There is a good population of black bass in Lake Mendocino. In winter, anglers should use Power Worms, Green Weenies, and other plastic worms in 10 to 25 feet off the rocky points. Early spring, fishermen try plastic worms, grubs, and spinnerbaits along the rocky banks.

During the warmer months, top-water baits like the Pop R's and Zara-Spooks will produce fish in the early morning and late evening hours. Fishing crawdads, crickets, and nightcrawlers will also entice bass into feeding.

Fall months put the bass back into a springtime type pattern, except the fishing is at its best after dark. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top-water lures are most productive.

Lake Mendocino produces some good size stripers. There are reports of striper being caught in the 40 pound range. During the cooler months the bite isn't as consistent, but soaking anchovies or trolling jumbo minnows and minnow imitating lures can be productive.

As the water temperture warms, look for striper early in the mornings, near the surface. Anglers using lures such as Hair Raisers, Rebels, and Pop-R's often have good success.

The crappie fishing starts picking up in April, usually in the coves for experienced boaters fishing both day and night. Anglers use both small minnows and red/white mini-jigs in 10 to 18 feet of water around submerged structures. As the water warms, look for crappie in the backs of the coves where there is underwater structure.

You'll find catfish, after the water warms up. Use chicken livers, nightcrawlers, clams, and other cut bait in the coves. Fishing at night is the best time since the cats do most of thier feeding during the evening hours.

For bluegill, anglers should try fishing in coves, along muddy banks, and also where the crappie are located, with mini crawlers and mealworms. Spring and summer are usually the best months for the bluegill.