In This Issue:
Clear Lake Conditions
March Fishing
Early Spring Fishing Tip
My March Pick
Shiners Anyone?
March And April Dates
Closing
Volume 2, Issue 3
March, 2008

Clear Lake Conditions

The great news is since last month’s report the lake has almost reached 7 feet Rumsey.  That is close to 3 feet of water rise over the past 4 weeks.  Water temperatures starting in the high 40’s and hitting low 50’s by the end of a 3 day calm, warm spell.  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 pretty fishable, but there is only about a foot of visibility on the north end in some areas affected by runoff.

The algae bloom, a weird deal happening since last month continues all over the lake.  It is not covering the surface but in some areas your reel will turn green from the amount.  I don’t think it bothers the fish but it is strange to see it in these water temperatures.The great news is since last month’s report the lake has almost reached 7 feet Rumsey.  That is close to 3 feet of water rise over the past 4 weeks.  Water temperatures starting in the high 40’s and hitting low 50’s by the end of a 3 day calm, warm spell.  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 pretty fishable, but there is only about a foot of visibility on the north end in some areas affected by runoff.

The algae bloom, a weird deal happening since last month continues all over the lake.  It is not covering the surface but in some areas your reel will turn green from the amount.  I don’t think it bothers the fish but it is strange to see it in these water temperatures.


Bass Fishing

March Fishing

Break out the big dogs and let ‘em hunt!  March is 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 males almost always hit the bank first to begin staking out areas.  They are aggressive and very active.  The females are not far behind but they will be sitting out in a little deeper water.  On this lake, that can be just a couple of feet deeper.  The bottom line, your boat might be sitting over the bigger fish while you are fishing the realm of the males.

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.


Bass Fishing

Early Spring Fishing Tip

One of the first things to overcome this time of year is the difference between air temperature and water temperature.  We all know that this is the time of year when a couple degrees of additional water temperature can make a big difference in fishing success.  The problem begins when have been fishing for a couple of hours, the weather is awesome, now you have taken off half your clothes due to the warm sunny rays pounding you, the water temperature gauge shows 52 degrees, and you are having a hard time getting bit.

The water environment is a different ballgame.  Even though the surface says 52 at 4 feet of depth the temp may still be 46.  So, understand that the name of the game is still a slow, methodical approach.  Don’t miss anything and even though late in the day you may be down to shorts and a t-shirt, don’t speed up.

On Clear Lake, water temperatures can move too.  Even though the Nice shoreline should be the warmest water right now, warm calm days that have light breezes can actually move the warmer surface water to another portion of the lake.  This week I found warmer water by almost 3 degrees on the southern side of the lake near the county park than due north of the park in Nice.

Also, keep in mind that the lake has gotten to almost 7 feet Rumsey now.  Many of the shorelines covered in tules have more tules underwater that you cannot see than what you can see.  If you make the mistake of going down a bank and pitching to and around the tules you can see, in most cases, your boat will be sitting over the front edge of the tules that you cannot see.  Many big fish come from this deeper front edge that has less fishing pressure on it due to it being harder to find.

Bass Fishing

My March Pick

Setting aside fishing with live shiners, which is hard to set aside actually, this is a month when I am thinking big fish.  If it is just me on the water, I will forego the thought of catching 10, 20, or even 30 fish for the chance at one good fish.  Not everyone is cut out for this type of fishing because it can mean no fish just as easily as it means a real good fish.  The first females moving up are typically the largest and since they have not seen a whole lot of baits during the past winter, they are what we mistakenly call dumb.

lures
Spring time swim bait choices include:  Top MS Slammer
Middle  River2Sea Bottom Walker & Storm Live Eye Shiner
Bottom  Mission Fish

 

These aren’t the fish that will follow a swim bait like they will two months from now.  These fish will attack.  Food is their priority as well as moving possible nest predators out of the area.

Swim baits and jerk baits account for some really nice fish this month.  Neither method presents an easy way to fish but the rewards can be tremendous for the dedicated angler.  With this year’s higher water I think the swim bait bite has very good potential.

bass fishing clear lake, California

Shiners Anyone?

Speaking of fishing with live bait…  The gentleman who was gracious enough to allow us to post the picture of his 9.25 pounder caught during his 50 fish day from January fished again this past month.  No nine pounder this time but he did have three 7-pounders along with 49 other fish.  102 fish in two trips!  The most fun part for me was watching him trying to hold on to his sevens for a picture.  My last trip of the month was a short day that accounted for 18 fish including two 6-pounders and three 5-pounders.

 

ricks fish
Rick with a pair of fish caught on unguided missles this past week.
Rick called it “the best fishing day of his life!”
Shiner fishing in February can be incredible, think about it for next year.

bass fishing clear lake, California

March and April Dates

At this point, there are no remaining available dates in March.  April is almost booked out as well so if you are interested in an April trip, get in touch with me soon.

bass fishing clear lake, California

Closing

I am looking forward to a great spring season of fishing this year with a higher lake elevation.  Hopefully, you are one of the anglers I will get to spend some time with this month.  We are going to have a great time!

bass fishing clear lake, California

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Bass FishingDon'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!

bass fishing clear lake, California
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