On the heels of one storm and on the leading edge of another … The fishing this week took a bit of a hit. We’ve got some activity with the bass, some crappie on the move, and a bit of a catfish bite.

While the bass and catfish have slowed slightly, we’ve finally seen some crappie this week. The lake is up to the mid-50s for surface temperature. This weekend’s forecast looks to be a bit on the wet and windy side through Sunday with fair weather returning next week. Here’s are the details …

The bass bite has slowed somewhat through the week, following and leading the weather systems moving through our neck of the woods. Where last week’s report had us diggin’ a spring bite that was getting pretty hot, this week has us remembering that spring hasn’t quite set in yet. We’re still seeing activity in the 4 to 15 foot range. Crawdad and creature imitations, jigs, and small spinner baits have been the top lures.

The minnow bite has slowed some too, but should improve quickly as the pending storm moves out heading into next week. The better bite reports have come from anglers fishing shallow water adjacent to deeper water. South end anglers have enjoyed a better bite than those fishing the shallow flatter areas of the north end this week.

Crappie anglers are trickling in with reports of some nice slabs being caught around the lake in water that’s no deeper that 10 feet. It seems that our speckled friends have gotten the cue to spawn and are moving up into the shallows to think about doing so. No color patterns have emerged for the jigs yet, but the live minnows are fresh in the store and should do the trick nicely. Most folks are catching just a few crappie for a few hours efforts.

Catfish anglers are up to their usual antics with mackerel, anchovies, and sardines. Live minnows have been working too. The cats aren’t exactly on a tear, but we’ve had some good solid reports from those who’ve been trying their luck.

Bob Rider owns Lakeshore Bait & Tackle, 14913-D Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake, telephone 707-994-FISH (3474). Visit the store online at www.994Fish.com.

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