Here’s what’s happening around the lake this week.

Ted Elliott, E Ticket Tackle, Lakeport; 707-262-1233

Catfish have been the species that have gotten the most attention form people visiting our shop.

With the weed and algae problems plaguing the Lakeport area most bass fisherman are staying in. The ones that have been going out have been struggling for the most part.

Successful fisherman are starting out before dawn while the algae is still on the bottom and using a variety of techniques.

One day we hear that frogs are working and the next there is no frog fish being caught.

Buzz baits and chatter baits appear to be the choice for top-water right now if you can find clear water.

The afternoon bite is still the standard senko, drop shot and jigs with the addition of punching using something like Reaction Innovation Sweet Beavers and a 1 to 1 1/2 ounce tungsten weight pegged to braided line.

There has been a murmurer of a crank bait bite and swim bait bite down toward Buckingham Peninsula and Weekend Island area approximately 20 to 22 feet down fish slow bounced off the bottom.

Additionally the nighttime fishing has been fair according to fisherman that have been stopping by the shop. Top baits have been jigs and chatter baits.

Now back to what's getting the most attention from  anglers right now and that is the catfish bite.

At least five catfish have been caught this past week weighing more than 15 pounds, with the largest being a 25-pound plus fish being caught off the new pier in Lucerne.

The bait of choice appears to be mackerel, chicken livers, crayfish, night crawlers and commercial prepared baits like Berkley's Powerbait in liver flavor.

Catfish have been reported to be caught on variety of techniques as spinner baits, crank baits and drop shots while fishing for bass.

Hopefully this bite will continue through August as the Lakeport Yacht Club’s second annual Catfish Derby & Fund Raiser is being held Aug. 24-26. This is a 70 percent payback with 30 percent going to the Lakeport Yacht Club.

Based on 100 or more entries the grand prize is $1,500, second prize is $1,000, third prize is $500, fourth prize is $300 and fifth prize is $200, with the entry fee being $50 for adults and $15 for children under 16.

The kids’ prize money will be divided as follows: first will receive 50 percent; second, 30 percent; third, 20 percent. Entry form may be picked up at most area tackle shops or from the Lakeport Yacht Club, Fifth Street Boat Ramp, Lakeport, CA 95453.

Fisherman over 16 must have a valid California fishing license and all boats and trailer must have current Quagga/Zebra Mussel sticker. Don't forget those life jackets.

For any questions on the catfish derby call Mike at 707-279-1974, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dave Brabec, Clearlake Outdoors, Clearlake; 707-262-5852

I talked to Dave this Thursday and he mentioned the trout were still biting well in the Russian River and that he'd caught a limit there one day and had a delicious trout breakfast.