Lost River offers recreational opportunities 

   Why it is called Clear Lake is a wonder since the water in it is saturated with colloidal soil and is the color of coffee with a healthy shot of cream. 

   The water maintains that color until it reaches Wilson Reservoir at Olene. By the time it crosses Crystal Springs Road, it is the color of clear tea. It takes many miles of filtration by aquatic weeds, algae and moss to remove the gray/brown soil. 

   It is unfortunate the river has to look so yucky. It is otherwise quite attractive. On a recent ride, we found the river canyon above Malone to be an interesting and classic high desert basalt mini-gorge. 

   For a pleasant and interesting canoe ride, pretend the water color is caused by a mountain glacier and it becomes insignificant. The beauty of the shoreline will more than make up for it. 

 

   Take GPS when fishing 

   Anyone who plans to fish might want to take along a GPS to tell when crossing the Oregon/California state line. At that point, anglers will need a California angling license. 

   The reservoir is practically dry in the winter since the boards on the dam are pulled to let it drain. That doesn’t mean that there are no fish there, however. 

   Upstream, above the slack water of the dam, we found many pools that I’m sure hold plenty of water during the winter. The stream flow will be less, but it is never cut off completely. 

   In-stream water must be maintained for the endangered Lost River suckers. 

   Sacramento perch 

   Many years ago, the California Department of Fish and Game stocked Sacramento perch in Clear Lake. 

   The Sacramento perch is the only spiny-rayed species native to the West Coast. The spinyrayed fishes include the large- and small-mouth bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch and dozens of other cichlids. 

   It’s been a long time since I’ve seen any Sacramento perch caught in the river. One spring they were so plentiful at the bridge on Crystal Springs Road that anglers were filling five gallon buckets full of good-sized perch. 

   But back to Malone Reservoir. 

   Theoretically, Sacramentos should be plentiful in the reservoir and river. Angling for them might present a unique challenge. The water is so muddy that, probably, only bait will produce. 

   Besides Sacramento perch, brown bullheads, bass, yellow perch, crappie and bluegill should be found. Fish are remarkable, however, and have the ability to detect movement in the water, so lures that vibrate might induce a strike. 

   Anyone looking for a great place for a day hike or ATV ride, or even riding an equine, like we did, should begin the adventure at Malone Dam. 

   It is easy to find. Head east from Bonanza on either East or West Langell Valley Road and when as far south as one can get on the pavement, you are there. It is less than a mile south to the California border, so anyone packing a gun or fishing pole should make a note.
   During waterfowl season, the low water can be a problem, but the birds are there. 

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