Just before we pulled out for out recon trip, I met this gentleman getting ready for a day on the lake.
One serious Bass fisherman |
When we got back to the trailer after out little recon, I waited for some of the crowd on the fishing dock to disperse and then grabbed a spot. I met a young man named Mark, hey just like me. He was a local and I hoped to gain some inside info from him.
As I watched him make one cast off the corner of the dock and then withing minutes, reel in a nice 14" Rainbow, I had to ask the secret. He was using a "Caltrans" rig. OK, I'll bite. What's a "Caltrans" rig. That's what locals call orange, white, and chartreuse Power Eggs on a hook. For those unfamiliar with Caltrans, it's the California Department of Transportation. You know, California has two seasons: Winter and Road Repair. For the most part, now you know who's to blame for the season other than Winter.
So I rigged up a "Caltrans" rig. Then at 6:00 pm, called it a day, once again fishless.
While I was sitting on the dock, I took some photo's of a couple of the cabins around the lake.
This one right on Highway 20 |
Across the lake from the highway, but probably 900 steps down from the road |
At the far end, but don't have a lot of info on this one. |
Gray duck, must be old |
Another gray one. Probably old too. |
Blond duck? A Valley Duck, for sure. |
Sunday morning my wife threw me out of the trailer so she could begin packing up for the trip home. I did the only logical thing and that was to get my little Okuma with 2#, a box of lures, and walk the shore. I was desperate.
I fished my pink Kastmaster, then my silver, then finally the gold. I started to the left of the launch area, worked the right of the fishing dock, and then as a last gasp went over to the swimming area. Maybe I could catch someone swimming. Probably not at 8:00 am.
Time to go. Trailer was ready to hook up. One last cast and a small five inch Bass took the lure. If it hadn't been hooked enough to bring in, I would have never know. Unhooked and back into the lake. I have a picture coming, but it's not here yet.
Well, that's the September trip to Upper Lake, above Lower Lake, above Clearlake which is greener and slimier that Red Lake.
I was so disgusted with my fishing ability at this lake that we booked the same weekend next year, but four days instead of three. Maybe I'll rent a boat next year.
More fishing this week.
Maybe the fish are just in shock because there's still water in the lake. Of course, the ducks told them because otherwise how would the fish know.
ReplyDeleteThat's one angler into his sport.
ReplyDeleteThat first cabin would do me nicely.
Valley duck. I always learn something from your blog.
ReplyDeleteMark
ReplyDeleteGot a suggestion for your next trip to this lake, bring along the float tube; another outstanding lake you have out there. Thanks for sharing
That's gotta be the biggest float tube I have ever seen or that's a very small man. That guy is definitely very serious about fishing. You'll get 'em next time, Mark! Valley Duck..haha
ReplyDeleteHey Justin. the Bass guy is in a pontoon boat. Glad you liked the "Valley Duck".
DeleteGood job on rescuing the duck. Hey one small bass is better than one big skunk! is upper lake a separate lake from clear lake? Clear lake has some MONSTER bass and cats! Glad you were able to get out!
ReplyDeleteUpper Lake is connected to Lower Lake by a small drainage ditch. Lower Lake to Clearlake?????? A lot of green junk in Clearlake.
DeleteObsessed is what I would call the Bass guy in the Pontoon boat...............
ReplyDeleteI guess there is nothing wrong with being over prepared. Hope you find out if he caught anything for his efforts. That is a beautiful lake and I would love to spend a few nights in one of those cabins. Are they renters or ones that have been purchased for summer homes? Kastmasters have been good too me in my August trips this year.
Those are privately owned cabins, but the resort has cabins for rent. Let me know if you want more info. Kastmasters are a great lure, aerodynamic too.
DeleteVery nice post, and beautiful lake. Hope to make it out to California one day.
ReplyDelete