The coronavirus outbreak in the country has completely changed our way of life. Even the old-timers say they haven’t seen anything like it.
The required restrictions of everyday movement have changed those who enjoy fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities. In Lake County, the biggest changes are the cancellations of the upcoming bass tournaments. There have been at least three major tournaments canceled or rescheduled to date, the biggest being the Clear Lake Team Tournament sponsored by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. It was originally scheduled for late March before being pushed back to April 25-26 because of the COVID-19 outrbreak, but things just didn’t work out.
The late April date didn’t work out because Konocti Vista Casino, the tournament’s other sponsor and the site of the blast-off and weigh-in, was booked solid for that weekend. Complicating matters even more was the shelter in place order that went into effect for all of Lake County as of Thursday. Given those obstacles, the chamber staff decided to cancel the tournament this year.
The COVID-19 outbreak has played havoc with other tournaments as well. The WON BASS Clear Lake Open scheduled for April 4-6 has been rescheduled for July 22-24; the NewJen tournament scheduled for March 28 has been canceled; and the two Clear Lake Crappie Association kayak tournaments scheduled for March 28 also have been canceled.
While the Konocti Vista Casino gaming area and restaurant are closed, the boat ramp, fishing docks, RV park and store remain open. All the county parks are open and Clear Lake State Park is open for boat launching, fishing and hiking, but closed for camping.
Fishing scene
On the fishing scene, the bass fishing on Clear Lake is rated as very good despite the cool weather. With the tournaments being either canceled or rescheduled, recreational fishermen have the lake pretty much to themselves.
Mike Rothstein of Lakeport fished Wednesday and caught eight bass, including an 8-pounder. He said the water color was excellent and the fish were active. The coronavirus outbreak has slowed the guiding action on the lake as a good number of clients have canceled. Tournament cancellations have resulted in fewer fishermen visiting Clear Lake because there is no reason to do any prefishing.
The bass are prestaging for the spawn and moving into the shallows. Several fishermen reported seeing bass in the tules. Both the north and south ends of the lake are producing decent numbers of bass. Bass and crappie are being caught off the docks at the Konocti Vista Casino.
The hot lure continues to be the A Rig fished very slowly. In other words, allow it to bump the bottom. The underspin is also working as is a LV500 lipless crankbait. Live minnows have been effective,
Other fish
Crappie and bluegill are being caught at Lakeside County Park. Bluegill are also being caught off the docks at Library Park in Lakeport. Shag Rock and Henderson Point are also producing good numbers of fish. Catfish action has been good for the few anglers out.
Trout fishing
Trout fishing at Upper Blue Lake remains good although there have been few fishermen out. The lake is scheduled to be stocked next week.
Other lakes
Lake Pillsbury is putting out decent numbers of bass although the lake has been virtually deserted. Lake Mendocino has been good for smallmouth bass. One Upper Lake fisherman reported catching and releasing 10 good-sized smallmouth last week.
