Bass fishing bite improves a bit

Warmer weather has helped out fishermen around Clear Lake

The recent warm weather has helped the bass fishermen although the fishing is still tough. As an example, Bob Bridges and Gary Hill fished all day Wednesday and got only one bite and just one bass. Bridges said the conditions were perfect with clear and warm water. They saw a lot of bass staging to spawn, but they wouldn't bite. Similar reports were given by the local fishing guides. Most said they were happy if their clients caught four or five fish for a day's effort.

One problem has been a low lake level and increased fishing pressure. There has been at least one bass tournament held every weekend the past two months. The low lake level limits the areas fishermen can access. As of Thursday morning, the lake level was .23 feet on the Rumsey Gauge and slowly falling. There is no rain forecast in the coming weeks, which means the lake level should hit zero on the Rumsey Gauge within two months, perhaps sooner.

There were two bass tournaments scheduled this week. On Thursday, the Sonoma County Sheriff Association held its annual team tournament out of Library Park in Lakeport. Best Bass Trail (BBT) is holding a team event Saturday. The weighin begins at 3 p.m. at Library Park. That tournament should draw approximately 100 boats.

The more successful fishermen have been fishing very slowly and just barely moving their lures across the bottom. The most productive lures have been those made of plastic, such as a Senko or a plastic worm rigged on a drop-shot. Jigs also have been effective as has a Keitech lure. There should be bass on the spawning beds within a week, which should improve the fishing and result in bigger bass being caught. Bass are being seen and caught all around the lake, The only problem is that very few large bass are being caught. A 7-pound bass is considered to be a “monster” these days.

Crappie still biting

Crappie action remains very good and many fishermen are catching up to 50 crappie a day. The best action has been out in the deeper water. The crappie have been holding at water depths of 20-30 feet and are suspended at a depth of 15-20 feet. This is where your electronic depth finders come into play. The electronics are used to locate the schools of fish.

Catfish derby

The annual Clearlake Oaks/ Glenhaven Catfish Derby is next week. It starts May 13 and ends May 15 at noon. The entry fee is $50 for adults and $10 for children younger than 10. There is also a division for ages 1115. Call (707) 596-0248 or go to www.clearlakeoaks.org/derby for more information. The derby is expected to draw more than 800 fishermen from around the nation. It is the largest catfish derby West of the Mississippi. The headquarters is the Clearlake Oaks fire station.

Trout fishing

The stream trout fishing season opened Saturday and the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) has scheduled the East Branch of the Russian River (Potter Valley ) to be stocked. This is a favorite stream for many local fishermen

Hiking

Now is the perfect time to take a hike in the backcountry. The Mendocino National Forest has dozens of trails and Mount Konocti would be another great choice. The weather has been perfect for a hike up the mountain. Just take plenty of water, some food and take your time. Another great place to hike is at Clear Lake State Park. The park has plenty of well-kept trails and is a safe place to hike or picnic.