The 34th annual Clear Lake Team Bass Tournament sponsored by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce kicks off Saturday morning. Based on reports from those prefishing in preparation for the tournament, the conditions should range from very good to excellent.
Most of the fishermen prefishing reported catching up to 30 bass per day. The tournament is a two-day event and if the past two tournaments held on the lake are any indication, look for some heavy weights to be brought to the scales this weekend. The Clear Lake Team Tournament is a team event and each two-man team is allowed to weigh in a maximum of five bass per day. The bass must be at least 13 inches long.
This year’s tournament is expected to draw approximately 100 boats. It once again features a 100-percent payback of entry fees. Down through the years the tournament has drawn wide support. This year fishermen are coming from throughout California and from as far away as Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Idaho. American Bass (ABA) has been hired to actually run the blast-off and weigh-ins after last year’s weigh-in debacle. The weigh-in each day starts at 3 p.m. at the Skylark Shores Resort in Lakeport. After the weigh-in Sunday, checks will be presented to the top finishers.
Fishermen can sign up for the tournament as late as 4:30 p.m. Friday at the Lake County Chamber of Commerce Office located on Lakeport Boulevad in Lakeport. You can also call (707) 263-5092 for more information.
Catfish
Catfish action remains excellent in a number of locations around the lake. Anglers report catching and releasing a dozen catfish a day, some weighing in the 20-pound class. A wide variety of baits are being used although shrimp is the No. 1 bait. The trick to success is to fish in 10-15 feet of water and allow your boat to slowly drift with the current and wind.
The deeper water in the Rattlesnake arm has been one of the better areas. Henderson Point is another good choice. A number of fishermen are already prefishing for the upcoming Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven annual catfish derby scheduled for May 13-15. The entry fee is $50 for adults and $19 for kids age 16 and younger. The derby is expected to draw more than 1,000 contestants.
Crappie
Crappie action is fair. A few fishermen are catching up to 50 for a day’s fishing while others are working hard to catch a dozen. Small live minnows are the top bait. Red-white crappie jigs also have been successful. The crappie have been schooled in the deeper water.
Lake level
The lake level as of Thursday was .47 feet on the Rumsey Gauge and holding steady. There is a chance of some rain Sunday but overall it doesn’t look good. The warm weather will cause evaporation, which could have a major impact on the lake level. From all indications we are headed for another dry spring and summer.
Trout action
Trout action at Upper Blue Lake has been good, but the trout have been small, most of them being less than 12 inches long. The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) stocked the lake three weeks ago but they were also small trout.
Wild birds
Wild birds have been coming back to the lake and they offer some excellent opportunities for photographers and bird watchers. The osprey have returned to their nest at Lakeside County Park. There are also a pair of bald eagles at the park. Eagles and osprey can also be seen at Clear Lake State Park along with deer and other wild animals.
