Man, 2020 has been a bummer in so many ways. I know we all could make a list of all garbage that this year has brought us. Yup, 2020 is the year that just keeps on giving.
Looks like the lack of rain has got us moving in the direction of another DROUGHT! Drought means no steelhead fishing in Russian River. Matter-in-fact, As of Oct. 1 the Russian River is under “low-flow” regulations until April 1. This means that no fishing is allowed if the flow in the river is under 300 cfs. The current flow is 92 cfs, therefore the river is closed to fishing.
You can really see the affects of the low rainfall amounts. It has really affected the fish count return numbers this year. As of the middle of December there has only been 538 Chinook, 8 steelhead that have come up the Russian. These numbers are way down.
I’m gonna go half full.. I am hopeful that in 2021 our nation, our state gets back to work. That the Covid treatments are a huge success. And we all can go back to “NORMAL!” Not a new normal. Lets all pray for rain! Not only will it nourish the land but, that the rain will wash away all the sorrow of 2020.
MILL CREEK POND – The upper Mill Creek Pond is currently being stocked with Steelhead Trout by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The plants are to continue pretty much every other week through the spring. Several anglers have been hooking into some really nice ones early in the morning fly fishing.
BLUE LAKES – Well, trout are still being caught on the upper Blue Lake. The early morning hours has been the best time to catch trout. Anglers that have been fishing from the shore along Hwy. 20 have been catching fish. They have been using pink/orange Powerbait, and casting superdupers, and rooster tails. Trollers, also have been having some success. The trick has been to use down riggers at 20 to 25 feet. They have been using flashers and action discs chasing it with a fly. Try trolling in a circle, parallel to the shoreline on the Le Trianon side of the lake.
CLEAR LAKE – The fishin’ has gotten a wee bit better, but it is still tough. The water temps are ranging from 43 – 49 degrees. Looks like it’s just us diehard locals fishin’ Clear Lake right now. The so called, “go to” baits right now are, the Alabama rig and slow rolling a large swim bait. If they aren’t workin’ for you , you might try drop-shottin’, yo-yoing a lipless crankbait, or dead stickin’ a jerk bait. Also, some bass have been caught on live bait. All in all, it’s nothin’ to write home about. Tip = keep movin’ around. When you do find bass, stick with them. Don’t leave bass to find more bass……
* Remember, a good day winter fishin’ could be 3 to 7 fish. A good day in the summer could be ten to twenty seven. It’s all about perspective, and it is always good being on the water.
MERRY CHRISTMAS !
Thanks for readings and remember to keep it reel. Don www.4reelfishin.com
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