Clear Lake Bass Fishing Report-February 22 1999 It was a tough weekend for bass fishermen with wind, rain and 44 degree water temperature. The north end of the lake remains muddy in spots and the south end is cold and clear. Terry Knight of the Lake County Record Bee gave me a summary of the American Bass Team Tournament held on Clear Lake yesterday, February 21. The winning weight was 31.21 pounds for 5 fish. There were 56 boats participating and only 10 boats weighed in limits, 13 boats did not weigh in a fish. The average was only 2 fish per boat. The majority of fish were taken in the south end of the lake on crankbaits and jigs. Al Frietas of Don's Bait and Tackle in Clearlake (707-995-9668) reports the live minnow bite for bass is still going strong in spite of the nasty weather. The hotspots are Jago Bay and Luebow point.   Clear Lake Bass Fishing Report-February 19 1999 The bass fishing is still pretty tough, especially for the lure fishermen. The surface water temperature has been between 44 and 50 degrees. This really slows down the fish. Bob Higgins of Limit Out Bait and Tackle in Clear Lake Oaks (707-998-1006) says the bite is pretty tough. The majority of fish in his area are falling for rip-baits and a few on crankbaits. Al Frietas of Don's Bait and Tackle in Clearlake (707-995-9668) confirms the tough bite with artificials but says the live minnow bite is still strong. Al explains that the fish are moving around a little so you have to thoroughly work an area. Where there was a hotspot before you might find them 100 or so yards up or down the shoreline or rockpile. Al went out all day Tuesday in the storm and caught at least 15 bass to 5 pounds using minnows. Terry Knight of the Lake County Record Bee went out Wednsday morning in the Nice/Lucerne area and flipped 4 fish to 7 pounds in the flooded brush with a 6 inch worm. Terry says the flippin bite is starting to take off with the rising lake water. Most of the fish are coming out of flooded brush between docks in 2 to 3 feet of water.   Clear Lake Bass Fishing Report-February 12 1999 Hi everybody, in spite of the nasty weather, the bass fishing remains decent, especially in the south end of the lake. The lake has risen more than 1 and 1/2 feet since last Friday which accounts for the muddy water runoff. Most of the muddy water is in the north end of the lake where the major runoff occurs. There are still a lot of fishable areas in the north end but the fishing has slowed quite a bit since last week. Bob Higgins of Limit Out Bait and Tackle in Clear Lake Oaks (707-998-1006) reports a lot of fish being taken in the Rattlesnake Island area with ripbaits and crankbaits. Bob says they're running a little smaller now, 3 to 5 pounds. Some fishermen have been catching as many as 10 to 12 fish per outing. Al Frietas of Don's Bait and Tackle in Clearlake (707-995-9668) confirms the ripbait and crankbait bite but says it can be a little tough to find the fish. Al says the live minnow bite is still going strong. He also explains that it's hard to get info from the serious bassers right now as they are prefishing the upcoming American Bass Tournament that is being held on February 21. Terry Knight of the Lake County record Bee also notes that the fishing has slowed down in the north end. On the positive side, rising water has flooded a lot of the brushy areas which will make flipping a jig or plastic worm very productive. Back to Old Reports