Brrr … Twenty three degrees Friday morning. Bright and crisp conditions are greeting anglers today. The winds we talked about in last week’s report have subsided. There isn’t much rain in the forecast. The surface temperature of the lake is running in the upper 40s to low 50s – a significant cool down from just a week or two ago. Bait fishing remains darn good for bass and crappie. Catfish are on, too. Here are the details …

Jumbo minnows reign supreme as big bass catchers this week. Lots of folks have reported fishing that depth between 12 and 20 feet with live minnows and catching plenty of fish from a 3 to 6 pounds. A few have had catches of bass between 6 and 9 pound with occasional double-digit bass in the mix as well. Rocky areas with depth to 20 feet are producing best. Some anglers have reported catching fish in shallow water at the north end of the lake using jigs and smaller swim baits.

Crappie anglers are crowding in at Kono Tayee and Shag Rock all day long. Konocti Harbor Resort is starting to liven up with a crappie bite first thing in the morning. (Dress warm!) There still isn’t any consistent action at Four Poles yet. Live minnows, Fin-S Shad and Panfish Assassin lures and simple old Crappie Jigs are working. Tip your lure with a wax worm or crappie gem for a better bite.

Folks hoping to tempt the catfish are taking advantage of lighter winds to drift jumbo minnows or cut baits over their favorite spots. Bass Alley, Jago Bay and Rattlesnake Island have all been mentioned this week. I can’t say that the catfish bite is hot, but you’ll probably get bit if you fish slowly and be consistent.

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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