You can feel autumn in the air now – albeit only for a few hours in the early morning. We’re seeing consistent upper 40s at night and the lake temperature is gradually dropping. (Low 70s these last few days.) The bass are hinting at a better bite, the cats are still prowling, and there’s bluegill to be caught. Here’s what I know …

There’s been agreement this week that the bass bite is improving. That short morning window for the bass bite has opened up from just a couple of hours right at sun up to three and even four hours from about six to ten in the morning. A longer fishing window means more fish to most anglers.

The other important change to note this week is the jerk bait bite. The bass are now suspending and jerk baits like Lucky Craft’s Pointer in the 78 series and Rapala’s X-Raps and Husky Jerk lures are now in the mix.

I’d also look to some lipless crankbaits to be happening as the bass are more in the mood to chase a lure. I’m very optimistic about the fall bite being some of the best bass fishing of the year for 2008!

The crappie season doesn’t typically get going again until November. We’ll keep you posted as things change on that front. However, several of my local anglers have been chasing bluegill and doing well. We’ve also got Meal and Wax worms back in stock to help in that pursuit. Fishing below docks during the middle of the day has been the key.

Catfish continue to tempted using mackerel, shrimp, anchovies, night crawlers, and live minnows. Some folks are doing well with other favorites too like chicken livers and clams. There isn’t any real trick to the catfish, soak your bait and be patient. You’ll likely get bit! Shore anglers and boaters alike are doing well all over the lake where access isn’t restricted by weeds.

Bob Rider is owner of Lakeshore Bait and Tackle, located at 14913-D Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake. Call the shop at 707-994-FISH (3474) or visit www.994Fish.com for more information as well as updates on the latest fishing and hunting merchandise.

{mos_sb_discuss:2}