Cool, moist weather is upon us this morning as I sit to write the report. Fall fishing conditions simply couldn't be any better!

The bass bite is solid on jumbo minnows, the catfish bite is also and we're seeing crappie make their fall comeback. The water temperature is hovering right around the 60-degree mark and cooling.

Make plans to visit Clear Lake, shop our stores, eat in our restaurants, enjoy a stay in one of many fabulous accommodations, and FISH this fantastic time of year on California's largest natural lake. Here are the detailed reports.

 

Bass anglers haven't been disappointed lately fishing the famous fall bait – jumbo minnows. We've bumped our inventory numbers to keep up with the increased demand – and the numbers are climbing weekly right now. We're stocking over 1,200 jumbos this week! We're committed to keeping the numbers up and not running out – keeping you on the fish while the gettin's good.

Deep water and rocks are a winning combination for free-lining a minnow. The mid-day bite seems to be the best. We are also hearing that bass are chasing bait in water as shallow as 6 feet deep. The lure guys are running with sinking swim baits – the top hook 6-inch Osprey and Maverick's swim baits have been on the mark. Lipless cranks and jigs are also accounting for some nice fish.

 

Crappie anglers are finding some nice sized slabs in the waters near No Name Reef and Rocky Point in the Redbud arm. Jago Bay has also produced some good fish. Fishing Guide Bob Koch has shared that the crappie go on the bite just as the sun drops behind Mt. Konocti in the late afternoon. Now, with the overcast sky and drizzle, I would expect this action to TAKE OFF!

I've said it for years – crappy weather means crappie fishing. And one last detail to share on the crappie bite ... there have been a half dozen or so boats working the Kono Tayee area for days now. There aren't any reports surfacing, but experience tells us that these anglers are not going back day after day for no reason. That just leaves one to speculate ...

 

Both our bass and crappie anglers are reporting mixed catches with CATFISH. Live bait this time of year is a real winner for tying into some really nice whisker fish. Anchovies and mackerel are also producing well. Deep water with rocks isn't just for bass - it is a winning formula for fall catfishing on Clear Lake too.

 

We have a Hunter Safety class forming at the Brick Hall in Lower Lake. The class will take place over the course of five days: Tuesday, Nov. 10, and Wednesday, Nov. 11, as well as Tuesday, Nov. 17, and Wednesday, Nov. 18, will be classroom lecture at the hall. The weekday classes will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, is scheduled to be a range day at Konocti Rod & Gun club near Highland Springs Reservoir. The Saturday class will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pre-registration is required as there are a limited number of seats available in the class. Register at Lakeshore Bait & Tackle in Clearlake. Call 707-994-FISH (3474) or visit www.994Fish.com for more information.

 

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