Spring has brought us rain and wind, and some wonderful sun, too. We're still fighting changing climate conditions and a bass bite that hasn't quite found its groove yet. Crappie anglers are catching fish in a few key spots and catfish action is swinging into gear.

For the month of April, we're celebrating our fifth anniversary by rolling back prices on our jumbo minnows to just $10 per dozen as they were when we opened our doors in 2005. Come by and celebrate with us and pick up a great deal on minnows to get your spring fishing under way. Here are the reports.

 

Bass are reacting to the season change by being a bit finicky. They're not concentrated in the depths nor have they concentrated in the shallows. I've had reports of shallow fish staring down baits and deep fish bumping baits but not taking them.

Rain, cold and wind ushered us into this past week. The last few days, however have been bright and sunny, albeit with a bit of afternoon wind to make positioning a boat difficult.

We've got a few more days of bright weather on the forecast before rain returns as we head into next week. We should see the bite surge with shallow water action taking center stage. Live jumbo minnows are still the best bet, while finesse baits and presentations are accounting for most of the fish caught on artificials. Swim baits are also gaining ground as the bass move in.

 

Crappie anglers are reporting action in the Clearlake Oaks Keys and the State Park. A few private property owners are finding fish under docks and along walls as well. Jig colors in red and white (a longtime favorite) and chartreuse (another favorite) are working for some. Others are using live medium minnows to get the job done. Most reports are claiming catches of about a dozen fish for an outing.

 

The catfish bite hasn't changed much from our last report and reads like this: Catfish action has kicked into gear with anglers finding success from the banks of Clear Lake. Mackerel, crawlers and live minnows have been accounting for much of the success.

 

The Catfish Derby is right around the corner. The annual Catfish Derby is taking place May 14, 15 and 16 this year. This event draws over 500 adult anglers and more than 100 youth fishermen. Applications are available in the store or online at the www.clearlakeoaks.org site.

 

In event news, our fifth anniversary is here as I mentioned above. For our firearms folks, we're giving away a Front Sight Firearms Training Institute certificate good for a four day defensive handgun class.

Come in and enter the drawing by visiting the store and filling out an entry any time during the month of April. The drawing will be held on April 30 at 5 p.m.

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