Bass bite on Clear Lake as hot as the weather
Highland Springs Reservoir, Indian Valley Reservoir are other good choices
Bass fishing on Clear Lake continues at a torrid pace. The weekends have been drawing dozens of fishermen and the local boat ramps are full.
Most fishermen are having little trouble catching 15-20 bass a day, and this is especially true of the local fishing guides. A good example is local guide Bob Myskey. On just about every trip his clients have been averaging 20 or more bass, some weighing up to 7 pounds.
The best action has been in the morning before the algae blooms. This is especially true on the hot days.
The bass have been holding beneath the docks in the north end of the lake. The trick to success is to keep moving until you locate active fish. Just about all types of lures are working and that includes spinner baits, jigs, shallow- and deep-running crankbaits and plastic worms. In the south end of the lake, the area around Rattlesnake Island is producing decent numbers of bass. The docks on the Nice-lucerne shoreline also have been productive
Crappie, bluegill
This is the ideal time to take a youngster fishing. The best bait to use is a nightcrawler rigged beneath a bobber. This setup is nearly guaranteed to catch bluegill. One of the better areas for bluegill and crappie is Shag Rock, located near Soda Bay. Henderson Point is another excellent area. The docks at Lakeside County Park and Library Park in Lakeport have been providing decent fishing. Not only will you catch bluegill and crappie on a nightcrawler, but you have an excellent chance of catching a big catfish.
Other lakes
One small pond producing excellent bass fishing has been Highland Springs Reservoir, located just outside of Lakeport where the fishing has been excellent for those who have a kayak or float tube. The topwater action has been particularly good.
Trout fishermen are finding decent action on the East Branch of the Russian River. The stream was stocked with trout two weeks ago and a few anglers report catching limits. Upper Blue Lake is also producing trout for those who are trolling small spoons or other trout lures. Bank fishing has been slow. The bass fishing on Upper Blue Lake has been very good and some of the bass weighed up to 5 pounds.
Hot spot
A sure bet is Indian
Valley Reservoir. In fact, the bass fishing at Indian Valley Reservoir is even better than at Clear Lake. Take an aluminum boat or kayak and fish the points.
One local angler fishing the lake last weekend reported catching more than 50 bass.
This lake is strictly for fishermen. There is a 10 mph hour speed limit on the entire lake.
There is a campground at the dam with toilets and tables. You have to bring in your own drinking water.
The lake can be reached off Highway 20 in eastern Lake County. Turn at Walker Ridge Road and continue to the lake, which is approximately 12 miles from Highway 20.