10-12-2012, 01:21 PM
Northern CA Freshwater Fishing Report
Cooler water at Clear Lake jump starts the bite
BY ROBIN WADE/WON Staff WriterPublished: Oct 12, 2012
http://www.wonews.com/t-NorthernCAFreshw...01212.aspx
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KELSEYVILLE — Clear Lake’s finally getting some colder weather, which should kick the bass and catfish bite into gear, although last week was tough.
“I spoke with a number of anglers this past week who were all scratching their heads, wondering what was going on with the fish,” Clear Lake Guide Service owner Ross England said. “Many of the anglers reported one to three keeper fish for a day on the water, with baits ranging from plastic worms to topwaters.”
“Those who probably are doing better than the average are just flat not talking about it with the tourneys starting up,” England said. “Our experience this past week was about the same, doing our best to come up with 3 to 5 bites a day. The good news is that if you are fishing aggressively for better fish and get 5 bites you will have a pretty nice-sized limit.”
England said the areas getting pounded the hardest included Long Tule Point and Quercus Point on the upper end of the lake. “The midsection of the lake has been productive for patient anglers and the Redbud Arm seems to be doing a bit better than the Rattlesnake Arm,” said England. “Fish are coming either in very shallow water (1 to 3 feet) or deeper water in the 20- to 25-foot range. Drop-shotting plastic worms, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and surface presentations are the most common reported successful methods. A few anglers are talking about catching fish on jigs but it doesn't appear to be really “on” yet.”
England said based on last year's record, anglers wanting to get after some exceptional catfishing should start thinking about giving it a try. “Mid to late October through the end of November is a prime time to get after these hard fighting fish. Cut baits, nightcrawlers and my favorite, live minnows will do the trick. Shag Rock, Henderson Point and the Glenhaven Reef are some of the mid lake areas that will be productive. If last year was any indication of what is in store this fall, look for plenty of whiskerfish action with fish running from 8 to 20 pounds and larger.”
Cooler water at Clear Lake jump starts the bite
BY ROBIN WADE/WON Staff WriterPublished: Oct 12, 2012
http://www.wonews.com/t-NorthernCAFreshw...01212.aspx
[*]Print This Article
[*]Email This Article
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Digg This Article KELSEYVILLE — Clear Lake’s finally getting some colder weather, which should kick the bass and catfish bite into gear, although last week was tough.
“I spoke with a number of anglers this past week who were all scratching their heads, wondering what was going on with the fish,” Clear Lake Guide Service owner Ross England said. “Many of the anglers reported one to three keeper fish for a day on the water, with baits ranging from plastic worms to topwaters.”
“Those who probably are doing better than the average are just flat not talking about it with the tourneys starting up,” England said. “Our experience this past week was about the same, doing our best to come up with 3 to 5 bites a day. The good news is that if you are fishing aggressively for better fish and get 5 bites you will have a pretty nice-sized limit.”
England said the areas getting pounded the hardest included Long Tule Point and Quercus Point on the upper end of the lake. “The midsection of the lake has been productive for patient anglers and the Redbud Arm seems to be doing a bit better than the Rattlesnake Arm,” said England. “Fish are coming either in very shallow water (1 to 3 feet) or deeper water in the 20- to 25-foot range. Drop-shotting plastic worms, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and surface presentations are the most common reported successful methods. A few anglers are talking about catching fish on jigs but it doesn't appear to be really “on” yet.”
England said based on last year's record, anglers wanting to get after some exceptional catfishing should start thinking about giving it a try. “Mid to late October through the end of November is a prime time to get after these hard fighting fish. Cut baits, nightcrawlers and my favorite, live minnows will do the trick. Shag Rock, Henderson Point and the Glenhaven Reef are some of the mid lake areas that will be productive. If last year was any indication of what is in store this fall, look for plenty of whiskerfish action with fish running from 8 to 20 pounds and larger.”
