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Northern California Lake Fishing Report

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Friday, July 23rd, 2010

  • Lake County
    • By

      Water Temp: 75-85

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: My family and I have been fishing here at clear lake since the 19th. this is the first time we have been here and i can't wait to be back when it is as good as it should be. we have been averaging 10 to 12 nice(3 to 5lb.) fish every day with the biggest being 7.7lb. I can catch them on about anything when i locate them. We have mainly been flipping but caught 6 nice fish off a point with dd22 crankbaits in about 20 min. one evening.
      City: kelso, Wa

      Tips: Find the crayfish, then you will find the fish. Try bright red jigs and soft plastics. Heavy jigs in the grass(1-1.5oz). If that dosen't work find 15 to 25 feet and throw the crankbait. they are there and willing to bite you just have to be out there and do it.
      Good Luck! Bassboy 17

    • By

      Water Temp: bath tub

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Kudos to Ross for laying it down like he did..a no b.s. kind of guy and an expert guide here.I've had my rig moored here in Jones bay and have averaged 3 to 5 quality bucket-mouth a day in this area.sure the alge sucks real bad and in most cases un fishable.you just got to burn a lot of gas and find better water.big fish of the week went 4.5 off the shaded side of a deep piling..3 inch power minner.and a decent swim bite.just before dark.I did see a nice school of 8 inch bass with some bluegil
      City: lower lake

      Tips: Be spot on with every cast.deadsticking is crucial.tuff it out.the population will come back in a couple years.even if you don't stick a lot of em the quality is still top notch in my book.have fun.

    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: No one loves Clear Lake more than me. But if you have to take so many precautions just to go fishing!....2 to 3 hours drive just to fish early morning? Ok let's keep it real. I was there and I know what I saw. Leave the Lake alone, let it do it's cycle and I'll be back next year. For now I'll try somewhere else....Thanks.
      City: SSF

      Tips: Try the lake and post what you think...keep it real. This is what this forum is for.

    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: I would love to read fishing reports from this sight but the fact of the matter is, PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON, so, They will really only know by reading the "REPORTS" page. I know clearlake and its towns surroundings are suffering from poor lake conditions and the economy, BUT, people still need to know the TRUTH before they come up here. It is not worth the trip. MY BOAT IS SUFFERING REAL BAD from the ALGAE and I ALSO KNOW FOR A FACT THEY ARE SPRAYING THIS LAKE. I will not purchase another sticker. Clearlake needs to not charge this and I agree with Eric, the money is a waste. I understand the locals are trying to make up excuses and trying to tell people it's not that bad in some spots JUST SO THEY CAN COME UP AND IMPROVE THE ECONOMY (that is WRONG!) THE FACT OF THE MATTER is that it is VERY AWFUL to put a boat in let alone smell the awful stentch! Sorry for the lengthy note but PLEASE BE TRUTHFUL when explaning to people what your idea is "THE TRUTH" It is plain and flat out AN AWFUL LAKE TO FISH right now!
      City: rocklin

      Tips: Wait until this lake turns to it's natural, good condition!

    • By

      Water Temp: LOW TO MID 80s

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: It's fish'in not catch'in. Somedays are better than others. WE ARE ALL BLESSED ! We able to fish on one of the best fisheries in the United States. My buddy Rich Bumpus always reminds me that everytime you fish Clearlake you could catch a bass of a life-time. He's right. always remember, KEEP IT REEL !
      Don
      City: UKIAH

      Tips: don't forget that big fish eat small baits too! Not always is the 1# swimbait the way to go for lunkers.

    • By

      Water Temp: N/A

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: This is my personal opinion sorry if you don't like it: Don't you think you could Use the FORUM for these opinions. I open this REPORT page I am looking for a fishing report and fishing information not your bickering. Thanks!
      City: Fairfield

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

  • Solano County
    • By

      Water Temp: 74-75

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Started in disappointment and my partner catches 8 keeper size fish on a black buzzbait.I was switching between a frog,senco, and a red/ornge lipless crank, got two little blow ups on the frog and lost two small ones on the crank. After about three hours of that we move to franks and nothing there so we move on to fishermens cut. I get a 5lber on the frog, we got a couple decent blow ups on the frogs. after a blow up I immediatly followed up with a punch skirt but they wouldnt ead it. There was alot of activity under the cheese matts, i dunno if they were chasing bluegill or shad but we couldnt get em to eat the frog or punch skirt.
      City: modesto

      Tips: Dont think im the guy ya wanna take tips from right now lol im strugglin out here!!qu

  • Lake County
    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Right on Ross! I was hoping one of you long-time locals would post and set the record straight. I too am tired of the b*tchin, complaining and finger pointing. It's gotten to the point that I don't even want to look at the Clear Lake report because I know that there are virtually no substantial fishing reports....just a lot of crap about how bad the fishing is and who's fault it is. Mother Nature is doing her work and sometimes it has an adverse effect on the fishery. Get over it! It's temporary! Our club has a two day tourney the third weekend in August. Based on Ross' info I'm glad we are fish mornings only on both days. Once again, thanks again for your insight and settin the record staight.
      City: Palo Cedro, Ca

    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Here are some facts about what is going on here on Clear Lake.

      Yes there is algae. It is worse in some areas of the lake than others and it moves daily and even hourly depending on the winds, overall though, it is not as bad across the entire lake as it was last year at this time. It does not effect the fish but it can be annoying to the fisherman(woman). Mornings are best to fish algae free due to the overnight temperature drop and lack of sunlight that the algae flourishes on during the afternoon. No agency or private party that I am aware of is "spraying to kill the algae", period. There is a very temporary fix for breaking up algae that plugs up the launching areas and that is to break it up with a fire hose with lake water, but it is a very short term fix. Those of us with 30+ years on this lake have seen algae that is much worse.

      The single biggest factor in the lack of productivity of the lake producing numbers of fish this year (in my opinion)is the lack of bait fish. Two cold winters 4 and 5 years ago pretty much wiped out the threadfin shad that were in the lake in absolutely huge numbers. It is not the first time this has happened. I have not seen a shad or a silverside minnow this year. And even though there are reports of anglers seeing some, the numbers are tiny in comparison to what is required to maintain the population of bass we used to have. It is a simple fact that all indications lead to a smaller population of fish for us all to share. Forget the "80-200" fish days, it isn't going to happen.

      What I report to orgs looking for fishing reports is a compilation of my own results, those of a few other active guides I network with as well as on the water conversations with anglers who range from casual to top level tournament competitors. I have spoken with no one who has caught more than 10 fish in a day this month. I have seen reports where people are "whacking" them but whacking them to me is 25+ fish days. My reports are as accurate as the information I am given and my own observations. We are catching 5 t0 9 fish and day and they are running between 3 and 6 pounds. Not good numbers but still decent size.

      I run this lake 3 to 5 days a week and have for the past 8 years. My motor has not gummed up due to algae or weeds. I have wrapped my lower unit enough to hamper the water pressure but you just have to keep an eye on it and when it begins dropping, put the motor in reverse and back up a bit and it usually clears. Once a year the water pump gets changed and the lower unit gets fluid changed and seals checked. Regardless of where you fish that is basic motor maintenances.

      There is a spraying program that dock owners can get a permit for and have a licensed contractor apply herbicides to their dock and immediate surrounding water (5 - 7 yards from what I have seen). It is an expensive propostion and it is a limited amount of owners who appear to be able to afford it. In speaking with the folks who monitor hydrilla, this year has been a very light year of hydrilla growth and they have done very little herbicide application.

      I usually don't take the time to post but there is so much crap being written about what is going on up here that it starts to wear on you and in some cases some of the posters impune your intergrity by suggesting people aren't telling the whole story. There are the facts as I see them. If you wish to shoot me questions for answers from my perspective or rant at me...ross_england@sbcglobal.net. In the meanwhile, if you don't know what you are talking about, quit talking.

      Tips: Don't launch at a ramp clogged with algae and weeds. Don't run the lake without watching either the water pressure guage or checking the tell tale (or pee hole) where the water comes out of the side of most outboards. Do fish the mornings. Do fish in areas that are a little clearer, there are plenty of them. Have a good time.

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

  • Solano County
    • By

      Water Temp: 77

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Fished White Slough & Disappointment Slough. Caught 13 from dinks to a 6 pounder with best 5 going 15 pounds. Plenty of action on crankbaits and tubes. Big fish hit a sexy shad crank. Also had good results with a red speed trap.
      City: Stockton

      Tips: Most were caught tight against banks even at low tide.

  • Lake County
    • By

      Water Temp: 80-83 5 am to 1

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: algae/grass at Rattle S. to sulfur pits,looked like a billion green feathers suspended in the water, hooked 1 fish on ripbait brought in grass next 100+casts,Ander IS. the same,left. 7/22/10 Lakeport went casino area carp spawn in process, grass a 1/4 mile from shore saw 1 boat stuck in grass,went to Rocky pt. grass to the surface in 14ft did catch 1 3lb fish on drop shot saw SPRAY BOAT went to NICE [grass] 1 fish on frog back to dock to wash rig,very disappointed worst water and fishing in 25 yrs at this time of the year.
      City: Clearlake Calif,

      Tips: wax your boat/trailer before you come.

    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Planning to go to los banos crk. res.this sat.the 24th. can any one tell me if the fishing has been ok or good . thanks
      City: Redwood city

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

  • Ventura County
    • By

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: havent been up here in over a month. Water seemed to drop and the weeds have come in force. Spent most of the day fishing around the weeds for a steady pick on the 1-3 lbers. Pretty much caught most on a senko or a sweet beaver. I ended the day with 6 fish and my buddy ended with 8.
      City: VC

  • Lake County
    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: To everyone fishing this lake by boat, FIY - FLUSH OUT YOUR ENGINE A.S.A.P. IF NOT, PLEASE DRAIN YOUR LOWER UNIT. THIS CRUD IN THE WATER COULD CAUSE SOME SERIOUS DAMAGE TO YOUR ENGINE! To heck with the $10 annaul Quagga Sticker, HOW ABOUT THE $10 GOING FOR FREE BOAT WASH AND ENGINE FLUSH AFTER YOU GET OFF THE LAKE!
      City: pleasant hill

      Tips: I love this lake, but, time to let it go through it's cycle, besides, its has been sprayed with toxins to try and clear it up (BIG MISTAKE) it is killing off the fish!

  • Sacramento County
    • By

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Started around 6am and tried the top water along north fork in coves and the main body didn't get a bite! tried the Zara Spook and some buzz baits and no hits. Tried some shallower waters (8-10ft) with some small storm swim baits and got one then went to the spinner bait along some brush (still Shallow) and hooked a nice one unfortunately i lost it.
      City: Sacramento

      Tips: Try somethin new. the trick is to find the fish!

    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Thanks dfg for closing the back lakes. Fishing for bass back there WAS one of my favorite summer activities. Its the closest and best lake around. It being closed does more harm then good to the many fishermen who rely on spending time back there, because many just stopped fishing in general, like me and my buddies.
      City: p-town

      Tips: If you ever have seen a steelhead in the back lakes please report on this page. Anyways how could catch and release BASS fishing affect the supposed steelhead fishery??

Monday, July 19th, 2010

  • Solano County
    • By

      Water Temp: 78-79

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: I read these reports often so I guess I better contribute. Went out today and started early at low tide punching mats. Had the best luck with hyacinth hydrilla combo on the edge of the hyacinth. Got 4 in the 3-4 lbs range with a few dinks in the mix. Tide came in and wind picked up so I started cranking wind blown rip rap banks with tule clumps. Got a couple more 3 lb fish with a lot of dinks in the mix. Prob around 16 lbs for best 5. Good day for me.
      City: modesto

      Tips: 1 1/4 oz punch rig with sprayed grass beaver and punch skirt and delta craw speed trap did it for me. Good luck.

    • By

      Water Temp: Pretty warm

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Hey T and Ky haven't seen you guys in awhile!! Seems like finally the big gals are starting to hit again, hit two last week one about 11 the other about 13 (no scale or camera LOL). Water is all the way up and they are pretty shallow by the tule's. I'd mention the spots but that would be silly since I did do the C & R thing!! I 'm using what I always use and they sucked it up really gently, after one "lift" all I saw was the line move!! I didn't hit anything else smaller, so I am wondering where all those smaller guys went?? Other than that the cats have been supplying the rest of the action. Hope to see you guys someday soon!!
      City: Antioch

    • By

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: 2010 UPDATE...Recent meeting of San Benito County Water District with DFG affirmed that DFG's goal is total eradication of the zebra mussels in San Justo Reservoir, since it's the only lake in California with an infestation of zebra mussels. Now the timeline is that the necessary permits will hopefully be obtained by early 2011 (BUT, must be approved by Cal EPA which is currently under-staffed), a contractor (for the dosing) should be selected in Sep 2011, dosing with potash should occur in Oct 2011, confirmation of eradication would be in Feb 2012, and the lake could be re-opened for recreational use in spring of 2012.
      City: Monterey

      Tips: Don't hold your breath while waiting for the permit approvals...you'll turn blue!

    • By

      Water Temp: Warm

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: First time fishing shadow cliffs...man is that lake clear. Fished out of the kayak for nada. Saw one bass that was probably 1.5 lbs or so and a ton of small 2" fish.....
      City: Livermore