Clear Lake boaters fooled by lack of algae, weeds

Five boats have run aground this week in shallow reaches of Clear Lake that traditionally have been blocked by weeds and algae, prompting a warning from the Lake County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol Unit.

Getting stuck usally means boaters have to climb out and wade through the muck to tug their boats into deeper water, authorities said.

All five boats became stranded near Rodman Slough, between Lakeport and Nice. Officials said boaters also should use caution in Clearlake Oaks and near Anderson Marsh and the mouth of Cache Creek, which flows into Clear Lake near the city of Clearlake.

Authorities blamed the shallow water on two years of below-average rainfall.

For most of the year, thick weeds and algae keep boats away from shallow arms because the plants get caught up in their propellers and other gear, Lake County sheriff’s Capt. Jim Bauman said.

Now, “it’s our feeling that people are starting to venture in there for lack of the visible obstructions,” he sa