We had a few days of warmer temps accompanied by some wet weather. We are, however, dipping back into the 20s overnight. The surface temperature of the lake continues to drop with most locations showing 44 to 47 degrees. We’re also in one of the slowest fishing weeks of the year so there aren’t a whole lot of anglers reporting in. Here’s what we know …

The bass are moving into their winter pattern of slower movement and less feeding. Most of the anglers out this week have reported catching between three and six fish for their efforts.

Both the day and night fishing action is seeing this slow down. Live minnows are most likely to get you bit. For artificials, downsize and slow down. Drop shotting is an excellent choice for presentations this time of year.

The crappie bite has toughened up just a bit too. Anglers crowding in at Kono Tayee are catching crappie but rate the action as “slow.” Shag rock has only had an on-again/off-again bite. Shore anglers at Konocti are working hard to catch a few crappie. But, as usual goes over there, they’re catching a mixed bag. The hottest “gotta have” items for crappie are the Nitro Crappie Gems. Tip your favorite jig with one of these for added scent and flavor.

Catfish anglers have reported catching a few fish for many hours of fishing. Cut mackerel or nightcrawlers have accounted for the fish we’ve heard tell of. No specific locations stand out this week.

We will be closed on Christmas day to spend time with our families. We’re open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Christmas eve for your last minute gift needs for the angler, hunter or firearms enthusiast on your list. And don’t forget – when you don’t know what to give, give a gift certificate.

From the staff here at Lakeshore Bait & Tackle, we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas.

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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