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IMPORTANT NOTICE - ALL GUESTS BRINGING ANY TYPE OF WATERCRAFT must be registered as mussel free. Inspections and stickers are available at Skylark Shores Resort. For more information about this issue visit www.co.lake.ca.us/mussels
FISHING
Connor's Corner:
My name is Connor McCrea and I have lived in Lakeport for 16 years and I have been fishing Clearlake religiously for 12 years. I got my first bass boat when I was 14 years old and I started fishing tournaments when I was 16. I love to fish and I also love to help others learn how to fish. While staying on the shoreline of Clearlake you can experience some great fishing if you know the correct techniques.
The Current Fishing Report:
Just a quick reminder for all of those who have not heard about the Quagga Mussel, a sticker is required on all vessels including kayaks, pedal boats and personal watercraft. You can get this sticker in several places including Tackle It, the Lakeport Chamber of Commerce, Konocti Harbor and Konocti Vista. You can receive a citation from the Fish and Game or Sheriff if you do not have one.
7/28/08
The smoke has finally cleared and you can now see all the mountains surrounding Clear Lake. I fished today and did pretty well, I was on the water at 5:30 and was fishing at 5:45, started with top water and it was slow to moderate. We had several blow ups on frogs and ended up getting two 5’s. We switched to the rock piles at around 7:30 and we caught around 7 more on jigs and drop shot. We had around 18 pounds for our best five.
North End:
The North End has been pretty good in the mornings on frogs in the weed mats. The ticket to catching fish on the north end is to find openings in the weeds and fishing them thoroughly. After around 8 the top water bite slows and there is little to no blow ups until the evening. Through out the day you can catch fish consistently drop shotting the weed lines and flipping the weed lines with jigs or Senkos.
South End:
The south has been where the best action for me has been. I have been catching between 10-20 fish before work almost every day fishing the narrows (Henderson, Horse Shoe Bay, Shag Rock etc.). Most of my bites down south have been on jigs, drop shot, Senkos and some top water. All of my quality fish have been in deep rocky structure (20-25 feet) and on top water really early.
Clear Lake - "Bass Capital of the World"
With the lake again breaking even the national Bassmasters tournament record and numerous other records, Clear Lake has moved from the Bass Capital of the West to "The Bass Fishing Capital of the World."
The lake will be host to 30 plus large tournaments and 2 to 3 times that amount of club tournaments in 2001. Visit the Calendar of Events for a schedule of fishing tournaments.
The lake record still stands at 17 -1/2 pounds, but lots of 10 pound fish are landed. The last State Fish & Game survey noted that the average bass landed from Clear Lake weighs 2.4 pounds, giving the lake the #1 spot in the state.
Clear Lake also claims the state record for blue gill and white crappie. Both Records are well over 4 pounds. The lake used to be famous for its abundant and large crappie fishery, but since the "big freeze" in the winter of '90 -'91, that fishery has been on the decline. The blue gill fishing has been on the comeback the past few years with '98 being the best in a long time. These little guys are strong and lots of fun to catch particularly for youngsters.
We can't leave out catfishing. Since the lake is open 24 hours a day all year, the old "whisker fish" draws plenty of attention. The lake has two catfish derbies which draw fishermen from other states to compete for cash and prizes over $5,000. Both the spring and fall derby take fish from 15 to 20 pounds to place in the money. The lake record channel cat caught sportfishing was over 33 pounds. These fish cruise the shorelines and can be caught fairly easily during the warm summer months.
So the lake holds lots of fish! How do I catch some?
With over 100 miles of shoreline, a boat is a big plus in finding fish in Clear Lake. A second plus is a modern electronic fish finder. Better ones show what is to the side of the boat as well as under it.
If you are visiting without a boat and want to learn how to fish, you might want to hire a guide. The knowledge gained for the dollar will make future trips more worth while. The guide will usually cover several different techniques addressing different conditions.
We suggest you call Big George's Bass Fishing Guide Service. George provides "top of the line" equipment, as well as instructional trips for beginners and for the more advanced angler. George provides his tournament rigged bass boat, all tackle (Rods, Reels, and Lures) and over 25 years of experience. You bring your fishing license, food and drinks, camera, personal items (hat, sun glasses, sun screen, sensible clothes...) and your questions about methods and tackle. Big George is a member of the Lakeport Chamber of Commerce and is licensed, bonded, and insured. For more information call (707) 279-9269 or E-mail George at basguide@jps.net or visit his website at http://www.biggeorgesguide.com/
Another suggestion is to call Bass Fishin, with Richard. Richard Pounds is a year round guide service on Clearlake. Richard knows fish. He's spent a lifetime learning about them and translates that knowledge to success at landing the big ones. Join Richard for fishing, fun, and excitement. He will make the pursuit of the large mouth bass an experience you'll want to repeat and repeat. You will need to bring valid fishing license, drinks and snacks (no alcohol, please), camera, and weather appropriate clothing. An adult must accompany children 17 and younger. Richard will provide ice, top quality equipment, a tournament equipped bass boat, best rods, and latest quality bass lures. For more information call Richard Pounds at (707) 279-4739, or (707) 272-8410, or visit his website at www.bassfishinclearlake.com
Fish Clear Lake with Bob Myskey's guide and instruction service. Professional bass fisherman, teaching beginners to professionals, specializing year round on Clear Lake, licensed, bonded, and insured. www.fishclearlake.com
Tackle it, Northern California's fishing authority.
BOATING, sailing, skiing, and jet skiing is all available to you from our docks which are conveniently located on the waterfront directly in front of Skylark Shores Resort.
GOLF IN LAKE COUNTY includes five close and convenient courses:
- Adams Springs Golf Course, on Highway 175 in the Cobb Mountain area, is set among tall pines and offers a scenic backdrop to a challenging course. Snack bar and outside garden seating. (707) 982-9992.
- Buckingham Golf and Country Club, Buckingham Peninsula, lies in the shadow of Mount Konocti and features a small lake around which the course is laid out. Recent renovation and attention has put the course in its best condition in years. Pro shop and restaurant. (707) 279-4863.
- Clear Lake Riviera Golf Course, Clearlake Riviera off Soda Bay Road is scattered through the foothills of Mt. Konocti and affords excellent vistas of Clear Lake as one plays this challenging, hilly course. Putting green, pro shop, lounge, and restaurant. (707) 277-7129
- Hidden Valley Lake Country Club, Hidden Valley Lake subdivision, south of Lower Lake. Full 18 hole course. Driving range, putting green, pro shop, lounge, and restaurant. (707) 987-3035
- Hobergs-Forest Lake Golf Course, near Adams Springs on Highway 175. A beautiful mountain setting provides the backdrop for this surprisingly level course. (707) 928-5276
LAKE COUNTY WINERIES. Producing more awards per acre of vineyard than any other place in the world, Lake County is justifiably proud of its wineries. Lake County's first vineyards were planted in the 1870's and by the early 1900's there were over 7000 acres in production and 36 wineries in operation! Lake County earned a reputation for producing some of the world's finest wines and won many prestigious awards at international competitions. However, in the 1920's, prohibition brought a temporary end to wine production in Lake County and vineyards were abandoned or planted over to other crops.
In the early 1960's, new vineyard were established and today the county boasts over 3000 acres of premium wine grapes. Quality grapes and numerous awards are rapidly re-establishing Lake County's reputation for producing excellent wines. Several factors combine to make Lake County ideal for producing superb wine grapes. Among these: cool summer nights and hot summer days; most growing valleys are above 1,350 feet; a wide range of soils which have proven to be ideal for grape production; and the lake itself, which helps stabilize the temperature and humidity in the vineyards.
Three of the major wineries are located an easy, short drive south of Lakeport on Highway 29. Our favorite is Steele Wines which is located on Highway 29, just 3-minutes south of Lakeport - watch for Steele Winery on the left hand side. The tasting room & gift shop is open Monday - Saturday from 11:00 AM to 5 PM from mid-May through October. Saturday mornings during the summer feature Farmers Market.
LAKE COUNTY MUSEUM. The stately Georgian style building with the slightly peaked tin roof and the beautiful green lawn that graces the center of downtown Lakeport is home to the Lake County Museum. Completed in 19=871 at a cost of $17,000, the structure served as Lake County's courthouse until 1968. A growing county required newer, larger facilities and a county-wide referendum saved the historic structure from demolition.
A major part of the museum is devoted to the culture of the Pomo Indians, Lake County's first residents. Particularly known for their skill as basket-weavers, Pomo Indians produced baskets, examples of which one can see on display, that are recognized as some of the finest from the north American continent.
Museum exhibits, which are constantly changing and revolving, show glimpses of life in Lake County in past years and include old photographs, tools, cooking utensils, and rocks and minerals found in Lake County. Art exhibits featuring local artists are also frequently a feature at the museum.
The museum is a reflection of Lake County - past and present - and offers a fun and educational experience for all.
TAYLOR PLANETARIUM & OBSERVATORY. Recent space exploration and advances in technology have generated wide spread interest in astronomy among all ages. To serve the needs of schools and other interested visitors to N o r t h e r n California, the Taylor Planetarium and Observatory was constructed by the Lake County Office of Education.
There is a $2.00 charge for adults and $1.00 for children. Kelseyville, California. (707) 279-8372
BIRDING. Lake County offers a wide variety of birding opportunities for birdwatchers of all levels. With its varied habitat including mountains, lakes, and forests, the county is home to songbirds, waterfowl, birds of prey, and even the Bald Eagle.
The American Bald Eagle is a winter resident of Anderson Marsh and Rodman Slough on the north end of Clear Lake.
For more information about birding in Lake County, visitors are encouraged to call the Redbud Audobon Society at (707) 994-2024. The society offers "First Saturday of the Month" walks at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park every first Saturday all year around. The society welcomes visitors to these walks as well as other local field trips held throughout the year.
AUTO RACING at Lakeport Speedway. From April through August you just can't beat the Lakeport Speedway for an evening of fun and excitement when the Northern California Racing Association presents action-filled Saturday evenings of auto racing.
Located at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport, the quarter mile oval features cars from four divisions including modifieds, mini stocks, street stocks, and bombers, as well as special events throughout the season.
www.lakeportspeedway.com
CASINOS. Three casinos offer high stakes gaming.
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