Catfish pointers (Clear Lake specifically)

[J.Holder]

So after 20 years I'm finally going to make it to the Derby!!
I saw a fishing show on Clear Lake when I was about 8 years old and I've been fascinated with the lake ever since. I've been reading this great web site Ed put together for YEARS now. Ive managed to make it down from Oregon twice in my life to fish it. I will be at the derby this year come hell or high water!!  I'm going to be spending my kids college fund on gas money but it will be worth it I think

So I was hoping to get a couple question answered by you local pros. First I'm probably not going to be getting a camp site since they seem to be 30 bucks a night, figured I would stay on my boat, so where can I leave my truck with out it getting stolen before I return?

Also I have been reading this forum forever but I'm not really sure where to focus my fishing on in the derby, North end, South end, up Cache creek I'm just not sure?? I dont expect anyone to give up there secret spots but any advice will be greatly appreciated! 

I'm really looking forward to this trip, I've been waiting for many years for this and would like to make the most out of it, I dont know is there any good places to camp thats safe for my vehicle my kid can fish in the day while I sleep and wont cost to much? Sorry about all the questions guys, just looking for a little guidance here.....

[rocketpowerpaul]

Welcome, if your looking for a place to camp on the south end of the lake, call Clear Lake Resorts. The fishing is good and its close to the creek and the fishing grounds, and most of all it has a boat ramp and your truck will be safe. I ve been staying there for years with out a problem

[catfished]

Welcome, if your looking for a place to camp on the south end of the lake, call Clear Lake Resorts. The fishing is good and its close to the creek and the fishing grounds, and most of all it has a boat ramp and your truck will be safe. I've been staying there for years with out a problem

Paul,

I never heard of a place called "Clear Lake Resorts" so I googled it and  didn't find any place specifically named "Clear Lake Resorts", just listings of many resorts in the Clear Lake area. Are you sure that's the right name and spelling?

Feel free to list more information on it such as phone number, website, etc.

[DerBingel]

Welcome, if your looking for a place to camp on the south end of the lake, call Clear Lake Resorts. The fishing is good and its close to the creek and the fishing grounds, and most of all it has a boat ramp and your truck will be safe. I've been staying there for years with out a problem

Paul,

I never heard of a place called "Clear Lake Resorts" so I googled it and  didn't find any place specifically named "Clear Lake Resorts", just listings of many resorts in the Clear Lake area. Are you sure that's the right name and spelling?

Feel free to list more information on it such as phone number, website, etc.

Base upon Paul's description, I believe he is referring to Clearlake Resort, formerly known as FunTime RV Park, which is located next door to the old Garner's Resort property not far from Wal-Mart.

Clearlake Resort
6035 Old Highway 53
Clearlake, California  95422
(707) 994-6267

[J.Holder]

Thanks for all the great info guys, I really appreciate it!! LegCramp I got your message on my phone today while I was at work but now I can find it on my Computer to Reply?? I just replied to a email from Greg and tried to CC you a copy let me know if it worked. Those were SWEET pics you sent!! I will be in a 18foot smoker craft with a full canopy I'll keep an eye for your pontoon boat, will make sure no one tries to tie off to your boat this year!! That would just not go over real well I think I'm goin to head down on the 11th and pre fish a couple days to figure all out! Looking forward to seeing you there!!

[LegCramp]

Don't forget when you arrive you will need a quagga mussel inspection prior to launching so take that into consideration when calculating your arrival time. Bob Rider's shop does the inspections quickly but plan on arriving during business hours.

Pre fishing is a good idea. I floundered for years on this lake until I begin picking up tips and tricks from this website.....

[rocketpowerpaul]

The old fun time! Thats what happens when you get old  .

[J.Holder]

Mussel inspection, Ok........I'm assuming you get a sticker saying your in compliance, how much does it cost? and how much is a week long fishing license in Cali now days? Couple more questions if you guys don't mind? Is it legal and/or possible to catch those hatch fish for bait, if so thats sounds a lot better than 13.00 bucks a dozen.

Legcramp, so whats the deal with the strawberry extract, is it a liquid or a powder?

[Lepomis]

The mussel inspection fee is $10. All info can be found at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Water_Resources/Mussel_Prevention.htm A temp fishing license comes in three flavors. 1 day is $14.04. 2 day is $21.86. 10 day is $43.46. Ouch! If you care to get it via mail you can at https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales/ As far as Hitch as bait. Not sure. Good luck! 

[catfished]

No live bait is legal except store bought minnows. Live crawdads (crawfish) are legal and you can use ones you caught yourself whereas the minnows have to be purchased from a licensed bait dealer. I hope that makes sense.

[J.Holder]

Lepomis/Ed thanks for the info, I had no idea it was that much I was hoping they had a 5 day license. Looks like I'm going to have to get the 43.00 dollar license   hopefully that gives me a 2 rod stamp.

[catfished]

Lepomis/Ed thanks for the info, I had no idea it was that much I was hoping they had a 5 day license. Looks like I'm going to have to get the 43.00 dollar license   hopefully that gives me a 2 rod stamp.

Sorry to tell you that the two rod stamp is extra, $13.53. California has ridiculously high license fees and it's not just for the out of state folks. I paid $56.99 for my basic fishing license plus the two rod stamp.

[DerBingel]

No live bait is legal except store bought minnows. Live crawdads (crawfish) are legal and you can use ones you caught yourself whereas the minnows have to be purchased from a licensed bait dealer. I hope that makes sense.

You can catch certain species of fish within Clear Lake and use them as live/dead bait. Live threadfin shad, Mississippi silverside and lamprey may be used only at the location where taken. I do not see crawdads listed in that regulation as being legal to catch and use as live/dead bait where taken. Clear Lake has a healthy population of crawdads.  

You can find the bait regulations for Lake County here:

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/FreshFish-Mar2011/ccr-t14-ch2-art3.html

4.25. Bait Fish Use in the North Central District.

Except as provided below, live or dead fin fish shall not be used or possessed for use as bait in the North Central District:

(a) Golden shiner, fathead minnow, red shiner, mosquitofish, longjaw mudsucker and staghorn sculpin may be used in Napa and Sonoma counties, in Marin County except for Stafford Lake, in Lake County except for the Eel River and its tributaries, and in Lake Mendocino (Mendocino Co.).
(b) Live threadfin shad, Mississippi silverside and lamprey may be used only at the location where taken.

[DerBingel]

I remember back in 2004, when the threadfin shad population was at an all time high, and all that was required was a simple dip net to gather what you needed, but the little buggers did not stay alive very long, even when I placed them within a fish basket hung over the side. 

But when they were alive.... hung under a bobber.... bass candy! 

I've never tried catching Mississippi silverside minnows, but I would assume they would work well as live bait.

[catfished]

I do not see crawdads listed in that regulation as being legal to catch and use as live/dead bait where taken. Clear Lake has a healthy population of crawdads.  

Probably because crawdads aren't fish, they're crustaceans I believe. The listings you're referring to are for bait fish.