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Black Butte Reservoir NorCal Report 08/11/2016
It has been more than two years since I have stepped foot in this lake. This past spring, I heard multiple rumors from spawn and bank fisherman’s that Black Butte Lake has no crappie due to the recent droughts and over fishing in from recent years. Black Butte reservoir used to be on the top of crappie discussions with friends. At one time, crappies in this lake kept up with the natural “Clear Lake” over in Lake County. Nonetheless, I waited until the spawn was over, season fisherman's gone, and weather stabilized before going out to see what all the fuss was about.
08/11/2016 The lake is 80% full, 4ft water clarity depending on location, and 5-10 mph winds from the north. I arrived at 8 a.m. and limited by noon. It took more time locating crappies than actually fishing.
No wonder people were complaining. Using down imaging, I located a large school scattered over a patch of vegetation near a point almost in the middle of the lake. The crappies were suspended between 5-15 feet in 25ft of water. Furthermore, I think most crappies spawned the opposite side this year in deeper water and further away from any road, foot, or camp access.
Jigs kept picking up the 6-7" which were all released. I switched to troll small crank baits over the location and picked a few 2 pounds. I must have hooked over 60+ and kept a limit for dinner. All the crappies I took home were over 9” (see picture). Too bad for this year’s spring and shore crappie angers. Crappies are there, a boat and decent sonar on board helps a lot.
From many years of mistakes, I have learned that crappies generally do NOT and will NOT spawn in the same location year after year in “reservoirs”. How can they? Reservoirs are for human consumption and farm usages, so the water level will adjust weekly causing an inconsistency to the fish’s habitat. Unlike Clear Lake, a natural lake located in Lake County, the fish pattern is extremely predictable. As a matter of fact, those of you who spring fish this lake knows as much as I do that crappies spawn in the same coves year after year.
Good day Yal. My fishing partner is arriving next month, so I doubt I'll be on the boat for a while. Been waiting 9 months to see my little boy. Thanks for reading.
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