It's Catfish Derby time!?? We're expecting something on the order of 500 anglers to converge on Clear Lake this weekend for the annual Clearlake Oaks Catfish Derby. This event, billed as the largest catfish derby west of the Mississippi, is my favorite each year since it represents so many different anglers.

So let's start with the catfish report today?Ķ?? Many anglers have come through the store this week, planning and strategizing for the big weekend. The reports have been encouraging.?? While we haven't seen any huge fish this week, the fishing was good for most. Mackerel is our number one selling catfish bait. Jumbo minnows, anchovies, and shad are also producing. Catfishermen have reported the best success still-fishing around the islands, creeks, and sloughs at the south end of the lake. Drifters have had a difficult time controlling the speed of their presentations due to the frequent higher winds and most have had to resort to setting up on one spot for extended periods. Still, the bite has been good with many (many) fish caught in the 5 ??? 10 pound class and several to the upper teens.?? Now we know, from the past few years' results, that it will likely take catfish in the 20 ??? 30 pound class to even place in the money for the derby. (That's the top 21 places, including the Grand Prize.)

We've been in frequent contact with event organizers and they have committed to providing us with up to date information as the leader board changes throughout the weekend. With cases and cases of frozen bait and a jumbo order of jumbo minnows on hand we'll be here at the bait shop with extended hours (open until 8 pm Friday and Saturday) to keep you informed and well equipped for the derby.?? Remember our number 707.994.FISH (3474) so you can call in for updates prior to pulling anchor and heading for Derby HQ to weigh in.

Okay, with all the hype over the Catfish Derby, the bassin' tends to take second fiddle for this one week each year. The bass bite, however, is doing pretty well overall. Most reports have the better fish being taken in 12 to 22 feet of water around the ends of docks. Crank baits moved at a moderate pace, plastics on a Carolina rig, or 4" & 6" swim baits have been effective lately. Jumbo minnows trailed 3' behind a #5 split shot will also get you bit.?? The water temperature is hovering right around the 70 degree mark.

The crappie bite has been sporadic with some reports still coming in from the Keys and other shallow areas with docks. Minnows or mini-jigs, there hasn't been a strong preference among anglers. We're still seeing crappie in the 2# class in a dark silver or almost all black color.

THIS JUST IN: Ricky Williamson just weighed in with a 19 pound 9 ounce catfish caught on mackerel down along Cache Creek. This big girl was kept nice and fresh, weighed, and taken right back to be released.?? Perhaps we'll see her again this weekend!

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