This week’s report doesn’t differ too much from the last report. It’s hot during the day, cooler at night, with some (but not too much) wind at times. The bite is decent all across the board for bass, crappie and catfish. The water is warm (mid-70s) and clear and the weed growth is abundant this year.

So what’s new? Night bite! And the smoke from the many fires burning around us.

The big question callers have had this week is “How’s the air quality?” To that I can answer “improving.” On Thursday we had a southwest wind that is moving the smoke eastward. Two days ago I couldn’t see the nearby hills, yesterday an outline appeared and today we can make out the trees on the ridgeline. Here are the detailed reports …

Bass anglers are feeding bass Senkos, Brush Hogs, Speed Worms and top water lures. Frogs and poppers are good when the sun first hits the water in the morning and again during the heat of the day. Minnows are a knockout at first light. Drop shotting a Witch’s T or Bold Bluegill finesse worm will get you bit.

Depth reports have fish being caught in two feet of water, 10 feet of water, 20 feet of water and deep in the weed mats. So, it sounds like fish are pretty much everywhere and on most everything we would normally fish this time of year.

The numbers aren’t off the charts – more like just plain average, but the bass are cooperating and are fairly easy to locate. Night fisherman are reporting phenomenal fishing from 10 p.m. on through the darkest hours of the night. Black & blue, purple & brown, and brown & orange jigs are accounting for many a night bass. And don’t overlook the BIG BLACK WORM – like Maverick’s 10-inch Curly Tail hand pour offering.

Crappie anglers are experiencing success in moderate numbers. Fifteen fish – on average – is what we’re hearing for catches. The shoreline areas from Clearlake Oaks through Glenhaven along with the docks over in Jago Bay are getting the most attention. There are other spots producing too, but nothing in great numbers. I’d say the key is to fish several areas thoroughly and at several depths to locate fish. Use minnows or mini-jigs. Top colors haven’t changed in eons – white or chartreuse. Some are even using the old standby red and white jigs that were so popular in days gone by.

There’s plenty of excitement about the catfish bite. So much so that we’ve scheduled our first CatFest event of the year for July 19. But more on the event news in a moment. Let’s talk about the whiskerfish …

All shoreline areas around Clearlake and Cache Creek have been producing for our regulars. Kids and adults alike are catching some nice fish. We haven’t seen anything of gargantuan proportions lately, but the numbers are quite good. Mackerel still outsells everything else for cats. However, most everything seems to be getting a bite these days whether it be minnows, livers, clams, shrimp or crawlers.

And now on to the upcoming event … CatFest is back! As we've done before, we'll meet here during the afternoon. We'll get our gear and our boats ready, swap some stories, pick our baits, and eat some food (barbecue dogs, chips and beans are the usual fare).

The flotilla will hit the water about 6 p.m. and fish until 11 p.m. We'll have a pool for biggest fish of the evening. Pitch in a couple of bucks for the barbecue and get in on the pool – all at your own discretion. This is not a competitive event, but rather a good time with a group of folks all fishing for catfish together. It’s a blast, so come on down and get in on the fun.

And lastly, we’re taking registrations for the Hunter Safety Class coming up July 21, 23 and 26 (three sessions, one class). The class is held at the Lake County Fire Protection District on Olympic Drive in Clearlake (across from the Burns Valley Plaza). Ten dollars gets you a seat in the class. Phil Parker is our fabulous instructor. The class is open to kids (age 9 and up) and adults. This will be the last class offered in Clearlake before deer season opens. Sign up for the class here at Lakeshore Bait and Tackle.

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

{mos_sb_discuss:2}