Welcome sportsmen and women to the first report of 2009. We’ve got an upbeat report for you today.

The super cold weather we experienced a week or two ago has given way to warmer (30s and 40s at night) temperatures. Many anglers are taking advantage of extended weekends and more comfortable conditions. We’ve had some light rain overnight, but not so much as to keep folks off the water.

The bass bite remains steady on live bait. The crappie bit has dropped off some following the cold snap but should be returning with the onset of this warmer and soggy weather. The lake’s surface temp is in the upper 40s. Here’s what we’re getting from the folks on the water …

Bass anglers are consistently catching some nice fish. Start with shallow water (4 to 8 feet) in the morning hours and progressively work deeper (to 20 to 30 feet) throughout the day.

Live jumbo minnows are the bait of choice this time of year. However, folks fishing finesse worms on shaky head or drop shot rigs have had some success, as have those using lipless crank baits. Stick to rocky areas or those with quality structure like docks and walls.

The minnow bite has been good enough for our early morning anglers to return to the shop mid-day for more bait. That’s always encouraging. Plan on using about a dozen to eighteen minnows per person per outing.

The crappie bite took a hard hit following the cold snap we experienced recently. We’re all still waiting for the bite to switch back on … and it should soon. January and February seem to be our peak months for crappie here at Clear Lake. I’d look to our favorite holes at Kono Tayee, Shag Rock, Glenhaven, Jones and Jago Bay, and Konocti to be swinging into gear any time now.

Check our Web site at www.994Fish.com for mid-week updates to our crappie report. I’ll get word up just as soon as we start seeing some real (or reel) results.

The catfish action has slowed to a winter low as it does each year at this time. We’ll pick up the catfish report when things start to get moving again in the spring.

We’re also planning a year-long big fish pool that’ll land the winner a premium Shimano Rod and Reel combo. Stay tuned for details on the 2009 Lakeshore Bait & Tackle Catfish Challenge …

Bob Rider is owner of Lakeshore Bait and Tackle, 14913-D Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake, telephone 994-FISH (3474). Visit him online at www.994Fish.com.

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