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Clear Lake ConditionsApril brings a full lake with a little over 7 feet of water on the Rumsey guage. Water temperatures have not improved very much since March, starting in the very low 50’s and hitting 54 to 56 depending on the day. I have not seen a real big difference between the north end temps and the south end temps. The water color is good in the deeper portions of the lake, with clarity to about 6 feet. Overall, the entire lake is fishable, and the water continues to clear on the North end. Last month’s algae bloom is gone for now. The first green tules are starting to emerge.
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March Fishing RecapAs predicted, the month of March produced some very good days. We had 28-four pounders, 20-five pounders, 5-six pounders, 3-seven pounders, 3-eight pounders, 1-nine pounder, and 2-ten pounders. Many of these fish came on live bait but a number of them came on a swimbait, the biggest being one of the eights. Most of the fish were caught on the North end of the lake in the submerged tule beds or just out in front of them. The weather conditions and water temperatures kept both the rip bite and the swimbait bite in check for the most part. Jeff Gann with two good fish including a ten caught on live bait. Not a bad fish for the second fish of the day! Jack Perkins and David Kemp showing off some of their fish for the day including David’s new personal best 9 pounder.
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April FishingSince we didn’t make the weather improvements in March that we anticipated, the outline for fishing in April will still apply. Break out the big dogs and let ‘em hunt! March April will be the month for a shot at a big bass on Clear Lake. This is the month when water temperature finally starts out at 50 degrees or better every day. Warming water pulls fish to the shoreline cover that they will soon use for spawning. Before the spawning ritual though, the females are still feeding to build up protein in their bodies for the egg developing process. The bite just gets better as the month progresses. The beginning may start a little slower but it can build fast when the weather cooperates. Almost all presentations are in play. Split shotting, light Mojo rigs, shakey heads, blades, jigs, jerk baits, and swim baits all work effectively. Finding a concentration of fish can be as simple as location. This month, if you are not catching fish, move. Just remember, that move can be down the bank, out from the bank, or into the bank shallower. Regardless of which presentation you prefer, think about how the section of the lake lays out and begin your search on banks protected from the North. These areas will warm quicker and even if it is a 30 foot section of bank along 300 yards of bank that is shaped the right way, that 30 feet may provide all of your action. As you look at the upper end of Clear Lake you notice that the much of the shoreline of Nice and Lucerne offer this protection and what a surprise, can offer some of the best early March fishing. |
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Early Spring Fishing TipSpring is that wonderful time of the year when some of the biggest and fattest fish of the year begin to move shallow where the average angler has a great chance to hook the fish of a lifetime. Where do you start looking for them? Remember that shallow water is not only where the water is 3 feet deep but the top 3 feet of water over deeper water too. The shallower water will be warmer during stable weather conditions. Banks that have a southern exposure will begin to warm up and retain the heat the earliest. Look for retaining walls to be some of the earliest places on these banks to hold fish. Here on Clear Lake that could mean in the vast areas covered by tules. Look for the first green tules that are beginning to touch the surface. Also look for the early signs of other vegetation forms such as duckweed, hyacinth, and the like. Areas of docks that are protected and catch a lot of sun will hold fish during the spring as well. It is very common to cruise through an area just looking when the water is clear enough and see bass suspended under the floatation of docks in the top 3 feet of water during a warm afternoon. Finally, launch ramps always hold fish. It takes a while to learn how to fish them correctly but make no mistake they hold fish anywhere you find them. |
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What Makes a Good Rip BaitA good rip bait will have a great finish that will hold up to the hard abuse one of these baits goes through. It will also run true, right out of the package. I have pretty much given up on the hooks that come with most baits, though some baits have better hooks than others. It will also suspend in the water when stopped during the retrieve and hang level in the water while suspending. I also look for an internal weight transfer system that makes the bait easier to cast long distances with accuracy. If you find all this in a rip bait guess what, it won’t sell for $5. You can change hooks and you can also weight baits yourself so they perfectly suspend. You cannot add an internal weighting system. This is not to say that all of your arsenal should contain the best of the best. There are definitely some baits that you should customize and add to your selection. Storm makes lead strips and dots that have adhesive on the back for adding weight to baits to make them suspend. A little tinkering in the kitchen sink and you will find the right balance. |
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My April PickLive bait will still be a great way to get a big fish this month. A big part of this month is still going to be the hunt for big fish. Since March wasn’t that normal, hopefully April is going to be abnormal too. We really have not seen any move to the spawning areas by fish meaning there is still going to be a whole lot of prespawn fish to play with. With some warming temperatures and the fact that the bite has not really been on, a swim bait will be a good choice. High water this year is going to mean the return of the Osprey. Make sure you spend some time throwing this swim bait around areas you know will hold spawning fish. Good color choices on Clear Lake include: Baby Bass, Light Hitch, Dark Hitch, and Striper. Don’t be afraid to change up speeds with it either. |
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April DatesAt this point, there are no remaining available dates in April. May is filling fast too, so if you are interested in a May trip, get in touch with me soon. |
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ClosingI am working on some new items and as soon as I get a comfort level with them, I will be highlighting them as new items. Hopefully, I can cover them next month. In the meanwhile, have a good April of fishing. |
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Miss an Issue of the Clear Lake Report?We have archived all of our past Clear Lake Report Issues on our Clear Lake Fishing Guide Service website! Go to our Clear Lake Fishing Report Index! Don't be afraid to check out www.clearlakeguideservice.com. There is a lot of useful information available. Even insights into the best times to fish the lake and other fishing tips. Local lodging, weather, and even lake level reporting is available through the links we have set up. Good fishing and I look forward to seeing you soon! |
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