Now is the time to fish for steelhead
CLEAR LAKE >> The fishin’ has gotten a wee-tiny-bit better, but it is still slow. The water temps. are ranging from 43- 49 degrees. Looks like it’s just us diehard locals fishin’ Clear Lake right now. I would say to those who feel that want to give it a try that the “go to” baits right now are, The cAlabama rig and slow rolling a large swim bait. If they aren’t workin’ for you , you might try drop-shottin’, yoyoing a lipless crankbait, or dead stickin’ a jerk bait. The best bet is using live bait (minnows). By far, the anglers drifting a minnow are catching way more bass. Tip = keep movin’ around.
When you do find bass, stick with them. Don’t leave bass to find more bass…All in all, it’s nothin’ to write home about.
Lake Mendocino
The bass fishin’ has (maybe) picked up a weebit on our backyard lake? Specifically the smallmouth bass.
Try a chartreuse or white colored spinner bait with gold double willow blades, or a 4” jerk bait, twitching it along. The key is to cover a lot of water. Fish areas with a lot of structure and rocks. Stick with it, you’ll get a few.
Also heard that there has been some nice catfish caught on anchovies at the channel. BUT, HERE IS THE DEAL.
Lake Sonoma
I have been told that there are a few bass being caught .They are holding tight to submersed timber . You got to be your bait right in the middle of the tree and work it real slow. Try a plastic worm in a darker color like junebug. The bite is real soft. Feel the tap, set the hook and quickly bring the fish up to the surface.
Lake Pillsbury
Good news from up on the mountain. The word is that the trout fishin’ is good right now!
Anglers that have made the trip up the hill, have been hooking into some really nice trout. Some knocking on 3 pounds.
Try fishin’ off the docks with a nightcrawler at the Lake Pillsbury Resort. The potholes have been NOT been filled, so if you take a trip to Lake Pillsbury don’t be in a hurry.
Russian River
BOY, the rain we have received the last couple weeks has got the Russian
River primed for a good steelhead run. Should be the best run so far this winter. So far, the fishin’ pressure down south will be crazy. Especially the Memorial and Steel Beach areas.
It is best to fish midweek so that you avoid the crowds. Or, stay in Mendocino County. There will be less fishing pressure.
Eel River
The South Fork of the Eel River is the hot place to be fishing for steelhead right now.
Drifting bait or pulling plugs have been working well. Go get ‘em gang! It doesn’t get any better than this.