The Rider Report: Rain brings good news for Clear Lake fishing

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Winter rains have returned – and we're delighted. With the water level on Clear Lake running on par with a 91-year average, it looks like we're going to be in great shape for our spring and summer fishing this year. That's about the best news we could bring you!


The winter bass bite on Clear Lake has been quite good – on live bait. The catfish action has been reasonably good. Crappie action is still mostly flat lined – mostly.


Here's what we're hearing in the store ...

 

When the barometer is stable, the fishing has been quite good for those using jumbo minnows. Before this series of rains came this week, we had a week of sunshine and warm weather. During that time, folks were telling us that the finesse bite was just starting to pick up.


But, alas, that was just a springtime teaser as the cold, rainy, wintry weather has returned and the bite on artificials went flat once again.


The good news is that we've got plenty of jumbo minnows to keep your rod going bendo. The jumbos are doing the trick well when fished over deep water, near ledges and deep structure.

 

I've heard two things on the crappie front this week. First, one of my customers caught a small crappie at Redbud Park in Clearlake. I haven't heard that in a while. Second, I've had a couple of calls asking if I could confirm a bite at Shag Rock. I can't, but there's word going 'round that there might be some action there. So what do you take from this? Well, one fish and a rumor doesn't make a hot bite report! I'll keep you posted.

 

For catfish, anglers are already getting excited about the annual Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven Business Association Catfish Derby. Applications are available in the store or online. (I'm hoping to have them added to our site at www.994Fish.com in the next couple of days.)


The catfish action hasn't been hot by any means, but most anglers that are fishing for them are finding some action. Live minnows, nightcrawlers or mackerel seem to be the top entries in the bait category this time around. Those jumbo minnows are just the bomb!

 

I want to take just a minute to thank the good folks at Robinson Rancheria in Nice for hosting the Clearlake Ducks Unlimited banquet. I also want to that the nearly 100 folks that came out to support your local DU chapter and make our event a success. You know who you are – and we thank you!

 

We now turn our attention and energy to the annual Lake Friends of NRA banquet coming up Saturday, April 10, at the Lions Hall in Middletown.


This is our fourth year for the event here in Lake County. This event sold out last year and we're on track to sell out again this year. This is our flagship event for the year. Drop by our shop in Clearlake and preview some of the nearly 40 guns we'll have at the event, get your tickets and show your support for the Lake Friends of NRA.

 

And, lastly, we've got a full calendar of classes scheduled for March. Check our Google Calendar on our “Events & Classes” page at www.994Fish.com for dates and times.


For March we're offering the following classes: Personal Safety & Awareness, Intro to Handguns, Fundamentals of Marksmanship, Semi-Auto Pistol Operation, Handgun Care & Cleaning and we're teaming with ECTS for American Heart Association First Aid & CPR. I hope you'll join us.


Feel free to call 707.994.FISH (3474) or email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with any questions you may have.

 

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