Extremely hot weather, a falling lake level and a slowdown in the fishing bite greeted anglers on Clear Lake this week.
With air temperatures nearing the century mark, the water temperature has been as high 81 degrees. The better anglers are catching from three to seven bass a day, but the average is more like one to three. The number of fishermen on the lake also has been dropping although a number of fishermen are prefishing for the upcoming Best Bass Tournament (BBT) scheduled for Saturday. The weigh-in starts at noon at Library Park in Lakeport.
Low lake
As the lake level continues to fall, some of the ramps are becoming shallow. Boaters are being warned to use extreme caution when backing their trailers down ramps. If the trailer drops off the end of the ramp it can become a major task pulling it out of the water. The boats having the most trouble launching are pontoon boats. the reason being the rear wheels on the trailers drop off the ramp.
As of Thursday morning the lake level was a minus-1.11 feet on the Rumsey Gauge. At this rate the lake level could reach the vicinity of minus-3 feet within a couple of weeks. Five public ramps are still open — Clearlake Oaks,Redbud Park in Clearlake, Lakeside County Park and Third Street and Fifth Street at Library Park in Lakeport. The best ramp among these five is the Fifth Street ramp.
Weeds
Massive amount of weeds in the lake are another problem for fishermen. Some boaters have told me they have to stop and remove weeds from their outboard every few minutes. The good news is the aquatic weeds are starting to die-off, which is normal for this time of year. The weeds are nearing the end of their life cycle.
Other fish
Crappie and catfish are being caught by the few anglers after them. The deeper water near Henderson Point and off Shag Rock have been holding both crappie and catfish. Some of the catfish have been weighing up to 20 pounds. You need a boat to fish these areas.
Grebe watch
Boaters are being warned to be on the lookout for nesting grebes. When you’re in the nesting areas slow it down.
Trout
Trout action has been slow with only a few limits taken at Upper Blue Lake. The lake is still not on the Department of Fish and Wildlife stocking list. The lake is full of water and in excellent condition.
Lake Pillsbury is little more than a giant puddle but is still a great lake to visit. There is a large herd of Tule elk at the lake and it is a great place to hike.
Hiking
The State Park, located on Soda Bay Road, is a great place to take the kids for a hike. The park is full of wildlife and there are plenty of tables for a picnic.
One of my favorite places to walk, picnic and enjoy the lake is Lakeside County Park, also off Soda Bay Road. There is an osprey nest and you can watch the birds flying to and from the nest with fish. The park is kept very clean.
A hike to the summit of Mount Konocti is another great adventure. The view from the summit is unbelievable. Plan on making the hike early in the morning to beat the heat. Be sure and bring plenty of water
