Cold, rain, and snow this week have kept the fishermen at bay and made conditions miserable for those that braved the elements to wet a line. The fishing is ultra-tough this week. Bass tournament guys are striking out & crappie anglers are simply unable to locate the slabs. There are few details beyond that?Ķ The good news is the lake level is up nearly two feet from just a few weeks ago. The gage height in Lakeport was at 3.20 feet and rising when I checked this afternoon.

We had a pretty good bass bite on last Thursday & Friday for those anglers fishing live jumbo minnows. That bite started to taper off quickly again as we went into Saturday and was difficult again before the end of the weekend. Bass guys tossing artificial lures ??? of nearly any variety ??? flat out struck out. The weather has been so bad in the latter part of this week, there aren't any reports to work off of. Your best bet is likely to wait until the lake is fishable again and see what the recent rains have done for us. Water clarity, temperature, food source, and water level will all be effected.

The crappie report hasn't changed any from last week's report. Tough as nails. Can't find ???em. Keep trying and let us know ASAP when you're onto ???em. We'll keep fresh bait in the tank and product on the shelves so we can get you outfitted when they come back! (Now how's that for an honest report, eh?)

The only upshot to this report may be the catfish. A few anglers have had a bit of luck bank fishing for cats with nightcrawlers, mackerel, and anchovies. Look for areas surrounding inlets for actively feeding catfish.

With little fishing going on, I'll take a minute to highlight a few happenings here at the shop. Our 2008 inventory is arriving and we're stocking some GREAT new products ??? and some long time favorites too. Rapala's got some great new offerings. So do Storm and River2Sea. We've added more of Zoom's line of tried and true baits. We've put Suffix Siege on the wall and on our line winder. Our ammunition selection has DOUBLED. We've also brought in laser sights from Crimson Trace and we've got Streamlight products coming. Hearing protection, rifle and pistol cases, tackle storage systems, nets, tools and accessories are all here or due to arrive soon. And guns?Ķ We've picked up Springfields, Smith & Wessons, Kahrs, Charters, and Glocks. Remington shotguns, Savage rifles, and Mossberg plinkers are all coming too. Oh, and did I say reels? We've now have reels from Shimano, Pflueger and Quantum in stock ??? nearly thirty different models to choose from.

So, this may not be the time to load up on bait and hit the water, but winter's a super time to update your gear for the New Year. Come see what's new and visit with our knowledgeable crew here at Lakeshore Bait & Tackle.

-Bob Rider, Owner
Lakeshore Bait & Tackle
14913-D Lakeshore Drive
Clearlake, CA 95422
707.994.FISH
707.994.4961 fax
www.994Fish.com