Bass fishermen on Clear Lake are finding mixed results. Some of the fishermen report catching from 10 to even 30 fish per day and others are struggling to put a couple of bass into the boat. The good news is that several bass caught this past week topped 8 pounds. The fish are schooled and if you locate a school of fish the action has been nonstop. Just about all the anglers say the trick to success to keep on the move and cover as much water as possible.
A variety of methods are being used to catch fish and they range drop-shotting a plastic worm, rigging a plastic worm on a split-shot to casting reaction lures. For years, long before the drop-shot became popular, the top technique was split-shotting. A split-shot is attached about 12 to 16 inches up the line from the plastic worm. The rig is cast and retrieved very slow with long pauses. Often all you will feel when a fish takes the worm is a slight pressure. The best rod to use is a light or medium action spinning rod with 8-pound test line.
One problem facing fishermen is the color of the water. In many areas the water is still a dark brown with visibility of less than 12 inches. The brown color is caused by the algae dying. The water should be much clearer by mid October and the fishing should improve. Some of the better areas have been Rocky Point, Lakeside County Park, Konocti Bay, Henderson Point and the rockpiles near Rattlesnake Island and Jago Bay. The waters outside of the Clear Lake State Park are also holding some bass. The trick to success is to keep on the move until you locate fish and then work them very slowly. Most of the time the bass are just picking up the lure and slowly swimming away.
For those who fish from shore, a few bass plus catfish are being caught daily off the docks at Library Park in Lakeport and the Lakeside County Park. The docks at Redbud Park in Clearlake is also giving up an occasional bass.
Bluegill fishing remains very good for those using nightcrawlers rigged under a bobber. Some of the bluegill have been huge-weighing up to a pound. Catfish action has also been good for the few anglers out after them.
The East Branch of the Russian River was scheduled to be stocked with trout this week and Upper Blue Lake is scheduled to be stocked next week.
Gary Hill of Kelseyville has been fishing the Clear Lake State Park from his float tube and reports that he has been catching 5 to 10 bass per day with some weighing as much as 5 pounds. Plastic worms has been his most successful lure. Fishing on the lake is by either a float tube or kayak.
The fall months are an ideal time to hike in the Clear Lake State Park. The park is super clean and a safe place to hike. There are a number of excellent hiking trails and as a bonus you will often see wildlife such as deer and even a bobcat plus a wide assortment of birds.
The cool months are also an excellent time to make a hike up to the summit of Mount Konocti. To reach the area take Konocti Road out of Kelseyville and drive to the parking lot. The trail to the summit is actually a gravel road. The view from Wright Peak is nothing short of fantastic.
