Fishermen on Clear Lake are facing challenging conditions. As Clear Lake’s level drops the fishing scene is changing daily. This is especially true for the water color as the algae blooms continue. The primary culprit is cyanobacteria, which are microscopic organisms that occur naturally. Under certain conditions, such as high nutrient and light levels, they can reproduce rapidly, resulting in a dense growth or “bloom.”
Blooms can cause discoloration of the water or produce floating scum or mats, which tend to accumulate along shorelines.
In recent days the county has confirmed the presence of blooms in various locations along Clear Lake’s shoreline. The types of cyanobacteria known to be present include Microcystis and Aphanizomenon. While most blue-green algal blooms are not harmful, some can be. Some are capable of producing algal toxins that are harmful to humans, pets and other wildlife. Because it is impossible to tell from a visual inspection whether an algal bloom is toxic, the safest approach is to avoid all blooms. Although toxins can sometimes be present even when a bloom is not obvious, the rule of thumb is the worse it looks, the greater likelihood cyanotoxins could be present.
I was out on the lake earlier this week and saw heavy concentrations of algae and aquatic weeds everywhere. The algae hasn’t had a major impact on fishing yet, but that could change at any time.
Overall the bass fishing remains fair. Most of the bass being caught offshore are in the heavy weed mats. The top lures have been jigs or plastic worms rigged split-shot style or on a jig head. Swimbaits also have been effective.
Clear Lake’s guides are averaging from five to seven fish per day for their clients. Some of the best action has been near Henderson Point and in Soda Bay. The Redbud Arm of the lake is alos producing fish. In the north end around Rocky Point, the weed and algae mats are so thick you can hardly fish there.
There are no major bass tournaments scheduled for the weekend, however there are several club tournaments scheduled and they will consist of between five and 10 boats.
Other fish
Catfish action continues to be very good at Clear Lake. Gary Hill of Kelseyville has been loading up on catfish at Clear Lake State Park. He caught a 24-pounder earlier this week. The crappie fishing is rated as only fair.
Upper Blue Lake
The trout fishing is fair at Upper Blue Lake for fishermen trolling various types of lures. The trout are ranging in size from 10-12 inches. The bank fishing has been slow. There are no trout stockings scheduled for any local waters.
Deer season
The Zone A archery deer season opens Saturday. The Mendocino National Forest draws most of the archery deer hunters. Hunters must use extreme care and be on the lookout for wildfires.
