Clear Lake Conditions

Water level today is documented at 3.3 feet Rumsey. This is a drop of about one and a quarter foot in lake level during the past month. The lake level is still about a quarter of a foot higher than last year at this time. Water temperatures are consistently in the mid to high 70’s throughout the lake.

Water clarity during the past month is still real good for Clear Lake. We still have not had a significant algae bloom though the weeds are making up for it. In some areas deep in the weed beds you can still see bottom in 4 to 5 feet of water. In other areas of the lake, 5 feet or so is about it.

Fishing pressure remains light although this past weekend I saw more boats on the lake than during the past month.

July Fishing Recap

Fishing during the month of July was a real scavenger hunt. While we did catch fish every trip some of the numbers were down, and certainly down from previous summers. We still have not got a great top water bite to go. We have caught fish almost every day we tried it but the numbers are way down and it has been pretty much a morning thing.

The lack of bigger fish in our count is a direct reflection in the lack of a quality top water bite again in July. We had 7-four pounders, 1-five pounder, and 1-six pounder. The average fish ran almost 2.5 pounds.

Chris Wooldridge Bass Fishing

Chris Wooldridge brought her father Jeff over from the Reno area for a couple of days of fishing and to share some family news. The weather was awesome and the fish were biting on top and often.

August Fishing

Thank God that August is already producing more quality than last month! In a normal year (how many times have you heard that this year?) we are kicking fanny fishing top water baits and not looking back. This year we have to look for some action on top early and then start moving out into 15 to 25 feet of water for some structure fishing.

The few basics of this month are that somewhere there are shallow fish, I mean real shallow. There are going to be deep fish and we have already caught a few out to 30 feet. And finally, there are fish in between, where you can find them.

Jigs, worms, creature baits, and crank baits are good basics for August. Top water gives you a chance for a better fish, you just won’t get as many bites as other methods will produce. The primary forage that I have seen come out of fish at the boat is either juvenile crappie or bass.

This is also the time of year when those who are willing will rig up to punch baits through the heavy surface weeds and primrose to find willing bites underneath. Not one of my favorite ways to fish but it can be real productive once you get the hang of it.

Generally speaking this is the time of year to start poking around in the Rattlesnake area as well as some of the deeper ledges and points of the Narrows.

Jenny and Peter Kim of Oakland fished August 1 as part of an extended birthday celebration for Jenny. Both caught their personal best that day – Jenny got a 5.25 and Peter landed a 6.5. See what I mean…August is looking better already!

New Items

My buddy Keith at Powell Products has some good news if you have not already heard. Number One is that the retail price has come down to $139 and $169.

The second thing worthy of note is a new rod. He has finally released a telescopic swimbait rod model that we have been talking about for some time. The specs on the two new models are Model Number 711MHSBR-XT and 711HSBR-XT. The heavy model is the one you want to throw your Hud and it is available now. The medium heavy will be ready to ship in the next 6 weeks or so. To the best of our knowledge there isn’t another swim bait design rod that has the telescopic handle like a flipping stick which will make it easier for those of you with smaller rod lockers or who haul your gear in your car.

Also, Outdoor Pro Shop in Rohnert Park, CA has kicked off their new web shopping site called monsterfishingtackle.com. I have used the site already and found the service to be speedy, accurate, and fairly priced. They are a mega dealer for G Loomis which means you will find just about everything that Loomis makes available to purchase along with a good selection of salt water and fly gear. Check them out and add their site to your favorites.

Big Tournament News

FLW will be hosting a major event here on Clear Lake during the middle of March 2009 and B.A.S.S. has announced a return to the lake in 2010, probably in March as well.

August Dates

There are numerous dates available in August so feel free to call for availability.

Closing

My wife Deb and I both thank you for your support this year. Our business continues to grow with the help of you and your spreading the word. Good fishing and keep a tight line.

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!

There is a lot of useful information available on the Clear Lake Website. 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!