Recreation
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In 2010, Lake County tournaments will be home to numerous tournaments each month with an action-packed year of fishing for amateurs and pros alike, including the Bassmaster Elite Series Golden State Shootout tournament March 18-21.
At the heart of Lake County is Clear Lake, which is California’s largest natural freshwater lake with 68 square miles of surface area and 100 miles of shoreline and is truly an angler’s paradise. Clear Lake has earned a reputation for being home to “monster bass” – the lake record for largemouth bass is 17.52 pounds – and it is often referred to as the “Bass Capital of the West.”
The average tournament-winning weight for largemouth bass can exceed five pounds, a weight unmatched by any other lake in the nation. Clear Lake also boasts a large population of crappie, as well as huge catfish – with a 2009 record-breaker weighting in at 33.33 pounds that was released back into the lake – and 20-pounders not at all uncommon.
Beyond Clear Lake, several other lakes in the area provide opportunities for a wide range of fishing experiences, including the clear waters of spring-fed Upper Blue Lake where several lakeside campgrounds and resorts dot the shoreline; Lake Pillsbury, located in the expansive Mendocino National Forest; and for those seeking solitude, remote Indian Valley Reservoir.
Three of the most popular tournaments include:
March 13-14, Holder Ford Team Bass Tournament
Considered by some sportsmen to be the most popular event on the lake, the laid-back atmosphere has drawn pro and amateur teams alike for the past 23 years. A barbecue dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Entry fees are $100 per team, plus $50 for the Big Fish Option or add $50 for the Big Bag Option. The teams especially appreciate the 100 percent payback in prizes on the entry fees for the event. Sponsored by Holder Ford and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. The host lodging facility is Skylark Shores Resort, and the teams put in at Library Park, Lakeport. 707-263-5603, www.lakecochamber.com
April 24-25, Blue Lakes Trout Derby
This derby is sponsored by the Blue Lakes Association and local merchants and businesses donate prizes. Now in its 22nd year, proceeds from the event go to support volunteer firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other Blue Lakes community projects. Held Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. with weigh-ins each day at the Narrows Resort. Entry fees are $8 per person; $4 for those under 16. The top prize is $150, second place is $75, and third place is $50. Every child wins a prize. The derby is open to the public and hosted by the Narrows Lodge Resort, 5690 Blue Lakes Road, Upper Lake. 707-275-2718, www.thenarrowsresort.com
May 14-15, 27th-Annual Catfish Derby, Clearlake Oaks / Glenhaven Business Association
“The largest catfish derby west of the Mississippi” and a benefit for community projects, the 27th-annual Catfish Derby features both an Adu lt Derby, with a grand prize of a new boat, motor, and trailer, and a Kids Derby for those 16 years old and younger, with a grand prize of a new quad ATV. Sponsored by the Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven Business Association. Held from noon Friday through noon Sunday. Early registration from noon to 11 p.m. Thursday, $40. Registration also will be held from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, $45. No registrations accepted after 11 p.m. Friday. Registration is $10 for kids. 12655 East Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks. 888-CL DERBY, 707-998-1006, www.clearlakeoaks.org
The California Department of Fish & Game requires all tournaments to receive a permit and maintains the most up-to-date list of professional and club tournaments that will be held on Clear Lake in 2010. This list is continually updated. Visit their Web site to search for tournaments at http://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FishingContests .
Lake County is committed to protecting its lakes and rivers from aquatic invasive species. All non-resident vessels must be clean, drained, and dry and must be inspected prior to launching.
For those vessels that pass inspection, a set of two inspection bands will be issued – one for the boat and one to be affixed to the boat trailer. The fee is $10 and the bands, which are non-transferable, will be valid for the entire month of issue plus a five-day grace period for those visits that continue into the following month.
In addition, the disposal of live bait or its bait water into Lake County waters is strictly prohibited. For more information and for a list of convenient inspection locations, visit www.co.lake.ca.us/mussels .
Located in beautiful Northern California, Lake County is just two hours by car from the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento Valley, and the Pacific Coast. Lake County is home to Clear Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in California and possibly the oldest lake on the continent.
Visitors to Lake County experience the state’s cleanest air basin, spectacular scenic beauty, fine wines, and unsurpassed recreational opportunities – from hiking, biking, golf, gaming and off-road adventures to boating, fishing, kayaking, birding and even rockhounding. Lake County is part of the North Coast AVA, which also encompasses Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties.
For visitor information, contact the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743 or www.lakecounty.com .
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The signups will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lakeport Elementary, 150 Lange St.
Signup fees are $65 for one player, $45 for each additional brother or sister
Please bring your insurance information, proof of residency and birth certificate.
PLEASE NOTE: Insurance information is required for all players. Proof of residency and birth certificates are only required for new players in the league. Proof of residency (utility bills, etc.) must list correct street address. Players must be at least age 5 by April 30.
If you have any questions please call 707-263-6111.
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MIDDLETOWN – After running classes since September while continuing to remodel Armstrong Hall, Lake County Jazzercise will celebrate its official grand opening on Thursday, Jan. 21, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The celebration will feature a special sign-up price of only $20 per month with a six month auto-pay registration.
A one-time joining fee of $40 will complete your registration and allow you unlimited access to all of the 23 classes held weekly at Armstrong Hall, 15642 Armstrong Street in Middletown. The hall is two blocks behind the U.S. Post Office.
Armstrong Hall was built originally as a church in 1947. After months of renovation, it now features a sprung wood floor to cushion Jazzercisers’ joints during their workouts, climate control with central heat and air conditioning, a premium sound system, ceiling fans and on-site babysitting at selected classes.
The grand opening will include introductions and will honor the many Lake County businesses that contributed to the reconstruction.
Door prizes by area businesses including Amazing Bath by Gigi, Star Gardens, Arlene Grimes’ Cookie Lee Jewelry, Bullion Creek Winery and Jazzercise will be awarded. Refreshments from Chic Le Chef, wine from Beaver Creek Vineyard and a short Jazzercise demonstration will round out the evening’s festivities.
“I would like to thank the Lake County businesses that made this Jazzercise Fitness Center possible. It was a pleasure working with Mendo Mill, Tri-Counties Bank, Turner Insulation, Pure Air Heating and Cooling, and Ric Johnson, handyman extraordinaire,” said center owner, Beth Rudiger. “The center turned out beautifully. My fellow instructors, Mary-Grace McMahon, Reikor Deacon, Marla Drake, Amanda Boman and I love teaching Jazzercise in this space!”
A 60-minute Jazzercise class includes a warmup, high-energy aerobic routines to current music, muscle-toning and a cool-down stretch segment. Jazzercise combines elements of dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing and more to create programs for people of every age and fitness level.
Additionally, Lake County Jazzercise offers Jazzercise Lite, a 60-minute low impact class that pairs moderate aerobics with exercises that are designed to improve strength, balance, and flexibility.
“The easy-to-follow routines make Jazzercise Lite inviting to anyone new to exercise, and the aerobic portion of the workout can get the heart rate up without stressing the knees, legs and lower back,” said Rudiger. “The Jazzercise philosophy has always been that exercise is for everyone, and by using effective movements, jazz dance, and popular music, we continually strive to make it fun for participants, too.”
For the class schedule go to www.lcjazz.com or contact Rudiger, telephone 707-987-1923 or e-mail
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Minnows, minnows, MINN-O's are the name of the game for quality winter bassin' on Clear Lake. We're seeing the same thing for the crappie. They're doing the trick for big cats, too. So, come brave the not-so-tough winter elements (compared to the rest of what the country is seeing) and get on a really dang good bite at Clear Lake.
Bassers are still enjoying a moderately good bite. Shallow water (3 to 5 feet near drops), mid-depth (12 to 15 feet), and deep water tactics are all working for folks soaking live bait. By live bait, I mean JUMBO MINNOWS. The folks working artificials are having a bit more of a tough time with it. Some folks have had a limited amount of success working small offerings on a drop shot rig. I've heard the mighty Senko mentioned this week but it was in relation to actually knocking the bass on the head to get results.
Guys and gals ... this is winter bassin'. If you want your rod to go bendo grab yourself some fresh jumbo minnows – they're the best imitation of a swim bait I've got!
Crappie ... interesting subject. The calls come in every day, "What are the crappie doing?" and "Are the crappie biting?" They're swimming! With no pressure on the lake and very few anglers working for them they're happy as can be to be left alone. They haven't left the lake. The other fisheries on the lake are doing great. The lake itself is in phenomenal shape (albeit we could certainly use more water).
Folks, if you want crappie they're here for the taking. Start with live minnows – free line 'em or put 'em under a slip float, and target deep water areas along Leubow Point, Frazier Point (Konocti), Kono Tayee and Shag Rock.
And catch this ... Our Crappie Challenge! I'll give a FREE Shimano Convergence or Clarus rod to the first angler or team of anglers that brings in a limit (25) of Clear Lake crappie to be photographed at our store. Find the fish – win a rod!
Catfish action has surged with the recent rains and milder conditions. Jumbo minnow action for cats has been producing some nice fish. We're right back to having our bass anglers complain that they're catching big nasty cats between every five or six bass. Love it!
Calling all duck hunters: The Clear Lake Ducks Unlimited chapter is gearing up for our Feb. 20 banquet. Merchandise – that's prints, sculptures, knives, guns and more – has been chosen and ordered. The banquet reservations have been made. Dinner and raffle tickets are on sale.
There's still much to be done and we would love to have you get involved in our nation's leading waterfowl conservation organization. The group will meet here in our store, Lakeshore Bait & Tackle in Clearlake, this coming Monday (Jan. 11) at 5 p.m. Come join your Clear Lake DU chapter and be a part of something fabulous in 2010.
Bob Rider is owner of Lakeshore Bait & Tackle, 14913 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake, telephone 707-994-FISH (3474). Visit the store online at www.994Fish.com .
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