Boaters, Skiers and Wakeboarders:
The Cottages at Bell Haven is a wonderful place for those who love water sports and are looking for an area close to the Bay Area but away from the heavy boating traffic for water activities. Families with children who are learning to ski will find Soda Bay an area quiet, calm and safe; and great for tubing or 'Seadooing'.
Wakeboarders might feel cramped here in Soda Bay but will love the larger lake area where they can 'open up' and let it fly. Konocti Harbor has held two events where over 1000 people attended and our area in Soda Bay never even got a wave from the volume of wakeboarders.
Every year the local chapter of ACBS (Antique and Classic Boat Society) host Wood & Glory where wooden boat enthusiasts enjoy the showing their boats at Library Park in Lakeport, on Saturday where the City has promoted a picnic for everyone; a BBQ dinner at the home of a Clear Lake resident. On Sunday, a final meeting is a picnic where awards for best boat are awarded.
Fishing:
For the Bass fisherman, Clear Lake has been listed in the top five places to go on ESPN. Big bass have been caught by fishermen (and women) 40 #'s and over. I saw a prize fish caught by a small girl who held up her fish and it was almost as big as she was. And, don't forget the Catfish; they are a fun catch and some of them are huge.
Every year a Bass Tournament is held at the Konocti Vista Resort and Casino and attracts thousands of fisherman throughout the season. For the kids, catch and release Blue Gill and Crappie fishing is a delight.
Believe it or not, I met a local plumber who moved from Monterey to the Lake because of the great fishing.
About Clear Lake:
Clear Lake is the 43,000 acre center of Lake County. It is the largest natural lake in California and is estimated to be 150,000 years old, and possibly the oldest lake in North America. Pomo indians inhabited Lake County 4,000 years before the rise of the Egyptian civilization. Indian life consisted of hunting, fishing, collecting plant foods, making clothing, household items and boats of tule reeds. In 1850 European families found their way to Clear Lake and settled in what is now Kelseyville.
Farming, ranching and toll roads in the 1860's brought more settlers, and Pomo indians retreated from their traditional rancherias. Perimeter roads lacking, steamers connected visitors to resorts. Steam boats, then gas powered boats became favored transportation and recreation. Agriculture continues as a mainstay - Bartlett pears, walnuts and wines. The 21st century began a renaissance reminiscent of Lake County's former glory as a 'playground' to the Bay Area
