Warm weather and lighter winds have made for some great bass fishing, decent crappie fishing, and some darn good catfishing too.?? Stay tuned while we get into today's report.

Bassers have been having an absolute blast catching bass on nearly every cast during the first-light hours. The bass bite remains steady throughout the day.?? There has been a strong morning bite on top water lures such as the Zara Spook, poppers, and spinner baits. Anglers fishing mid-day are having success using soft plastics in water from 2' to 22' deep. Scores of two pound bass can be caught in shallow water with the larger fish holding in the deeper areas. Water temps are ranging from 62 to 66 degrees.

Crappie anglers at Redbud Park have welcomed an improved bite as the weather has warmed this week. Other areas here in the south end have also seen the crappie bite pick up. Mini-jigs in a typical array of colors from red and white to all white to chartreuse have all been productive. The "pipeline" has been one of the most talked about spots for boaters. In fact, the crappie have frustrated many a bass angler in this area this week.

We're getting excited about the up and coming Catfish Derby ??? ramping up our stocks of mackerel, anchovies, clams, shrimp, live bait and more. We'll be extending our hours on Friday and Saturday (the 18th & 19th). And, we've been told by event organizers that we'll receive real-time updates to the leader board. You'll be able to call (994-FISH) or drop by our shop for updates before you make the trip to Clearlake Oaks for a weigh-in.?? This is one of our favorite events, held annually on Clear Lake, because anyone can win and many will take home cash or prizes. Plus the event features a Fireman's Pancake Breakfast on Saturday from 7 ??? 11 am, a Grange Breakfast on Sunday from 8 am to 1 pm, and Family BBQ's at the Firehouse on Saturday & Sunday. Heck, with all the eatin' to be going on, when will you have time to fish?

Okay, now for the catfish report. We're hearing that catfish are being taken on a wide variety of catfish baits. Most anglers reporting good catches have been the shore anglers that are fishing from private property along the south end of the lake and down on Cache Creek. Now that the winds have settled, boaters will have more opportunities to try their hand at getting the big cats to bite.

The trout bite at Indian Valley Reservoir has been reported to be quite good. Anglers are using downriggers to troll between 25 and 45 feet. Easy limits of trout have made anglers happy while a few early kokanee are being caught in the mix. Apex lures, needlefish, Cripplures, and nightcrawlers all dragged behind a small dodger have been popular lures. Orange & brass or watermelon have been the first choice for colors.

Stop by our shop in Clearlake for a look at our growing selection of firearms, ammunition, and related accessories. Bring in your favorite gun (unloaded, of course) for show???n???tell or ask us about price and availability information for that dream gun. We'll work hard to make your next firearms purchase a fun and simple process.?? Need your Handgun Safety Certificate? We'll get you prepped & ready, administer the test, and give you an immediate grade right here in the store for twenty five bucks. Come on by?Ķ

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