C-lake night ops 8/28 8/29

 Set out from RP in what was perfect conditions. A slight breeze to keep the swarms down, 4-5 of viz, and I only encountered 1 powerboat that was flinging up a huge rooster tail in a weak attempt to overcompensate for some anatomical insuficiency. By 2100 the lake was mine, so I thought.
 I nabbed a few 16"-18" standard issue LMB right out of the chute, using a smoke/gold flake brush hawg (texas style) and 1 dragging a black/blue crawjig. The moon was just starting to rise when the lake flattened out. But I wasnt the only creature of the night looking for fish. Otters were out in full force enjoying the evening and hunting in my haunts and just about every other place I fished. I stuck with the jig for awhile and alternated with a noisy floating crank bait for no joy but alot of hydrilia. Then I went to a white frog and alternated with a chartruse AC plug hoping for some surface action also for nothing. About 0200 the surface started to get some activity but Im not sure what creatures were active. Even though the fishing was slow it was a amazing night on the water and so good for the soul.  I got to experience the famous C-lake mystery wave that is thought to be caused by seismic activity and a bite killer as well. It was a little unnerving to hear water breaking behind me without the warning of engine noise. Also had a blue heron wait until I was only about 10' away before it let out that squawk as it lifted off. Also unsettling when you are alone at night and focused on crawling a frog across a weed mat. Fatigue started to set in around 0300 and it seemed wise to call it a night.   Going back out this evening for another dose of the C-lake creepshow, hopefully the otters have had their fill.

Ballsy move going out like that.  Did you bring any NOD?  j/k.

sounds really creepy but productive.  great way to beat the heat i'm sure.

I got to experience the famous C-lake mystery wave that is thought to be caused by seismic activity and a bite killer as well. It was a little unnerving to hear water breaking behind me without the warning of engine noise.

WTF is this you are refering to Terry?  that's scary S#I+ !! the water reads clearer down your ways as opposed to north-lake area. 
Thnx for making me wish I was there! 

Andy and I hit Mendo on Sunday night. We called it quits at 2300 hours. With the full moon, it made it real weird! I'll try and hook up with you before I go back to work on the 16th.

CHEERS!

 Clear Lake is very old/odd place and very alive. There is a volcanic field just south of the lake, that and its proximity to the geysers may keep it shifting.  Im no geo/rock hunter guy so its mostly speculation on my part. Its definately venting all over the lake.
 Just about every guide or long time local will know what you are talking about when you mention the unexplained swell. Some of them have said that it kills the bite. Ive seen trout go berzerko right before a small quake so it could have some validity. Last night may have been another example.
Of course the mystery wave wasnt the first thing that popped into my head, but that there was some large prehistoric denizen making its move on me. Mystery wave lore eased my mind, some.
The southend still has its days of heavy blooms but clearer water is easy to find off the edges. Weedless is a way of life these days.

    

I love night fishing at Clear Lake. My favorite spot Long Tule pt. You face the tule's make a 180 deg turn and fish away from the reeds. I bet on the weekends there is a lot of night tournaments going on so be careful on those days. I still have not fished the lake this year. Thats bad. I hope to get there at least in the fall.  Take care 

Terry---- night time is the right time.

 Reelfish,
I am also a BIG fan or that long tule area. That stretch between county park and Konocti Vista is a great day trip. Dont pass up the docks of Corinthian bay. Had a epic night there this summer.
 Ive run into some of the night tourney guys and they are generally alot easier to talk with and share info than the day shift. I also take care to stay within sprinting distance of the shallows when Im out at night, and its not the tourney guys that Im concerned about.

Ran into southend familiars on the lake tonight and got a somewhat reliable confirmation that the place is shaking. Sounds like the bite is slow and its not just me thats struggling.  It never really seemed to cool off tonight, the surface was flat, and there was a occasional hot breeze. Caught 2 with the purple senko early and 1 on a shallow rip bait after dark. None worthy of the photo op. Word on the water is that deeper structure is where the fish are.The water clarity was even better tonight, at a easy 8-10'. Saw a large dark fish cruising the surface that I was sure was a giant karp that was easily longer than my arm, but when I blasted it with light I saw a MONSTER cat. It was about 4 feet off the boat and seemed very comfortable in the light from the headlamp, until I casually retreaved the rip bait in its general direction and then it cruised away.
back on the water at dawn.