How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
Recreation
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News Reports
The super cold weather we experienced a week or two ago has given way to warmer (30s and 40s at night) temperatures. Many anglers are taking advantage of extended weekends and more comfortable conditions. We’ve had some light rain overnight, but not so much as to keep folks off the water.
The bass bite remains steady on live bait. The crappie bit has dropped off some following the cold snap but should be returning with the onset of this warmer and soggy weather. The lake’s surface temp is in the upper 40s. Here’s what we’re getting from the folks on the water …
Bass anglers are consistently catching some nice fish. Start with shallow water (4 to 8 feet) in the morning hours and progressively work deeper (to 20 to 30 feet) throughout the day.
Live jumbo minnows are the bait of choice this time of year. However, folks fishing finesse worms on shaky head or drop shot rigs have had some success, as have those using lipless crank baits. Stick to rocky areas or those with quality structure like docks and walls.
The minnow bite has been good enough for our early morning anglers to return to the shop mid-day for more bait. That’s always encouraging. Plan on using about a dozen to eighteen minnows per person per outing.
The crappie bite took a hard hit following the cold snap we experienced recently. We’re all still waiting for the bite to switch back on … and it should soon. January and February seem to be our peak months for crappie here at Clear Lake. I’d look to our favorite holes at Kono Tayee, Shag Rock, Glenhaven, Jones and Jago Bay, and Konocti to be swinging into gear any time now.
Check our Web site at www.994Fish.com for mid-week updates to our crappie report. I’ll get word up just as soon as we start seeing some real (or reel) results.
The catfish action has slowed to a winter low as it does each year at this time. We’ll pick up the catfish report when things start to get moving again in the spring.
We’re also planning a year-long big fish pool that’ll land the winner a premium Shimano Rod and Reel combo. Stay tuned for details on the 2009 Lakeshore Bait & Tackle Catfish Challenge …
Bob Rider is owner of Lakeshore Bait and Tackle, 14913-D Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake, telephone 994-FISH (3474). Visit him online at www.994Fish.com.
{mos_sb_discuss:2}
- Details
- Written by: Editor
CLEAR LAKE STATE PARK – A bird walk is scheduled for Clear Lake State Park at 8:30 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 28.
Meet guide Brad Barnwell near the visitor center ramp. Barnwell has been studying the birds in the park for several years. He knows the best places to look for them.
He recently photographed great-horned owls near the Dorn Trail. He has spotted red-tailed, red-shouldered, sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks, as well as peregrine falcons in the area.
Bald eagles are also frequenting the park. Heron and duck species can be seen in the creeks and near the shoreline. Many songbirds are wintering in the park. Rain does cancel the walk.
Binoculars, bird books and cameras are always great for added pleasure while birding in Clear Lake State Park. Nature walks will continue on the second and fourth Sundays each month in 2009.
There is no entrance fee to the park for participating in walks.
Clear Lake State Park is located at 5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville.
{mos_sb_discuss:2}
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News Reports
Here’s a brief report for those of you who’ll be doing a bit of fishing over the holiday weekend.
Cold, wet weather is the forecast for the next week. Dress warm and bring your rain gear. The bass bite remains decent, the crappie bite is back in limbo, and the catfish have cooled off for the winter. Here are the details.
A few brave souls have been out catching bass despite the cold and rain.
SLOW and DEEP is the mantra for our folks fishing the south end. Live minnows or night crawlers have been the key. There has been very little feedback as to what’s working for artificials this week.
For crappie, the popular spots seem to have thinned out with few fish reported as we headed into this latest storm system. We know that cold and rain can really do wonders for turning the crappie bite on in the winter time. We’re holding on to that hope as we ride out this wet weather and look forward into 2009. I’ll keep you posted.
That’s the short report for now. Let us know what you find over the next few days.
Merry Christmas from all of us here at Lakeshore Bait and Tackle in Clearlake.
Bob Rider is the owner of Lakeshore Bait and Tackle, 14913-D Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake, telephone 994-FISH (3474) or visit www.994Fish.com.
{mos_sb_discuss:2}
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News Reports
The cold weather has kept most fishermen from the lake so there’s not much to write about. Morning temperatures along the south end of Clear Lake are running in the upper teens and low 20s. We’ve had rain and snow this week. The skies are clear heading into the weekend, but more rain is forecast for the later part of the weekend and into next week.
We’ve got a good supply of jumbo and medium minnows for those of you who want to brave the cold and hit the water before we run out of 2008.
Your best bet for up to the minute reports this week is to give a call before you come our way. Look for bass and crappie to be deep. I’d be looking for the crappie bite to surge into action with the onset of their favorite weather. The catfish bite has dropped off substantially.
That’s a nuts and bolts report … I’ll bring you an updated report before Christmas (Wednesday, Dec. 24 is my plan) in case you’re fishing over the holidays.
One last plug – we’ve got some great specials throughout the store on rods, reels, guns, knives, accessories and more. And, we’ve extended our hours until 6 p.m. daily through Christmas Eve. Give us a visit when you’re looking for great gifts.
If I don’t catch you before then, enjoy a Merry Christmas from all of us here at Lakeshore Bait and Tackle.
Bob Rider is owner of Lakeshore Bait and Tackle, 14913-D Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake, telephone 994-FISH (3474). Visit the store online at www.994Fish.com.
{mos_sb_discuss:2}