Hungry fish! (More on that in a moment … )

Welcome to the post-Fourth of July fishing report. We’re coming into the second of the two “holiday” weekends. Lots of you folks are on the road or already at your destinations. Many yet are still considering making the trek to Clear Lake. Well, it’s hot here – Wednesday was 107 – today is likely to produce more of the same. Tomorrow also. But, along with the heat, we’ve got us some seriously good fishing. Here’s the report…

The shad count in the lake is way down. That makes for some hungry bass, catfish and crappie. The lowdown on bass is that top water action is HOT, HOT, HOT for the first few hours of the morning. Poppers, buzz baits, Baby Ducks, and Zara Spooks have all been producing loads of excitement. Fish open water in front of the tule beds for best action. After the morning wears on, and the top water action cools, switch to jigs or Carolina Rigs with dark colored plastics. Rootbeer with Gold & Red flake, purple with emerald flake, Watermelon Seed or Candy and others are all good colors for soft plastics. Fish as deep as 20’ or as shallow as 8 or 10 with your plastics.

The crappie bite has made an unusual warm weather return. Anglers are catching crappie at the Four Poles and Konocti Harbor Resort with regularity. Fish the bottom with minnows or mini-jigs for best results. The best action has been in the early morning or late evening hours.

The catfish are in down at the old Austin Resort property in Clearlake. Shore anglers and boaters in that area are having a ball catching cats weighing in at an average of 6 to 8 pounds. A few reports of big cats have come in from those who have fished during the nighttime hours. Clams and nightcrawlers are the favorites this week, with live minnows and mackerel both running well too.

Lastly, let’s talk about this coming Saturday’s NRA dinner … Today (Friday) is the last day to buy tickets or sponsor packages for the dinner. We’ve got 22 great firearms, custom knives, artwork and lots of other great merchandise that will be at the dinner.

Come enjoy a catered prime rib dinner, take a chance at winning some great items, and support your local NRA Foundation. Tickets for the dinner are $50, sponsor opportunities are still available starting at $350, and all are available here at Lakeshore Bait & Tackle. You can preview the guns here, too!

Can’t make it by the shop before the dinner? Purchase over the phone and we’ll have your tickets waiting for you. Give us a call at 707.994.FISH (3474). Please note that no dinner tickets will be sold at the door.

Enjoy the fishing. Drop by and say “Howdy!” if you’re in town. Hope to see you at Saturday’s dinner.

Bob Rider owns Lakeshore Bait & Tackle in Clearlake. Visit his Web site at www.994fish.com or call him at 994-FISH (3474).

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