Fishing enthusiasts in California are experiencing a challenging season as the much-anticipated fall feeding frenzy for bass has yet to kick in. Despite a slight change in weather patterns, anglers at the renowned Clear Lake, often celebrated as the top-rated bass fishing lake in the United States, are finding it difficult to locate active fish. Many bass are schooled and mobile, making them elusive from day to day.
To increase their chances, anglers are advised to prepare multiple “honey holes.” Effective strategies include using topwater baits such as spooks and frogs in the early morning over mats, along with DDT Buzz baits along weed edges. Anglers are also successfully using jigs and the LV500 crank bait fished in a yo-yo style, as well as drop-shotting with a Senko to catch quality bass. Interestingly, even bass anglers are reporting success with catfish, utilizing artificial baits.
Trout Fishing Challenges in Lake and Mendocino Counties
At the Blue Lakes, a typical stocking season for trout has not materialized this year. No fish plants are scheduled for locations in Lake and Mendocino counties, which raises questions about potential funding issues. Despite this, trout anglers have found some success along Highway 20, using Power Bait or salmon eggs to catch trout near the bottom. Surface feeders can be targeted with Rooster Tails and Super Dupers. Cooler temperatures are needed to enhance the trout bite, and many hope for improvement in the coming week.
Both Blue Lakes have also developed into respectable bass fisheries. Early morning topwater baits have yielded promising results, while drop-shotting techniques with Robo Worms or slowly dragging a Senko, Brush Hog, or Sweet Beaver after sunrise can prove fruitful.
At Lake Mendocino, conditions are similar to Clear Lake, as the fall feeding frenzy for bass has yet to commence. The bass are beginning to transition into their winter patterns, and cooler nights are necessary to fully activate their feeding behavior. Anglers can afford to sleep in, with successful outings starting as late as 09:00. Locating pockets of warmer water will lead to bait fish, and consequently, bass. Crappie Cove is a recommended fishing spot, where drop-shotting or using slow-moving plastics can yield results.
Final Opportunities for Stream Fishing
For those interested in stream fishing, the East Fork of the Russian River is approaching the end of its trout season, which closes on November 15. Anglers can catch up to five trout per day in this area, making it an ideal spot for introducing young anglers to stream fishing. Access is straightforward, with the Potter Valley exit off Highway 20 leading directly to the bridge.
Lastly, Lake Pillsbury stands out as a bright spot in the fishing landscape. Anglers report outstanding success, with some catching upwards of 20 bass per outing. The area near the dam is particularly productive for larger bass. Additionally, those trolling for trout have reported catches exceeding 24 inches, especially on the lake’s west side.
As fishing conditions continue to evolve, anglers are encouraged to remain patient and adaptable. With careful planning and strategic fishing practices, the opportunities for a successful outing are still within reach.
