure for the larger bass. All the local tackle shops carry the lure and it sells for about $16. The best colors have been either white or a shad pattern..
Catfish action
Catfish action has been very good for the few anglers out after them. Some of the catfish being caught have been huge, weighing from 15-20 pounds. The better areas have been the deeper water around Shag Rock and the rockpiles near Rattlesnake Island.
Crappie/bluegill action
Crappie action remains good although you have to keep on the move until you locate fish. Most of the crappie have finished spawning and moved out into the deeper water. Bluegill action also has been good for those rigging a nightcrawler beneath a float. The best areas have been around the docks. If you’re taking a youngster fishing, this is ideal.
One reason the fishing for all species has been so good is because crawdads are being seen everywhere. One angler said he has been scooping up the crawdads with a dip net. Another fisherman said he put several bass in his livewell and when he later opened the livewell it was loaded with crawdads that the bass had upchucked.
Other lakes
The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) still hasn’t stocked Upper Blue Lake, the East Branch of the Russian River or Lake Pillsbury in more than a month. In past years the DFW stocked these waters weekly and you would have thought they would have stocked these areas prior to the July 4 holiday. The trout fishing at the East Branch of the Russian River has been fair although most of the trout are averaging under 10 inches. Upper Blue Lake trout action has been fair for trollers and slow for the bank fishermen.
Highland Springs Reservoir and Adobe Creek Reservoir continue to provide excellent bass fishing. Several fishermen reported catching up to 15 bass on topwater lures at Adobe Creek.
Indian Valley Reservoir is closed because of the Pawnee Fire. The Yolo Water District, which controls the ramp and campground at the south end of the lake, has closed the campground and boat ramp until the damage from the fire can be assessed. It should reopen within a few weeks.
