Did you know?- In shallow water, bass can detect color, especially RED. In one study red and white lures caught three times as many largemouths as any other color. But in deeper water most colors appear as shades of gray so color selection is of less importance. Their eyes absorb more light than the human eye, enabling the fish to see its food in dim light or total darkness. They will feed at any time of the day or night, but are less inclined to leave cover and search for food under bright conditions. So like most fish they prefer to hang out in the shade. They find better ambush camouflage in shady areas or under low light conditions.
Blue Lakes – The fishin’ on the Upper Blue Lakes has been pretty fair. Due to the strong afternoon winds, the best times to fish are the morning hours. The fishermen trolling have been doing the best. With most boats bringing in limits of beautiful trout. (Try using an action disc with a fly or worm chasing it . Set your down rigger at 20 – 25 feet.) The trout fishermen that have been fishing from the shore and off of docks have also been hooking into some nice sized fish. Right now, the best baits are a blown-up worm, power bait, castmaster, super duper, roostertail,& a red/gold needle fish.
But wait, don’t forget about the bass fishin’ ! It also has really picked up. Some anglers have been landing bass weighing in the 4 – 5 pound range.
Clear Lake- Well, you sure can tell it’s spring on Clear Lake! There are bass fishermen everywhere, especially the North end of the lake where the water is a bit warmer and where many bass are spawning. The fishing pressure has really ramped up. Be patient, in most cases there will have already been a few anglers that have fishing your spot. I think it is a lot of fun to fish behind other anglers, because sometimes they get really bugged when you hook into a good one after they have vacated the area. Try fishin’ the edges of submersed tules with a sweet beaver, brush hog, senko, or swimbait. The crappie fishin’ has really started to pick up. Some really large bass have been caught along Hwy. 20 near Nice and Lucerne. Don’t forget to fish the docks, they are holding bass right now.
Upper Mill Creek Pond-Try throwin’ a Panthers or Roostertails, I hear that they have been working well. Also heard of some being caught on a fly rod. This is a great place to take a kid fishing and teach them how to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors that we are blessed to have so close.
The Lower Mill Creek Pond- Here is a little body of water that I hardly ever talk about. The Lower Mill Creek pond is located about 1/8 of a mile below the more famous Upper Mill Creek Pond. It has mostly bass in it but, there are some trout too. This waterway is tricky to fish because it is over grown with cattails and brush. So, there are few areas in which you can fish from the shore. But, if you stick with it, you can hook in to some decent bass. Maybe it might be worth giving it a try some time for a change of pace?
Lake Mendocino- Well, our backyard lake has been getting some love from Fish and Wildlife. Last week Lake Mendocino was stocked with rainbow trout. PLUS, our hometown lake is scheduled for yet another trout plant next week.. Boy, if you love trout fishin’, take your pick of which body of water you want to fish and, go for it!
Lake Pillsbury- The fishin’ has really picked up on our mountain lake. For those anglers who have made the trip up, the payoff has been good. The Trout and Bass fishin’ is going strong. With the lake about ninety percent full and the spawning grounds are in good shape. Try fishing the Oak Flats area, the log jam at Sunset and Turtle Cove. Take the road from Mendocino County out of Potter Valley. Take it slow and easy and enjoy the beauty of Lake Pillsbury.
Thank’s for reading and remember to keep it reel! – Don 4REEL Fishin’
