The lake level rises – approaching the 3 foot mark this morning – and that’s big news in our parts. Along with the water comes an improved bite on bass and catfish. Still no word on what the crappie are doing … The water temp is hovering in the mid to upper 40s. Here’s the report …

Bass anglers are pleased to see some action, albeit not a hot bite, on lures such as Speed Traps, Shaky Heads, small swim baits like Mavericks hand pours and jigs. Chatter style lures and some spinner baits are kicking in too.

Still, the live jumbo minnow bite rules to roost. We’ve had solid reports of fish caught in as little as 2 feet of water and as deep as 25 to 30 feet. Certainly the bass are feeling the onset of spring as are our anxious anglers.

Crappie anglers are optimistic and finally starting to show up to try their hand. Hopes are that the influx of water to the lake will improve the bite as we move into spring. So far, no positive reports. What it is going to take is for of you diehard slab fishermen to get on the water and find ‘em. They’re here … We just have to get into ‘em.

The catfish action has perked up nicely! Big cats are on the move. We’ve seen whiskerfish in the upper teens and low 20s this week. Mackerel, sardines, live minnows and crawlers with shrimp have all been effective baits. Fish the areas where water flows into the lake, but stick to the edges of the stained water for best results.

Bob Rider is the owner of Lakeshore Bait & Tackle, 14913-D Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake, telephone 994-FISH (3474). Visit the store's Web site at www.994Fish.com.

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