Great weather. Plenty of water. And good solid bass and catfish bites. That about sums up the report for this week. The lake temperature came up from the low 50s to the 58-degree mark this week. There’s plenty of activity, so here’s the report …

All eyes are on the bass this week as they move in toward the shoreline and shallow water.

We’re seeing the full-tilt onset of our pre-spawn bite. Indications (red mouths/lips) are that the bass are eating crawdads as natural forage.

Anglers using live minnows are enjoying a bite that starts mid-morning and runs through the day and into the early evening. Those using artificials are getting in on the action beginning in the early afternoon hours and running until sundown.

Hot lures this week have been chartreuse spinner baits, jigs in brown and orange, shallow crank baits, and Baby Brush Hogs or other creature style baits. Best depth is between 4 and 10 feet for most, others are catching quality fish to nearly 20 feet.

Simply put – we’re going to have an amazing weekend of fishing on Clear Lake.

We’re getting some simple reports (but more of them) of crappie being caught in the Clearlake Oaks Keys. There hasn’t been much information flowing, but the reports are starting to trickle in with regularity. There’s hope yet for the persistent angler who wants to eat some specks for dinner!

Catfish action has picked up nicely with the warmer weather. Mackerel, anchovies, nightcrawlers, and minnows have been tops. Look for areas near moving water. Creek inlets, Cache Creek, Indian Island, Rattlesnake Island – all are getting plenty of action. If the wind is favorable (as in not too strong) set up a drift and keep your bait fresh.

I enjoy writing reports like this… Like I said, we’re going to have us a fun weekend fishing on Clear Lake.

Bob Rider is owner of Lakeshore Bait & Tackle, 14913-D Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake, telephone 707-994-FISH (3474). Visit him online at www.994Fish.com.

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