Sorry we missed a report last week. I was away fishing (Hat Creek) for part of the week and fell behind in such things … But I’m back this week and I’m bearing some good news.

We’ve had some good wet weather this last week and, while the lake level hasn’t risen, the catfish bite has turned on big time. Nearly every angler through the door has reports of a few (or more!) catfish being caught. The bass are biting in shallow water, and there are early signs of some crappie biting. Here are the details.

Let’s start with the whiskerfish this week. One bass angler came into the store to lodge a complaint. Apparently he had ordered bass minnows and we sold him catfish minnows. We had a good chuckle together and he picked up some more big healthy jumbo minnows and went back at it.

The lesson – jumbo minnows are catching some catfish. The recent rains have kicked this bite into gear. So now’s the time to get out and do some catfishin’. Mackerel, nightcrawlers, anchovies, shrimp, livers – you name it – should all prove effective this time of year. No particular location is standing out yet, so try your favorite spot.

The bass bite is very typical of this time of year. The folks lobbing jumbo minnows are catching plenty. Those fishing the artificials are working harder. The good news is that many of the typical two pound clone bass are being caught with a few nice 4-, 5- and 6-pounders in the mix. We are hearing more about fish from shallow water – not shallow flats, but shallow water adjacent to drop offs. Next to minnows, Speed Worms, drop shot rigs, and jerk baits reign as top lures and techniques this week.

There are some early grumblings about a crappie bite up at Kono Tayee. I haven’t had many reports on this, but for those just itchin’ to set the hook on some early crappie this might be a lead to chase down. Please drop by, call in (994-FISH), or email me (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) a report if you get into ‘em.

For the sport shooters among us, and there are many, the Pope Valley Fire Department and the Pope Valley Gun Club are hosting their annual Turkey Shoot and Breakfast fundraiser this Sunday, Oct. 21. Come out and join us in Pope Valley for a fine time shooting trap – there will be stations for beginner, intermediate and advanced shooters. The FD is having breakfast from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the fire house. Shooting begins at 8 a.m. and runs until sundown. Fun games and activities for kids of all ages and a super raffle are also on the agenda. Trap shells are available for purchase at the shoot. Tri-tip sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos and drinks will also available. Come on out and support this great cause and have a lot of fun doing it!

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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