A north wind has brought some smoke and haze back to our area but the air quality remains in the "good" category. The daytime temps have been between 105 and 110 degrees. (Last week's cooler 90 degree temps didn't last much past the weekend.) Our nights have been lingering in the upper 50's to low 60's. The daytime fishing has toughened up substantially, but late night and early morning angling is doing okay. The water temperature remains at a fairly constant 78 degrees. Here are the detailed bite reports:

Bass anglers have been frustrated by a slow bite during the heat of the day. Those early birds hitting the water before sun up are enjoying a sound bite on jigs, spinner baits, drop shot rigs, and live minnows. The bite tapers off as the heat turns on and the fish move to deeper water. Your best bet, for fishing mid-day is to use live bait on a drop shot rig and work deep water SLOOOWLY.

Crappie and bluegill anglers aren't seeing much action unless they get lucky and happen upon and active area. A few local folks have found some ???gills under local docks, but the fish are in one day and gone the next. Crappie, like the bass, have gone deep to cooler more comfortable water.

Catfish action has slowed somewhat, but we're still getting good reports from the guys on boats. Shore anglers are having a harder time because of the prolific weed grown around shoreline areas. The night bite is best, followed by early morning, and then slower fishing through the heat of the day.

So?Ķ To sum up this week's report: Avoid the heat for best fishing.

In event news, we're just a week (or so) away from this month's CatFest event. We're getting together on Saturday August 23rd at 4:00 pm. We'll start with a BBQ (dogs, beans & chips), enjoy some fishing games for fun prizes, and head out to the lake around six o'clock for some fun group catfishing. This will likely be our largest event yet, so come and join us. A flat entry of $10 buys you into the big-fish pool and donates toward the food & prizes. Bring your boat & a buddy or two and come on out for some good clean fun.

-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.