In This Issue:
Activity This Month
Hot Bite Update...Update
December Fishing
Fish of the Month
December Dates
Gift Certificates
New For Next Next Year
Volume 2, Issue 12
December, 2008

Clear Lake Conditions

Water level today is documented at 1.12 feet Rumsey, virtually unchanged from this time last month.  Last year, same date, the lake level was 1.07, so again, no change from last year.  Dam releases are minor.

The water temperature is maintaining mid to high 50’s.  Most days this past week I saw 56 to 59 degrees for the daily spread.  While we have had a few morning frosts we have also been experiencing higher than normal afternoon temperatures and very little wind.
 
Water clarity during the past month is good.  Most of the areas we have been fishing have between two to four feet of clarity and the water has a nice greenish tint.

In most areas of the lake the weeds are no longer touching the surface and are harder to find and stay around.  There are still plenty of weeds in the lake, they are just harder to find without a good, sunny day.

Bass Fishing

Activity This Month

If the fishing pressure was light this past month, December brings a time when we can fish the lake pretty much by ourselves.  This month brings lots of calm days and willing fish and no one around to share them with.

There is a total of four permits current for the month of December.  Two of those permits are for bass clubs that typically put 5 to 15 boats on the water.  There are two sanctioned team tournaments taking place on the 13th and 14th.  These events will have fields of 15 to 25, not a big deal.   

As always, if you are planning a trip to Clear Lake and don’t know if your dates are going to be shared with a competitive event, drop me a line and I will let you know what I see listed on the calendar maintained by DFG.  Just another service we offer.

Bass Fishing

Hot Bite Update...Update

I want to thank those of you who responded to the Hot Bite Update.  There is no better way to take advantage of a good set of fishing conditions than to get it while it is hot.  One of the people who came to fish enjoyed the 50 fish day.  If I take the time to notify you all of a great opportunity I am thinking of those of you who can move on short notice.  When it’s hot, it’s hot…even when it is a cold!

bass fishing clear lake, California

December Fishing

Winter fishing for bass is never easy, no matter were the body of water lies in Northern California.  The only exception to that is on a lake with spotted bass, they readily feed during cold water periods.  So if you want to fish for numbers of 1 ¼ to 1 ½ pound spots, go have fun.  If you want to catch the same number of fish or more and have them run 2 ¾  to 3 ½ pounds, live bait here on Clear Lake is the way to go.
 
Bass have been and will be in water as shallow as two feet and as deep as 13 feet.  Look for any remaining weed areas that are near relatively deeper water.  Also, shorelines that have hard bottoms and docks will hold fish too.  Areas that have right angles such as walls, fences, and piers will hold fish that are bunching up and ambushing bait.

I can’t tell you when a jig bite of any consequence or a rip bite will develop.  Hopefully this will be the month but….

There are still fish attacking various swim baits.  Several of our better fish last month came on 6 inch swim baits.  I don’t think you will get as many bites as other methods but the fish that we are catching on them seem to be a little bigger for the most part.

bass fishing clear lake, California

Fish of the Month

 

bass fish

A pretty lady with a nice fish on a beautiful fall day on Clear Lake.

5 lb bass mouth

This 5 pound mouth was attached to an 8 pound body.  That is a 6 inch swimbait!

bass fishing clear lake, California

December Dates

There are still a few dates available in December.  Give me a call for availability and let’s get you on the water.  I will be taking a vacation during the middle of the month that includes two weekends.  

 
bass fishing clear lake, California

Gift Certificates

Just a reminder that we do offer gift certificates that can be for a complete trip or can be used against the price of a complete trip.  If you are interested, just drop us a line or give me a call.

 
bass fishing clear lake, California

New For Next Next Year

I am pleased to announce the creation of our first special event.  The creation of a class that provides some basic information has been a thought for quite some time.  The first offering is designed to deliver a ton of basic information about bass, the equipment, and the chase.  The delivery will be a combination of stand up presentation, hands on practice on the dock, and a short session on the water.  The class size will be small, a maximum of 8 and the two instructors will be myself and my partner Jim Dowdy.

All attendees will come away with a better understanding of how to set up and use your equipment, the secret of finding bass, and tips that most tournament fishermen don’t want you to know.  I promise that you will be a better bass angler after attending this event.

The first events have been scheduled for the following four weekends:  March 28 & 29, 2009, May 16 & 17, 2009, September 26 & 27, 2009, and November 7 & 8, 2009.  All of these events will take place at the Ferndale Resort, on the lake in Kelseyville.  The events are delivered over the course of two days between the hours of 8 and 5.  We will have lots of surprises for those who attend.  Price of the March and November events per person is $500 class only, or $650 including two nights lodging.  Price of the May and September events per person is $500 class only, or $800 including two nights lodging.

The folks who own and operate the Ferndale Resort have been very helpful and are a very fisherman friendly bunch.  As we explained to them what we wanted to do, they were excited and willing to let us use all of their facility.

I am excited to offer these events and looking forward to setting up more in the future.  Remember, you will go away from this event a better angler and we have kept the class small to accommodate all of the questions that will come up.  Sign up quickly as you are getting the first opportunity for being a newsletter subscriber.  Don’t be afraid to share this new with anyone you know who may want to learn more about our favorite sport.  I anticipate these dates filling quickly as dads and sons and fishing partners will be taking spaces two at a time.  The deadline for sign ups with a room is 30 days prior to the event.  For more information, email me.

bass fishing clear lake, California

Closing

Thank you for your continued interest and support of Clear Lake Guide Service!  Our business continues to grow with the help of you and your spreading the word and my wife Deb and I both thank you.  Next month, look for some changes and updates of our web site as well as some new services that will be available the first of the year.  Good fishing and keep a tight line.

 

man and bass fish
bass fishing clear lake, California

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!

Bass Fishing 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!

bass fishing clear lake, California
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Clear Lake Guide Service
5020 Steelhead Drive
Kelseyville, CA 95451
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