A blast of super cold weather has gripped Clear Lake keeping all but the most dedicated angler off the water. One angler called this week to ask if he should bring his boat or ice skates.

Morning temperatures have been in the low teens with daytime highs in the 40s. With rain in the forecast for the coming days, temperatures should warm a bit. Hopefully, the cold temps and a good soaking rain storm will be just what is needed to get the crappie bite into swing.

As for bass – it is a live bait bite. Catfish action has slowed to a typical wintertime low. Here are the details ...

 

Bass anglers that have braved the cold to soak live jumbo minnows have found willing bass. The deep water (20 to 30 feet) bite is super subtle.

Pay close attention to your line – if it changes direction, set the hook. Concentrate on submerged rock piles for fishing deep. For fishing shallower water, look for bass to be crashing bait in 8 to 12 feet of water. Docks, rocky areas and tules have all proven successful for some.

You can expect that the bass bite has slowed from the warmer weather and warmer water temps of just a week or two ago. They're still biting, but not with the same vigor.

 

As I mentioned above, we're looking for the crappie bite to surge following the cool down and pending rains. We've had but a few anglers out seeking crappie. They're scoring some isolated bites, but nothing that gives us an indication that things are going to go wild. It's a waiting game for now ... "Crappy weather means crappie fishing" is my mantra.

 

Catfish action has slowed for the season. Soaking bait can still be fun and you'll likely get an occasional bite. Catfish action typically heats back up in the springtime.

 

In event news – there are just a few days left to get in on the Lake Friends of NRA's Three Gun Raffle. The group is conducting a drawing on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. at Lakeshore Bait & Tackle in Clearlake.

They're giving away three great guns – a Kimber 45 pistol, a Smith & Wesson M&P15 AR-style rifle and a Remington 12 ga tactical shotgun.

Tickets will be on sale until 5 p.m. Saturday for this progressive drawing. (That's a drawing where your ticket goes back in the mix for each drawing – one could potentially win all three guns!) Tickets are $20 each or 10 for $200. If you buy 10, you also get a gold ticket entry for a Front Sight training certificate drawing. Great stuff!

Come join us on Saturday for the drawing – it's going to be fun! (Giving away guns is always fun!)

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