Thursday, 28 March 2024

The Rider Report: Lake levels continue to improve, bass bite looks reasonable

Some rain and some sun have kept anglers guessing about the weather. But hey, it's winter so that's what we expect.


While much of our nation is getting a snow pounding, we're waffling on whether or not to hit up Clear Lake for some winter bassin'. The bass and catfish have been biting reasonably well given the time of year. The crappie bite is still a no-show (or perhaps the crappie fishermen are a no-show).


The current lake level exceeds the 91-year mean (Thursday morning's Rumsey reading was 5.18 feet). Plenty of water in the lake bodes well for an awesome spring bite and a productive, healthy lake through the balance of the year. And there's more rainfall to come as we move through February and into March and April.


Here's what we're hearing about the fishing.

 

Bass (and bass anglers) are showing a preference for live jumbo minnows. The minnow bite has been consistently better this year than in the past several years through the winter season. Boaters are having the best luck. Target rock piles and ledges, dock ends, and other transitional areas where deep water is close by.

 

Crappie (and the folks that fish for 'em) have been scarce. We're still offering our “Find the Fish, Win a Rod” promotion to the first angler or team of anglers to bring in a legal limit of 25 crappie. Bring your limit of Clear Lake slabs in for a photo-op and we'll give you the rod of your choice from our selection of Shimano Convergence or Clarus rods.

 

Catfish anlgers are enjoying a sound bite. Mackerel, anchovies, night crawlers and live jumbo minnows are doing the trick. Lots of water is flowing into the lake and bringing lots of nutrients with it. The whiskerfish come to life around areas where the flows are strongest. Target areas where the water enters and the clarity returns to near normal conditions.

 

In event news, the Clear Lake Ducks Unlimited chapter is just a little over a week away from their Feb. 20 banquet at Robinson Rancheria. Dinner ($65 per person or $100 per couple) and raffle tickets ($20 each or 6 for $100 for a Beretta White Onyx 20ga O/U Shotgun) are on sale at Lakeshore Bait & Tackle in Clearlake. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to join your community and make a difference.


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 .


Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf .

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