The popular Clear Lake Team Bass Tournament, sponsored by the lake County Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for March 16 and 17. It will be the 36th year the tournament has been held. Making it the oldest annual bass tournament to be held on Clear Lake. The tournament was originally known as the Record Bee /Brunos Team Bass Tournament and at one time drew 50 teams making it the largest bass tournament in the country. It was always held on the first weekend in February. Sign-ups will be accepted starting on January 19.
The bass fishing has slowed considerably. The reason being that there have been very anglers out on the lake. On any given day there are only a few boat trailers at the local boat ramps. The other reason the fishing has slowed is because of the cold water. During the winter months it can take a bass several days to digest a crawdad or minnow. Their metabolism slows down and they barely move much. Studies have shown that a bass can go without food for several weeks during the cold months. Some of the more productive areas include Henderson Point, the waters off the swim beach at the Clear Lake State Park, the Nice-Lucerne shoreline and the deeper waters near Rattlesnake Island.
Catfish action remains very good for the few anglers after them. Some of the fishermen have been catching up to 10 catfish per day using shrimp and fishing in waters as deep as 30 feet. The catfish have been ranging in size from a few pounds to as large as 20 pounds. The crappie action remains slow but should improve in the coming weeks. A few bluegill ae being caught by anglers using nightcrawlers.
Trout action at Upper Blue Lake remains fair for the anglers willing to stick it out. Both the bank fishermen and boaters have been catching some nice-sized trout. The lake is scheduled to be stocked with trout next week.
Fall is the perfect time to plan a hike up Mount Konocti. Take some food and water and be sure and let someone know where you are. Take a cell phone and stay in communications with someone. Another great hike is the Clear State Park, located on Sonda Bay Road. The park has plenty of well maintained trails and it’s a safe place to hike, especially for women. Lake Pillsbury s another great place for a winter visit. You can see the herd of Tule Elk that live at the lake.
