A nice break in the weather has anglers coming out to shake off the cabin fever that a couple weeks of rain can induce. Forecasters have temps climbing to the low 60's today and for the next few days. Higher daytime temps are helping to edge the water temp up to the mid-40's with eye toward that fifty degree mark in the near future. We're hopeful in that regard as it usually signals an improved bite heading into spring. As for the actual fishing?Ķ Let's break that out:

The bass are still deep. A couple individual reports from earlier this week have the bass down toward the 30 foot depth. Those bass came up with little color on them. Minnow anglers are seeing the most success by a long shot. Jigs and drop shotting have been voted most likely to succeed by those who toss artificials. Yesterday anglers were simply having a hard time contending with the wind and rough water despite the sunshine. Both elements conspired to make it very difficult to fish the most desired locations and to remain on location and fish slowly. Rock piles are still the focus of most anglers this week and the calming weather should allow them to be fished more thoroughly.

The crappie are still not happening. Stay tuned as we'll update this the moment we get word that things have changed for the better. Smaller schools of crappie have been spotted in the 12 ??? 20' depths but well away from any known structure. The schools are also not staying put but rather they are moving frequently, presumably in search of a food source.

Catfish are being caught all over the lake. Shallow areas where water streams into the lake are key locations. Mostly, they're catching small table sized cats with some larger cats coming from deeper water areas. Nightcrawlers and mackerel continue as the top two choices.

Be sure to stop by and see our new inventory for 2008. We're expanding our selection of fishing goods and firearms across the board to better meet your needs and wants.

-Bob Rider, Owner
Lakeshore Bait & Tackle
14913-D Lakeshore Drive
Clearlake, CA 95422
707.994.FISH (3474)
www.994Fish.com

Your local fishing, firearms and fun dealer.