A dropping lake level, hot weather and a poor bass bite are just a few of the obstacles facing fishermen this week at Clear Lake. To say the fishing is tough is an understatement. Even the experienced tournament anglers felt lucky to catch one or two bass for a day’s effort.
The results of last weekend’s numerous kayak tournaments were a good example. The tournaments each drew more than a 100 anglers and their total catch was a grand total of 100 bass, and that was for two days. What has happened to the fishing is anyone’s guess.
Without question one of the primary reasons for poor fishing is the drought and continued hot weather. Even with the falling lake level the action should be a lot better. The number of fishermen out on the lake is also down. Whereas a few weeks ago the parking lots at the ramps were full of boat trailers, now there are less than half that many.
There are no major tournaments this weekend. In fact, several major tournament organizations have either rescheduled their tournaments on Clear Lake for next spring or canceled them altogether.
Low, low, low
As of Thursday morning the lake level was a minus-1.75 feet on the Rumsey Gauge and slowly falling. Some predictions have the lake level at minus-3 feet or more by October.
The public boat ramps still open are Clearlake Oaks, part of Redbud in Clearlake, County Park and Fifth Street in Lakeport. The County Park ramp is not recommended unless you are using a kayak.
Other fish
Catfish action remains very good for the few anglers fishing for them. Nightcrawlers and pieces of cooked chicken have been the top baits. One of the top areas has been the Lucerne shoreline. The Shag Rock area is also giving up some large catfish.
Crappie action has slowed although a few fishermen have been catching some large ones.
Bluegill action has been excellent and some large bluegill are being caught on small redworms or nightcrawlers.
Calling all carp
The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) plans to eliminate some of the carp in the lake. A few weeks ago the DFW trapped and placed radio transmitters on 85 carp from Clear Lake. The fish were released at various locations around the lake and will be tracked by airplane.
The DFW will use the carp’s location to trap them as well as other carp. It’s part of a plan to save the hitch, which is a native fish and is in danger of disappearing. The DFW estimates that there are more than 4 million carp in the lake.
Trout action
Trout action is fair at Upper Blue Lake although the lake hasn’t been stocked in more than a month. Trollers working the middle of the lake are catching most of the fish.
Other lakes
Highland Springs Reservoir, located just south of Lakeport, continues to offer good bluegill fishing as well as some bass action. The lake is full and is perfect for the kayaker or float tuber.
Hunting outlook
Deer hunters had a good opening weekend in Zone A although most of the deer were taken from private ranches. Hunters in the Mendocino National Forest also did well. Overall the hunter numbers were down.
Dove season opens next month. There are limited places to hunt doves in Lake County. The best hunting areas are in the Sacramento Valley.
