Fishermen on Clear Lake could be facing challenging weather conditions this weekend. Whereas the rain may keep the fishermen off the lake, the fishing has been rated good. A good example was on Tuesday when Mike Rothstein of Lakeport caught more than 25 bass, the largest weighing in the 4-pound class. Rothstein said he caught most of his fish using a fast retrieve on the LV500 lipless crankbait.
Gary Hill of Kelseyville fished Henderson Point on his float tube earlier this week and caught a couple of good-sized bass. He used the NedRig and said the fish barely picked up the lure.
Jumbo minnows also have been very effective on bass and some of the better areas have been north of Lakeport in the Rocky Point area. Square-billed crankbaits have been effective. A few fishermen are having success casting the A Rig and retrieving it slowly.
The trick to success is to constantly keep on the move until you locate bass. The fish are schooled up and there will be long stretches of shoreline with nothing. All of a sudden you will get into a school of fish and the action is nonstop.
Bluegill/crappie
Bluegill are still being caught in good numbers. Just about every dock is holding fish and the hot bait is a nightcrawler rigged beneath a bobber. Fishermen are already gearing up for the crappie tournament tscheduled for Jan. 26. The tournament goes out of Clearlake Oaks at the Limit Out Bait and Tackle shop. The entry fee is $60 per team and the field is limited to 50 teams. The payback is 100 percent.
Rising lake
The good news is the recent rains have resulted in the creeks pouring water into the lake. Scotts Creek is running strong as are most of the other creeks. The lake level is at 1.08 feet on the Rumsey Gauge as of Thursday and slowly rising.
Other lakes
A few fishermen are having success bass fishing at the Highland Springs Reservoir. Jigs and plastic worms have been the top lures.
Trout action at Upper Blue Lake has been fair and should improve next week when the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DWF) stocks the lake. The best action will be for boaters trolling a variety of lures. Bank fishermen should have success using Power Bait.
Pheasant season
Pheasant season runs until Dec. 23 and to date the season in the Sacramento Valley has been nothing short of terrible. The problem is the wild pheasant population in the Sacramento Valley is at a low point because of loss of habitat. Hunters report they are only flushing one or two birds a day and have been lucky to bag even a single bird. Clean farming is being blamed for a lack of habitat. The only success has been at the licensed pheasant clubs where birds are released each day for the hunters.
Turkey season
The fall wild turkey season is in full swing and most of the local hunters report seeing plenty of birds. The success rate has been high. The fall season runs until Dec. 9.
1930 prices
I am always amazed at how expensive fishing tackle and other outdoors equipment is in comparison to years ago. I recently obtained a 1930 issue of Field and Stream magazine. A top of the line Pflueger fishing reel sold for $5. The same reel today costs more than $200. A canoe sold for $25 and a Chris-Craft boat sold for $1,295. Outboard motors went for $60. And a 12-day fishing cruise to Newfoundland cost only $130. Rifles and shotguns sold for less than $50.
