Crappie used to be lake’s top fish
Clear Lake still holds state record for largest white crappie caught
Clear Lake is the No. 1 bass lake in the nation if not the world, a subject few people will argue. Fishermen from around the world visit to sample the excellent fishing. However, there is another fish that at one time during the lake’s storied history took top billing even over the bass, and that is the crappie.
Clear Lake is loaded with crappie and this tasty fish supplies not only excellent eating but is fun to catch. Crappie are also a wintertime fish. While bass tend to become dormant during the cold months, crappie actively feed. A good example is the crappie fishing during the brutally cold winter months in the northern states. In states such as Minnesota and Michigan, crappie are the No. 1 fish for ice fishermen who will endure 30-below-zero temperatures to catch them, and they bite like crazy in that weather.
Fifty years ago crappie were the No. 1 fish in Clear Lake. It wasn’t until later that bass would be introduced into the lake and begin their climb to fame.
Clear Lake leads the state in the largest white crappie ever caught, a 4-pound, 8-ouncer that was taken back in 1971 by Carol Carlton of Lakeport. There are two species of crappie in the lake, the black and white, The largest black crappie caught in Clear Lake weighed 4 pounds, 3 ounces.
There are a number of crappie locations where bank fisherman can catch them. Henderson Point, Kono Tayee and Shag Rock are all good crappie areas. The docks in Clearlake Oaks are a good bet as well as the shoreline at Lakeside
County Park. The docks at Library Park in Lakeport are another good choice. The top lure is a red-white crappie jig. Smaller live minnows are also a good choice.
There are a number of fishing guides on the lake but only one who specializes in crappie, Ed Legan of Clearlake Oak. Legan operates the Clear Lake Crappie Guide business and he books fivehour trips that have been extremely successful of late. Legan said his clients are averaging 80-150 crappie a day, with a number of those fish weighing more than 2 pounds. He said most of his clients have been catching their fish at depths of more than 20 feet while using crappie jigs of various colors. Legan can be reached at (702) 497-8938. He also guides for bass.
Bass scene
On the bass fishing scene, the action is still slow, one reason being the cold weather. The successful fishermen have been drop-shotting a plastic worm and working it slowly. A few fishermen are having success using the A-Rig and bumping it along the bottom. Lipless crankbaits such as the LV500 have been successful. There are no bass tournaments this weekend. The next tournament is NewJen team event Jan. 23.
Catfish action
Catfish action continues to be good for the few fishermen out after them. Some of the catfish are weighing up to 20 pounds. Nightcrawlers have been the top bait.
Trout
A few trout are being caught at Upper Blue Lake. The good news is the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) plans on stocking the lake next week, which should improve the fishing.
Duck season
Duck hunters have only two weeks remaining in their season, which closes Jan. 31. It has been a poor season to date. Even the top private clubs are struggling. Hunting on the refuges has been slow. On Clear Lake, the hunting has ranged from fair to good.
Hiking
Now is a great time to take a hike up to the summit of Mount Konocti. If that seems too strenuous, you might want to try a hike at Clear Lake State Park or at Anderson Marsh State Park. If you have a kayak, then a trip out onto the lake to view all the birds makes for a perfect day.