Top-water action continues to reward bass anglers – The Ukiah Daily Journal

The main appeal of bass fishing for me is the temporary mental escape from the world that you get when you’re outside enjoying God’s creation. Nothing beats the sigh of relief you get when you’re on the water!

Clear Lake: Well, you know it’s summer and the word “clear” is questionable when you’re talking about our prime bass fishing area over the hill. As if on cue, the algae monster has started to show its green face.

There is no need to despair, however, as the bass explode on surface baits. Mornings continue to be the best time to fish. Look for eelgrass mats. The bass will seek shelter under the mats while looking for a morning snack. Poppers, spooks and frogs have all worked well. Start moving into deeper waters in the mid-morning. Drop-shottin’, shakehead and Texas rig worms and brush hogs have worked. Fish in 12 to 16 feet of water and watch your electronics. Even a small dip in the bottom or drop-off will hold them. Keep moving. You will find bass. Deeper docks and rock piles have worked.

Blue Lakes: It’s been several weeks since the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocked the Blue Lakes with trout. There are still some trout feeding on the surface early in the morning and during the last hour of daylight. Otherwise, the trout are down in deeper water. If fishing from shore, cast far and fish from the bottom. Powerbait, worms and earthworms have worked well. Trollers have hooked trout in 25 to 30 feet of water using a downrigger. Try trolling an Action Disk with a Wooly Bugger, Castmaster or Super Duper.

Russian River: How about smallmouth bass fishing in the Russian River? Fish the deep holes, cast a rooster tail and you’ll be surprised at what you catch. Be stealthy because when the fish see you, they often don’t bite. Keep moving and you’ll catch some smallmouth bass. Have fun!

Lake Sonoma: Surface fishing continues to reward bass anglers who get up at dawn and/or stay until dark. Largemouth bass to 6 pounds were caught last week, the bigger fish came on LuckyCraft Sammy 128s in Ghost Minnow. Lake Sonoma – Some of the creek arms at Yorty and Cherry have lost some of their clarity. There is a slight algae bloom going on right now. Overall, water quality is still very good. The tip for Lake Sonoma would be to fish all of your spots. Cast at least three times to each target area. Stay moving and cover plenty of water. Try fishing in the early morning hours with a frog or a PopR. Once the sun is up, move to deeper water and fish around submerged trees with a dropshot rig.

Lake Pillsbury: Our lake at the top of the mountain is by far the best waterway in our area right now. First off, the water quality is perfect for fishing! The bass are biting strong. Try to cast the tippet before the sun comes up in shallow water. Then move to deeper water when the sun is more direct. You can’t beat dropshotting! Fish the river mouth and Turtle Cove and then along the dam. Early morning and late evening are the best times to be on the water. Look for fish in 10 to 15 feet of water.

I hope all you dads had a great Father’s Day. I certainly did.

Thanks for reading and remember to keep the reel. Don = 4REEL Fishin’