The major bass tournaments return to Clear Lake this weekend when Best Bass Tournaments (BBT) holds a pair of tournaments. There will be a tournament on Saturday and another one on Sunday. Both tournaments will go out of Library Park in Lakeport with the weigh-ins starting at noon on both days. The tournaments are still under the six hour rule. Whis means they are limited to no more than six hours a day in the duration. The purpose of the rule is to protect the bass when the weather gets hot. They have a high mortality rate when kept in a livewell too long.
BBT is one of the larger tournament organizations in the West and often draws more the 100 boats. It is popular among tournament anglers.
The fishing has improved and most of the fishermen are having little trouble catching 10 fish for a day on the water. Just about every location is producing fish.
Senkos are still the top lure as are small-billed crankbaits. The trick to success is to stay on the move until you locate active fish. The good news is that the water color is improving daily. The bass are also holding in the tules.
Catfish derbies are getting more popular on Clear Lake. In addition to the major catfish derby hosted annually by the Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven Business Association, there are several other large derbies held every year. One derby that is gaining in popularity is the one sponsored by the Lakeport Yacht Club. This year will mark the 8th year the club has sponsored a derby and the dates are August 25, 26, and 27. The entry fee is $60 per person. Call 707-279-1974 for more information. The local tackle shops also have brochures and entry forms on the derby.
Still very little trout action at Upper Blue Lake, although the bass fishing has been very good. The lake still hasn’t been scheduled for a trout plant.
Highland Springs Reservoir has been producing a lot of Bluegill and it is a great place to take a kid fishing. You can fish from shore and it is also a great place to picnic. Lake Pillsbury is another lake that offers some great fishing
The opening weekend of the zone A deer season was successful for many hunters. The hot weather didn’t deter the hunters and many scored. Larry Poof of Kelseyville processes deer and by Sunday evening he has processed 53 deer. There have also several mountain lion sightings on the outskirts Lakeport in the past three weeks. If you see a mountain lion while out hiking leave the area as soon as possible.
Bird watching on Clear Lake has been popular. Yu can either go by boat or drive your car. The shoreline road off Nice is a good choice. The Clearlake State Park is another excellent choice.
