County reports on fishing tournaments lined up for 2012
Written by California Department of Fish and Game Saturday, 17 December 2011 LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County has become an increasingly popular site for a growing number of fishing tournaments, derbies, and contests – from fun, themed derbies for the whole family to major tournaments where professionals from all over the world compete for points, prizes, and money.
In 2012, Lake County will be home to numerous tournaments each month with an action-packed year of fishing for amateurs and pros alike.
At the heart of Lake County is Clear Lake, which is California’s largest natural freshwater lake with 68 square miles of surface area and 100 miles of shoreline and is truly an angler’s paradise.
Clear Lake has earned a reputation for being home to “monster bass” – the lake record for largemouth bass is 17.52 pounds – and it is often referred to as the “Bass Capital of the West.”
The average tournament-winning weight for largemouth bass can exceed five pounds, a weight unmatched by any other lake in the nation.
Clear Lake also boasts a large population of crappie, as well as huge catfish – with a 2009 record-breaker weighting in at 33.33 pounds that was released back into the lake – and 20-pounders not at all uncommon.
Beyond Clear Lake, several other lakes in the area provide opportunities for a wide range of fishing experiences, including the clear waters of spring-fed Upper Blue Lake where several lakeside campgrounds and resorts dot the shoreline; Lake Pillsbury, located in the expansive Mendocino National Forest; and for those seeking solitude, remote Indian Valley Reservoir.
The most popular tournaments include the following.
April (date TBD) – Blue Lakes Trout Derby
This derby is sponsored by the Blue Lakes Association and local merchants and businesses donate prizes. Now in its 24th year, proceeds from the event go to support volunteer firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other Blue Lakes community projects. The derby is open to the public and hosted by the Narrows Lodge Resort, 5690 Blue Lakes Road, Upper Lake. 707-275-2718, www.thenarrowsresort.com
May 18-20, Annual Catfish Derby, Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven Business Association
“The largest catfish derby west of the Mississippi” and a benefit for community projects, the annual Catfish Derby features both an Adult Derby, with cash and prizes, and a Kids Derby for those 15 years old and younger with the winner receiving a special prize. Sponsored by the Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven Business Association. Held from noon Friday through noon Sunday. 12655 East Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks. 888-CL DERBY, 707-998-1006, www.clearlakeoaks.org
April (Date TBD)-Konocti Vista Casino Spring Bass Classic
November (Date TBD)-Konocti Vista Casino Fall Bass Classic
2755 Rancheria Road, Lakeport, 707-262-1900, www.konocti-vista-casino.com
The California Department of Fish & Game requires all tournaments to receive a permit and maintains the most up-to-date list of professional and club tournaments that will be held on Clear Lake in 2012. This list is continually updated. Visit their web site to search for tournaments at http://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FishingContests.
Lake County is committed to protecting its lakes and rivers from aquatic invasive species. All non-resident vessels must be clean, drained, and dry and must be inspected prior to launching.
For those vessels that pass inspection, a set of two inspection bands will be issued – one for the boat and one to be affixed to the boat trailer.
The fee is $10 and the bands, which are non-transferable, will be valid for the entire month of issue plus a five-day grace period for those visits that continue into the following month.
In addition, the disposal of live bait or its bait water into Lake County waters is strictly prohibited.
For more information and for a list of convenient inspection locations, visit: www.co.lake.ca.us/mussels.
≈~≈The Daily Catch Team≈~≈
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