Muddy waters
Stren Series Western Division anglers getting drained battling Clear Lake stain
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Apparently, Clear Lake isn’t so clear after all. After another night of torrential rains, Stren Series anglers faced some agonizing choices heading into Thursday’s crucial round of competition. With the steady rains and runoff from the California hills staining a healthy chunk of the north end of the lake, the availability of prime fishing locations continues to decrease dramatically. As such, anglers are faced with two main choices in today’s competition – head south to clearer water and deal with significant boater congestion or head north, fish heavily stained water and hope for the best.
“The conditions just keep decreasing the productive fishing areas,” said pro Zack Thompson of Orinda, Calif., who spent his pre-takeoff moments pondering strategy as well. “A lot of the guys who stayed up north yesterday are probably going to head back south today – which means it could be even more crowded down on the south end than it was yesterday.”
Throw in the cooler-than-normal temps, the pressure of trying to qualify for today’s top-20 cut and the fact that viable fishing real estate is shrinking faster than President Bush’s approval rating, and you have all of the makings of another day of difficult fishing for the 400-member field.
“With Clear Lake, the people who know where the fish are can usually adapt,” Thompson said. “The bite has definitely been getting better in the afternoon as the water warms up and the moon starts to rise. So I think the guys who get to stay out later in the afternoon today should do better.
“Personally, I’ve had good days here when the frost hits, and I’ve had some bad ones. But there’s just too many big fish in this lake for somebody not to catch them.”
To be sure, there is plenty at stake today. With a total tournament purse of $262,000 on the line – including a top pro award worth as much as $64,500 and another $35,000 awaiting the first-place winner in the Co-angler Division – it’s clear that making today’s top-20 cut is crucial for any angler hoping for a big paycheck.
Currently, Mike Folkestad of Yorba Linda, Calif., holds the top spot in the Pro Division after netting a 26-pound, 12-ounce stringer in yesterday’s action. Meanwhile, Shane Morgan of Palmdale, Calif., has the lead in the Co-angler Division with a day-one total of 16 pounds, 9 ounces.
Stren Series action continues at Thursday’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. PST at Konocti Vista Casino Resort and Marina, located at 2755 Mission Rancheria Road in Lakeport, Calif.
Thursday’s conditions
Sunrise: 6:43 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 37 degrees
Expected high temperature: 51 degrees
Water temperature: 47-49 degrees
Wind: SSE at 13 mph
Maximum humidity: 69 percent
Day’s outlook: showers