Summer-type warmth has been the norm for fishermen on Clear Lake this past week. The air temperature has been reaching as high as 75 degrees and the result is the bass are biting and the fishermen are happy.
Most of the anglers report catching from 10-20 bass per day, including a number of fish weighing 7-plus pounds. The best action continues to be in the deeper water in the south end of the lake. The top technique continues to be working a plastic worm slowly along the bottom. LV500 crankbaits also are working. The successful fishermen have been casting the crankbait above the rocky bottom and letting it sink to the bottom. The lure is retrieved by yo-yoing and then allowing the lure to rest on the bottom for up to 30 seconds. The bass are grabbing the lure off the bottom and swimming away with it. Drop-shotting a plastic worm has been very effective.
Tournaments
As of Thursday, 50 teams had entered the Lake County Chamber of Commerce team tournament scheduled for March 12-13. The tournament is expected draw approximately 100 teams. Entry forms are available by calling the chamber office at 707-263-5092.
NewJen bass is holding a team tournament Saturday out of Library Park in Lakeport and it should draw at least 75 boats. The weigh-in starts at 3 p.m.
Catfish/crappie
Catfish are still being caught in large numbers in the deeper water. The trick to success is to use your electronic fish finder to locate the fish and drift over them. Shrimp and nightcrawlers have been the top baits.
The crappie action has slowed although fishermen who can locate the schools of crappie have been catching from 10-15 fish per day. Most of the crappie are being caught in the deeper water in the south end of the lake on red-white crappie jigs
Drought blues
The drought continues with no relief in sight. As of Thursday morning, the lake level stood at .52 feet on the Rumsey gauge. While the lake level is holding steady for now, there is no rain in the extended forecast and the lake level will start to fall soon because of evaporation.
Most of the public ramps remain open for launching but care must be used when backing your trailer down the ramps. Extreme care should also be used when traveling across the lake because of rocks being just below the surface. In other words, keep your speed down.
Trout action
A few trout are being caught in Upper Blue Lake by trollers working the middle of the lake. The lake is in excellent condition and has plenty of water but hasn’t been stocked in more than a month. The drought hasn’t had an impact on this lake because it gets most of its water from underground springs.
Kayaks
Kayaks are becoming more popular every year and they are especially popular on Clear Lake. The modern kayak is equipped with all the tools to catch fish. They have modern electronics and electric trolling motors with modern batteries. A modern kayak can go six hours on a battery charge. One of the primary reasons they are so popular is because they cost a lot less than modern bass boats.
For example, a new bass boat costs at least $85,000, plus you have to have a good pickup truck to tow it. A modern and fully equipped kayak costs less than $8,000 and a small pickup truck can be used to transport it. A kayak also can be pushed back into the tules to locate spawning bass. A kayak is also a great tool for viewing wild birds on the lake. In fact, there are now kayak bass tournaments.
