Tight lines my fellow anglers. Ahhhh, we can breath again! FINALLY, no more stinkin’ face masks! At least one good thing has finally happened in 2022. You know, I try had to keep my glass on the half full side of things. So, here’s hoping that the worst is behind us and that our lives will get better as the days go by. Keep your eyes, arms, legs and fingers crossed.
Ukiah Valley Fish & Wildlife Club – Their main purpose is to help expand the restoration of our streams and rivers for fish and wildlife habitat. In order to facilitate this purpose the club has several important ongoing projects. They work closely with both the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Army Corps of Engineers. Along with the restructuring of the spawning habitat for salmon and steelhead in the Russian River and its tributaries, the Club is involved in restocking many locations annually with adult fish for imprint, spawning and recreational fishing. Other club projects include the replenishing several other important habitats, including wood ducks along the Russian River.
Have you visited the Bill Townsend Fish Hatchery lately? ( Located behind the Coyote Valley Dam, Lake Mendocino. ) If not, you should check it out. Despite this years low rainfall, there are Steelhead coming up the Russian River. The club has worked hard on several upgrades to the hatchery’s aeration system. The hatchery crew runs the trap and counts the fish every morning, and there is spawning every Thursday. Local schools have begun their field trips so there are lots of happy children learning about Steelhead and taking care of our local environment.
The club is L@@KING for new members . They are starting a membership drive with the next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at Slam Dunk Pizza, 720 N. State St. Meeting will start at 6:00pm. In exchange for the use of their banquet room, Slam Dunk asks that everyone in attendance make a purchase to either eat during the meeting or take home for later. They provide a variety of banquet room specials for $15; a menu will be available at the meeting.
Upper MILL CREEK POND – POACHERS BEWARE !!!!
The local game wardens are out to get those anglers that have been taking more than their fair share of trout each day. Most lakes have a limit of five. Anglers are advised to check specific area regulations and opening dates in the 2022 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulation booklet (www.wildlife.ca.gov/regulations) for regulations specific to each body of water. –
Poachers you are being watched! – You have been warned!
CLEAR LAKE – Is the place to be ! Don’t let that is it only the 1st week in March fool you. The bass fishing is very good. There are wolf packs of 5 pounders swimming along the tules and around docks. IT IS ON! . Shoot, what part of catching three, four and five pounders all morning long, wouldn’t a person like? .
Reaction baits like paddle tailed swimbaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits,and chartreuse/white chatterrbaits have been working very well. Also, drop-shottin’ and slow draggin’ a jig or brush hog will always get you hooked up. The hitch are starting to stage at creek channels getting ready to spawn. Look for these areas, they will also hold bass. Go get ‘em!
BLUE LAKES – The fishin’ on the Upper Blue Lakes has been fair at best. Due to the afternoon winds, the best times to trout fish are the morning hours. The fishermen trolling have been doing the best. With a few boats bringing in limits (Try using an action disc with a fly or worm chasing it . Set your down rigger at 20 – 25 feet.) Also, the trout fishermen that have been fishing from the shore and off of docks have also been hooking into a good one here and there. (Right now, the best baits are a blown-up worm, power bait, castmaster, super duper, roostertail,& a red/gold needle fish.)
But wait, don’t forget about the bass fishin’ it has really picked up. Some anglers have been landing bass weighing in the 4 – 5 pound range.
***** F.Y.I. the Upper Blue Lake still is NOT scheduled to receive a trout plant! Booo-hooo! Not sure what is up with California Department of Fish and Wildlife? In years past the Upper Blue Lake had already been stocked with trout or atleast, the lake was on the schedule to be stocked..…
LAKE SONOMA – Some good fishin’ reports coming out of Lake Sonoma. The fall and winter fishing has been pretty tough for some. But, now the bass bite is back! The main body hot spots are anywhere there are running creeks coming into the lake. Also, Yorty, Cherry, and Skunk Creeks are holding bass that are staged for spawning. The bass haven’t moved up far yet. They are hanging out near submersed timber. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits and drop shottin’ are all working well.
Thanks for reading and remember to keep it reel. Don 4REEL Fishin’
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