The recreational bass fishermen will have the lake pretty much to themselves this weekend. The fishing is improving daily and most of the anglers report catching 10-15 fish a day. The water is in perfect condition and by midafternoon the water temperature is in the 50-plus degree high degree mark. The bass are widely scattered around the lake and there are no special areas. The trick to success is to slow down your retrieve and be patient. By far the most productive lure is a Senko. The Senko is rigged on 1/8 ounce sinker and fished very slowly. The bass are ranging in size from one to seven pounds. The trick to success is to stay on the move until you locate fish. This is where the electronic fish finders come into play. They will pick up the schools of baitfish and even the bass that are hiding nearby. Just about all the successful anglers are saying they caught their fish in one or two small areas. There are no bass tournaments scheduled for the weekend.
Catfish action is wide open and most of the anglers are catching five to six catfish a day. The hot bait is fresh salmon or shrimp. The bait is rigged on 1/8 ounce sinker and allowed to rest on the bottom. Patience is the key to success. The catfish will often just “mouth” the bait before swallowing it. You should rig your fishing rod with at least 10-pound test line.
Bluegill are also biting. Small redworms are the top bait, Rig the worms under a bobber and cast to the edges of the weed patches. Some of the bluegill will weigh up to a pound. Highland Springs is a great little lake to use a float tube
One small lake that has been providing decent fishing for bluegill and bass is Highland Springs. The lake is in great shape and is ideal for the kayakers and float tube fishermen. The water is also clear. The lake is also a great place to have a picnic
Duck hunters will be out in force on Clear Lake starting on Saturday when the season opens. Hunters are being cautioned to be careful where they shoot because there will be fishermen on the lake. Most of the hunters will be concentrated the entrance to Rodman Slough or near Long Tule Island. Normally on the opening weekend, hunters will come from Fort Bragg, Ukiah and Santa Rosa. Of course, there will be local hunters also out on the lake.
