We’ve had a lot of wind, coupled with topsy-turvy temperatures, for the majority of the last week. We’ve even had snow up on Cobb Mountain this week.

Boaters haven’t had much luck even getting on the lake but our shore anglers have done well despite the poor conditions. The weather guessers have a nice looking forecast for the weekend with temperatures warming through the weekend to the upper 80s before a cool down late next week. Fishing should improve dramatically over the weekend as our bass are itchin’ to spawn.

Like I said above, our guys and gals fishing from shore this week have done surprisingly well fishing in winds that would make fishing from a boat difficult or impossible.

Live bait anglers have been dangling night crawlers or minnows under a bobber. The suspended bait seems to be doing the trick for cruising bass. Baby Brush Hogs, Senkos, and Maverick worms have been top sellers in artificials this week. Fish depths from about 6 feet to 14 feet for best results. Stick to your structure – rocks, docks and walls.

Crappie anglers have been quietly enjoying a fairly consistent, albeit not gangbusters, bite from shoreline locations around the south end of the lake. Indian Beach Resort owners Tony and Ken have added that the nighttime bite has been pretty good with up to a dozen slabs being caught in an outing. Typical offerings include mini-jigs in chartreuse or white/salt & pepper. Medium minnows are also effective.

The cats are active and eating all of the great stuff we love to throw at them.  Live minnows, mackerel or sardines, anchovies, crawlers, clams, or chicken livers have all been in the mix. Again, shoreline locations have been catching fish. We derive from that a depth range of six to 14 feet. The islands (Indian and Rattlesnake) have also been popular spots for those seeking whiskerfish.

It’s going to be a beautiful and busy weekend here on Clear Lake. Come and enjoy the fun in the sun.

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