3/11/15 Lake Conditions & Fishing Report

Since my last report and with no recent rains, the water clarity has cleared up considerably, especially on the West & North ends of the lake.  The last three weeks have seen three big tournaments on the lake that have resulted in several 10lbers and lots of 7's, 8's & 9lb fish being caught.  That being said, the vast majority of the fisherman are catching fish in the 2 to 3 lb range.   Currently we are having a small cooler system moving through with maybe some sprinkles but right back into a warming trend for the next week.  On the warm afternoons the bass are moving into the shallows and suspending under the docks.  It's my guess with the water temps getting up into the low 60's in the afternoons, the bass will be bedding up soon.  The crappie and bluegill are already making beds, and the bass will soon follow.  Everything you can imagine is being used to target the bass,  big glide baits, Arigs, big & small swim baits, jerk baits, drop shot, shakey head, crank baits, chatter baits,  all are being used and all will work at the right time and right place.  The fish are schooling and staging in the normal pre spawn bays and coves.  You have to move around, cover water and locate the concentrations of fish.   Now is also a good time to start throwing the trusted senko,  a great pre spawn bait, fan cast it around and under the docks and out in the open to target the bass that are holding out a little deeper.  A reminder for all of you that may be bringing a boat from out of the County to have your boat inspected and get your required Lake County Clearance sticker before launching your boat.  The sticker from the State of Ca is not sufficient, you must have the Lake County Sticker.  
   Also keep in mind that all of the larger fish with the fat bellies this time of the year are probably females with eggs in them.  Take your pictures, handle with care and get them back in the water asap.  Now is a great time to come and fish Clear Lake and target a fish of a lifetime.  Take measurements, a good photo, and have a replica made for your wall mount, release the trophy alive. I constantly hear complaints from other fisherman of people being rude, cutting them off, barging in front of them, etc.  Be courteous regardless if you are in a tournament or not, there is plenty of areas to catch fish here at Clear Lake without trying to poach someone's area.   The next month or so will be off the charts for catching quality bass,  be safe, enjoy, be courteous,  God Bless,  Bob