Recreation

What a difference a week makes. Last week sunshine, sunshine, sunshine. This week – rain. But that’s OK. The fish haven’t really noticed the change all that much. The lake is hovering in the 47-degree (at the south end) to 51-degree (at the north end) range. Overall, the bass bite is steadily improving as we swing towards the springtime. Let’s look at the detailed report …

My goodness, we got into some minnow action this past week. (A fact that the minnow hatchery folks are taking to the bank.) It took three shipments of minnows to get us through the President’s Day weekend. The bass fishing surged with bass to nearly 11 pounds being reported as shallow as – are you ready for this? – 2 feet.

The reports would have us suggesting that you can find bass from 2 to nearly 20 feet. Rocky Point, County Park and State Park all at the north end of the lake have yielded good results for many anglers. Indian Island and Rattlesnake Island have also come up in conversation repeatedly. The key for most? Tules.

Besides minnows (and they’re No. 1 for sure) we’re getting wind of jig and drop shot bites developing well. Jerk baits and the very beginnings of a swim bait bite are also on the scene this week.

Now, my admonition … This current series of storms is likely to set us back some, but not to the tough bite we were experiencing a few weeks ago when the weather was really cold. The warming days following this spot of unfavorable weather should really get things moving. And another side note: All of the bass we’re seeing are fat, healthy fish. I don’t know about you, but my nerves are just jumping over the thought of the spring bass bite here on Clear Lake.

Now, for a dose of stark reality - the crappie scene is still suffering this week. We have had isolated reports of crappie being caught here and there, mostly from private docks in deeper water on live bait. None of the reports have given us a good picture of where or when to fish for the slabs. Keep up the hunt and keep us posted – they’re bound to show up some time.

Catfish action has been steady. We weighed a nice 19-pound, 8-ounce cat that the Koerlins nailed on mackerel. Others are catching whiskerfish on everything from our freezer – shrimp, clams, anchovies, mackerel, shad, etc. The quantity numbers aren’t super, but most folks fishing for cats are catching them. And the shore anglers have done just as well as boaters for catfish lately.

And speaking of catfish… It’s never too early to start talking up the annual Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association Catfish Derby. This annual event draws on the order of 500 anglers with the top prizes being a boat, motor and trailer combo in the adult category and a youth-sized ATV for the kids division. This year’s event is being held May 16, 17 and 18. Questions? Give us a call or come on by. We’ve got your entry forms here in the shop.

Bob Rider owns Lakeshore Bait & Tackle in Clearlake. Visit his Web site at www.994fish.com or call him at 994-FISH (3474).

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Cold, rain and snow this week have kept the fishermen at bay and made conditions miserable for those that braved the elements to wet a line.

The fishing is ultra-tough this week. Bass tournament guys are striking out and crappie anglers are simply unable to locate the slabs.

There are few details beyond that … The good news is the lake level is up nearly 2 feet from just a few weeks ago. The gage height in Lakeport was at 3.20 feet and rising when I checked Friday afternoon.

We had a pretty good bass bite on last Thursday and Friday for those anglers fishing live jumbo minnows. That bite started to taper off quickly again as we went into Saturday and was difficult again before the end of the weekend.

Bass guys tossing artificial lures – of nearly any variety – flat out struck out. The weather has been so bad in the latter part of this week, there aren’t any reports to work off of. Your best bet is likely to wait until the lake is fishable again and see what the recent rains have done for us. Water clarity, temperature, food source and water level will all be effected.

The crappie report hasn’t changed any from last week’s report. Tough as nails. Can’t find ‘em. Keep trying and let us know ASAP when you’re onto ‘em. We’ll keep fresh bait in the tank and product on the shelves so we can get you outfitted when they come back! (Now how’s that for an honest report, eh?)

The only upshot to this report may be the catfish. A few anglers have had a bit of luck bank fishing for cats with nightcrawlers, mackerel, and anchovies. Look for areas surrounding inlets for actively feeding catfish.

Bob Rider owns Lakeshore Bait & Tackle in Clearlake. Visit his Web site at www.994fish.com or call him at 994-FISH (3474).

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UKIAH – Along with guiding the Mendocino College football program, Tom Gang will now have additional duties by serving as the interim athletic director.

Gang took over the athletic director duties this month, after previous athletic director Gary Garabato left for another athletic director position.

“Tom Gang has proven his leadership and organizational abilities with our football program. I am very confident he will bring the same qualities to the job of interim AD,” said Mendocino College Vice President of Education and Student Services Meridith Randall.

Garabato, who served as the Mendocino College athletic director for the last 18 months, left to take the same position at College of Marin.

Gang just finished his fifth season as head football coach and has led Mendocino to two Bay-Valley Conference Championships in 2005 and 2007.

“It is a honor to serve this college in this capacity,” Gang said.

The search for a permanent athletic director will begin this spring.

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