Clear Lake gets a rest this weekend as there are no major bass tournaments scheduled. NewJen Bass had a tournament scheduled for Saturday but rescheduled it for October. There are no major bass tournaments scheduled for August. This leaves the lake pretty much open to recreational fishermen.
The recreational anglers are catching most of their bass by split-shotting a plastic worm back in the flooded tules. Buzzbaits also have been very effective. Both the north and south ends of the lake have been producing fish, although not in great numbers. Many of the bass still haven’t completed spawning. Normally this is the time of the year when the fishermen sight fish for the spawning bass but this year the water has been too cloudy in many areas for successful sight fishing. There have been a few fishermen fishing at night with jigs and plastic worms being the most successful lures.
Although there are no major tournaments scheduled for the weekend, there will still be a lot of recreational fishermen out on the lake.
Whereas the bass action has slowed it is just the opposite for the catfish action. That action is wide open with even the bass fishermen catching catfish on crankbaits and plastic worms. Catfishermen are reminded that the annual Lakeport Yacht Club annual catfish derby is scheduled for August 25, 26, 27. The entry fee is $60 per adult and $20 for children under 16. Call 707-279-1974 for more information.
Lake County is known for its abundant wildlife and several fishermen got a good look at a family of otters last week when a family of otters surfaced right near their boat and started feeding on crawfish. They would dive down and bring up a crawfish and then eat it on the surface. They said that you could actually hear their jaws crunch the crawfish. They said the otters must have eaten at least several dozen crawfish and then they moved on down the bank looking for more. It was quite a sight. I had a similar experience watching otters feed on crayfish about two years ago.
Trout action has come to a halt on Upper Blue Lake and in the Russian River. These waters haven’t been stocked in more than month.
The crew that was brought in to capture carp on Clear Lake have been having a hard time locating the carp. The lake is estimated to hold from 8,000 to 15,000 carp, The carp pretty much roam free around the lake , There is a annual carp shoot where bow and arrows are used But this year even that tournament didn’t produce many fish.
This would be the ideal weekend to take a hike up Mount Konocti. The sight from the summit is unbelievable. Take plenty of water because it will be hot.
