Trout, Bass or Crab-take your choice
BLUE LAKES » Well it’s looks like the word has gotten out about the Upper Blue Lake. What, you haven’t heard yet? The fishin’ is pretty good right now! I have been hearing good reports lately. The drop in water temperature has brought the trout up to the surface. The last time I was on Blue Lakes, we were successful sight fishing for the trout. We were just hanging out on the Le Triannon end of the lake. When we saw trout swimming on the surface or jumping, we would throw a small chrome Castmaster at them. Really, it’s that simple. Good Luck!
Do not forget to bass fish this lake. Most folks think trout fishing when comes to Blue Lakes. That is true. BUT, there are some big ‘ol bass livin’ in this waterway too! Blue Lakes has a lot of cover. And, the lunker bass are hanging out in and round the submersed timber and brush. Try fishin’ a Drop-shot rigged Roboworm, a texas rigged lizard or a Bush-hog on a shaky head.
CLEAR LAKE » Clear Lake’s shoreline is beautiful. The fall colors on the trees make for a great back drop as you hook into a ten pounder! What a wonderful mental picture.
Even-though the water temperatures running in the low 60’s the bass are still very active. We had success throwing the “Mini A” rig with 3-inch paddletailed swim baits, carolina rigged purple robo-worms. and drop-shotting.
Right now, the hot spots have been the Nice-Lucerne shoreline, the narrows and along Bass Alley. Some of the guides are using live jumbo minnows. They have been very effective for their clients. The trick is to keep moving until you find bass that are willing. Some anglers have also been catching bass along with some catfish pitchin’ a minnow under docks.
Speaking of catfish, the catfishin’ has been excellent. Most fishermen have not had a hard time bringing in five to seven nice catfish per outing. Floating a bobber with a minnow, crawdad or nightcrawler has been working best. The best action has been in the Clearlake Oaks area and the rocky shoreline of Henderson Shag and Rock.
FORT BRAGG » CRAB SEASON has started off strong for the recreational carbbers. It’s lookin’ like some folks will be having crab for Thanksgving dinner this year. The catch is that you are just gonna have to go out on the water to get ‘um. Oh well. they will good and fresh that way.
F.Y.I. = The recreational fishery for Dungeness crab will be open through July 30, 2021. The daily bag limit is 10 crab, and the minimum size limit is 5¾ inches. Recreational crabbing is not allowed from vessels licensed for commercial Dungeness crab fishing.
*The start of Commercial Crab Season off the coast of California has been delayed similarly to 2019. The Department of Fish and Wildlife says it’s pushing back the Nov. 15 start to after Thanksgiving. Actually, Dec. 1.
Review crab measurement methods (PDF) and the current California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for more Dungeness crab fishing information. To check for in-season closures due to domoic acid, call the CDFW Domoic Acid Fishery Closure Information Line at (831) 649-2883.
Thanks for reading and remember to keep it reel!
Don = 4REEL Fishin’