Use caution when launching boats
Low water level creating some tricky conditions
The falling lake level in Clear Lake is doing more than irritating boaters and swimmers. It’s also causing trouble for those attempting to launch aboatat several of the public ramps. Earlier this week a fisherman attempting to launch his boat at the Third Street ramp in Lakeport watched his boat trailer fall off the end of the ramp and get stuck. Several fishermen waded into the water and helped him put the trailer back on the ramp. Several trailers have become stuck this past week, so boaters should use extreme care when launching.
Bass fishing
The bass fishing remains very good on the lake although most of the bass are averaging less than 3 pounds. The top lure this past week has been a jig or Senko fished in 6-10 feet of water. The Whopper Plopper, a topwater lure, also has been very effective. There have been some large bass caught. Gary Hill of Kelseyville caught a 9 ½-pounder earlier this week and another fisherman caught a 8-pounder while fishing near Henderson Point. Hill also caught 20 bass while fishing near the State Park.
Best Bass Tournament (BBT) is holding another team tournament Saturday out of Library Park in Lakeport. The weigh-in starts at noon.
Other fish
Crappie action has slowed a little but is still rated fair in some areas. The trick to success is to keep moving until you locate a school of fish. Once you do, work the area thoroughly.
Some large bluegill are being caught near Shag Rock.
Catfish action is also starting to improve. Several fishermen report catching fish weighing 5-15 pounds. Earlier this week one pair of anglers fished all night and managed to catch more than 20 catfish ranging in size from 5-15 pounds.
Lake level
The lake level was a minus-.89 feet on the Rumsey gauge Thursday morning. Normal for this time of the year is 3.94 feet. This time last year it was 2.61 feet. Most of the public boat ramps are in trouble because of a lack of water. The best ramp on the lake remains the Fifth Street ramp at Library Park in Lakeport.
Pontoon boats are having the most trouble launching because the rear wheels on the trailers drop off the end of the ramps. Care needs to be taken when backing down the ramp.
Trout fishing
Trout action has been slow and only a few limits are being taken out of Upper Blue Lake. The lake is still not on the Department of Fish and Wildlife stocking list. The lake is full of water and in excellent condition.
Other lakes
Lake Pillsbury is little more than puddle although it is still a great lake to visit. There is a large herd of tule elk at the lake and it is a great place to hike.
If you are a kayaker. then Indian Valley Lake is a good choice. The ramp is closed to large boats but kayaks can still be launched. The lake is full of largemouth and smallmouth bass.
State park
The State Park, located on Soda Bay Road, is a great place to take the kids for a hike. The park is full of wildlife and there are plenty of tables for a picnic.