Hit-or-miss describes bass fishing
Crappie, bluegill continue to bite all around Clear Lake
It has been feast or famine for bass fishermen on Clear Lake in regard to their success rate. A good example was earlier this week when on any given day the fishing would be either wide open or slower than a snail’s pace. Just about all the fishermen said they had to stay constantly on the move before finally locating active fish.
Once they located the active fish, they worked the fish very slowly using various plastic worms, jigs and deep-running crankbaits. For the most part the bass have been holding at depths ranging from 8-15 feet.
The wide range of success stories was illustrated Wednesday when I spoke with two fishermen who said they caught and released more than 40 bass. A few moments later a fisherman told me he caught only four fish all day. The fishermen said most of the fish were only 1-4 pounds in size with just a few 5-pounders.
About every location around the lake is kicking out some bass with most of the action taking place from the Narrows to the south end of the lake. A few bass are being caught in the Rocky Point area in the north end. The Nice-Lucerne shoreline also been giving up decent numbers of fish.
The lake level is holding around 1.05 feet on the Rumsey Gauge and the water clarity is good. A number of fishermen said they are worried about the low lake level. The normal level for this time of the year is nearly 6 feet, so we are nearly 5 feet below normal. It will take several heavy rainstorms to bring the lake level back up.
Bass tourney
The Lake County Chamber of Commerce team tournament is scheduled for March 21-22. To date there are 59 teams signed up. The entry fee is $200 per team and includes a big-fish prize. Fishermen can sign up a late as 4:30 p.m. on March 19. The tournament had 133 teams signed up a year ago before it was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crappie/bluegill
Overall the crappie and bluegill fishing has been very good. Two of the hot spots have been Shag Rock and Henderson Point where boaters are catching dozens of crappie and bluegill. Kayakers have been especially successful.
The hot lure for the crappie has been a greenwhite or red-white crappie jig rigged beneath a bobber. The bluegill have been biting on nightcrawlers also fished beneath a bobber. This is a great time to take a youngster fishing because you’re almost guaranteed to catch fish.
Limits of fish
Fishermen are reminded that game wardens have been patrolling the local ramps daily looking for fishermen who have over-limits. The daily limit is 25 fish and that includes crappie and bluegill. The 25 fish is also the possession limit.
Trout fishing
Trout action at Upper Blue Lake continues to be good with some nicesized trout being caught. Both shore anglers and boaters have been catching trout.
Other lakes
Yolo County will open the campground and boat ramp at Indian Valley Reservoir on approximately April 3. The lake is in decent condition although the lake level is below normal. Even so, the lake still offers excellent bass fishing. This is a great lake to not only enjoy excellent fishing but to observe birds and wildlife as well. There are osprey and bald eagles as well as deer and other animals.
Lake Pillsbury is little more than a puddle but it’s still a great place to spend the day. The tule elk are located all around the lake and it is also a bird watcher’s paradise.
State park
For those who want to go hiking, then a trip to the Clear Lake State Park is the perfect answer. There are many trails and the park is super clean.