Topsy-turvy. How else can you describe conditions like this? We’ve had cold, wind and rain this past week coupled with a tough bite that I would attribute largely to the difficult weather conditions. We had a hard frost Thursday morning with the temperature at 26 degrees when I arrived to open the shop at 6 am. Friday was MUCH more tolerable with a balmy 45 degrees.

Warmer weather is in store for us as the weather guessers have us near 80 all weekend long with 40s and 50s at night. That should help us get the water temp up to the mid 50s and signal a huge swing for the bass bite. Here are your detailed species reports.

Bass anglers are chomping at the bit for stable warm weather to arrive – and it looks like it might be arriving. The “spring bite” that we all look forward to has been on again, off again as our weather has remained on the cool side for some time now.

Looking back at the last string of nice weather (a month or so ago now) the bite blew wide open before clamming up again when the temps bottomed out. I suspect that we’ll see a strong jumbo minnow bite get going right off the bat, followed by a sound bite on plastics, spinner baits, and swim baits. We’re seeing a lot of bass staging in the 10- to 20-foot depth, but know that they should be moving right on in to tule depth as the water warms into the weekend.

Crappie anglers are also feeling the cool down a bit, but should likewise experience a boost in activity with warmer weather creating warmer water. Look for crappie in the back of coves, sloughs, and along shoreline tule beds. The name of the game this year is shallow water. Minnows are first to get bit, but mini jigs should kick into gear too as the weekend wears on.

Catfishermen are gearing up for the annual Catfish Derby to be held May 16, 17 and 18. Frozen shad are popular this year as the lake isn’t inundated with them like last year. Mackerel and jumbo minnows are also strong baits for big cats. With the wind settling down, we should be able to get some good drifts in at our favorite catfish holes. (Bass Alley is a favorite, so is Wheeler Point.)

For drifting, use a half-ounce weight on one leg of a three-way swivel with about a 10-inch drop. Use light line (6#) for tying your drop so you can break off the weight if it hangs – you won’t have to re-tie your rig as often. Add your favorite bait to a 3-foot leader (14 - 17#) on another leg with a large (4/0) octopus hook. Tie the remaining leg of the swivel to your main line. I like this rig because of the sensitivity it has to soft bites and it drifts really well without hanging too often. Give it a try.

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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