Clearlake 3/11/19

On The Water Guide Service · Mon Mar 11, 2019 6:22 pm

Things are shaping up for a good early spring bite on Clearlake. We are finally forecasted for a warming trend starting this coming Wednesday with plenty of sunshine and a high of 60* and possibly even up to 70* by Sunday. This should bump the water temps up a bit and improve the bite considerably. I would expect to see some impressive weights coming to the scales in the 32nd annual Clear Lake team bass tournament scheduled for this weekend. The lake still remains in the flood stage with a reading of 9.78 on the Rumsey gauge as of this afternoon. With no rain forecasted for this week, the lake level should start slowly going down as the amount of water being released at the dam is greater than the amount flowing into the lake. All public launch ramps remain closed at this time. You can still launch at Konocti Vista Casino for $10 or you can launch mid lake at Braito's marina for $5. I recommend you bring some rubber boots to launch at Braito's because there is some water between the courtesy dock and dry land at the ramp. I heard Keeling park launch is open but is kind of sketchy launching by yourself. The State Park also remains closed.

Water clarity is also steadily improving all around the lake. The muddiest water still seams to be coming out of Rodman Slough with a plume that stretches through Nice and most of Lucerne. Most of the creeks on the north end are running dirty but could switch over to running clear any day now. The last two storms that hit were pretty cold and the mountain ridges north of the lake have a good dusting of snow on them. Water temps are still hovering in the high forties in the morning and low fifties by the afternoon. I would look for the reaction bite to be the deal on both ends of the lake this week with some of the better size fish biting on lures like the A-rig, chatter bait, underspin, suspending jerk bait, squarebill, and swimbait.There is also a decent finesse bite going on with a shakey head, ned rig, and drop shot with a short leader. If you fish any plastics, use some scent and just let it marinate on the bottom.

While most of the good crappie action has been down in the deep water of the south end, I would look for the action to start getting good in the North end with this warming trend. Anyone coming up to fish, please remember there is a 1/4 mile 5 mph zone being enforced around the entire lake. Remember to please be considerate to the home owners that are flooded around the shoreline. Good luck to everyone fishing in the tournament this weekend and enjoy your time on the water.

Tight Lines,
Troy Bellah

Mitch · Post by **Mitch** » Wed Mar 13, 2019 9:08 am

Now, THIS is how you write up a lake and fishing report !! Good job, Troy !! Thanks. Sure hope the home owners only have minimal damage due to the flooding.