Fantastic cool crisp weather has greeted anglers this week. Thick fog has blanketed the lake (and roads) during the early morning hours as our temperatures have dipped below the freezing mark. The lake temp has dropped to 50 to 51 degrees. The minnow bite has been darn good on bass and cats, and we’re seeing some great big crappie. Here’s the report …

One dedicated bass angler said it this way, “They’re everywhere they weren’t and nowhere they were.” I think what he means is that we’ve shifted into a winter pattern with cooler weather and cooler water.

That’s consistent with the report we had last week about the juvenile (they’re not babies anymore) bass. They’ve moved out now too. Deep docks, ledges, and rock piles will be the order of the day. So will SLOW presentations. My diehard bass guys are telling me that small swim baits fished at night, or jigs spoons and lipless cranks fished in the mornings are what is getting the job done for them.

The finesse guys love this time of year – their technique can really shine. The live bait anglers are enjoying a classic early winter or late fall bite. Not too much to be said here – we went through over 1,200 jumbo minnows during the four-day Thanksgiving weekend last week. We’re stocked back up and ready to go.

For Slab Seekers, Kono Tayee and Shag Rock have had the most attention – but you’ve got to have a boat. Konocti has been SLOW. There’s a good hole over in Jones Bay that has been producing rather well for one of my customers, but he’s on a boat also.

Here’s the good news … It was 27 degrees and socked in with fog when I got here to open the shop this morning. Colder and wetter is what brings the crappie out. I’d look for a change to take place if the cold weather takes hold for a few days. That’s pretty good news … Bring on the slabs!

There hasn’t been much movement on the catfish front. Just our regular catfish hunters doing the job with the tried and true baits. Minnows, mackerel, anchovies and shad … Drift your favorite spots nice and slow, keep warm with some hot cocoa at night, and enjoy the cool crisp night air.

Again this week, I want to highlight the Christmas in Clearlake campaign. There are many stores, including ours, that are participating in the promotion. We’ve all got some great deals going and every purchase earns you an entry into our $1,000 Chamber Bucks drawing. One lucky shopper is going to win a shopping spree right before Christmas. It might as well be you!

Stop in and see all the great stuff we’ve got – fishing, firearms, knives, survival gear and so much more. Hope to see you soon.

Bob Rider owns Lakeshore Bait and Tackle, 14913-D Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, telephone 994-FISH (3474). Visit him online at www.994Fish.com.

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