Fishing guide Dave Gilbert has used mackerel and minnows to catch some big catfish this week. Courtesy photo.

More odd weather this week – it’s been a bit cooler and we got a bit of rain. The fishing is good (some would say great) with bass, catfish and crappie all coming in abundance. We’ve got a CatFest event this weekend so stay tuned for some fun group catfishing.

Bass action has continued at a strong pace as anglers are finding a good top water bite in the early morning hours. The bite then turns to jigs (brown and purple or brown and orange are favorites), finesse presentations (drop shotting and split shotting), and just this week we’re hearing about a crank bait bite. Fish mid-range depths clean down to the bottom for best results.

Crappie fishermen have been loving this summer crappie bite. Folks are catching two pound slabs with minnows and mini-jigs. We’re back to white or chartreuse for jig colors. Fish the bottom 10 feet of 20 to 30 foot deep water. The Four Poles is going strong during the day, Konocti Harbor Resort has been doing well, and Indian Beach Resort in Glenhaven is reportedly showing good numbers of crappie during the nighttime hours.

There’s good news for our catfish fans … Catfish are being caught all over the south end of the lake. We’re hearing good things about Wheeler Point, Pirates Cove, Austin Park and Bass Alley. Fishing Guide Dave Gilbert, owner of Hook Setter Guide Service, had good things to say about using mackerel and minnows to nail some nice cats in the teens this week. Other anglers have favored nightcrawlers and clams.

Come join us Saturday afternoon and evening for our first CatFest event of the year. We’ll be meeting here at Lakeshore Bait & Tackle between 3:30 and 4 in the afternoon. Come and set up your boat, tie your best rigs, and BS a bit as we gear up for a night of fun & fishing on the water. We’ll run an optional $10 pool. Biggest catfish at 11:00 pm takes the pot. We’ll also be having a raffle just before the store closes (at 5 pm) for some fun prizes for CatFest participants. This event is open to all! Bring your boat, bring your gear, and come have a great time with us.

Bob Rider owns Lakeshore Bait & Tackle in Clearlake. Visit his Web site at www.994fish.com or call him at 994-FISH (3474).

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