Bright sunny days, albeit with a bit of wind in the afternoons, have pleased anglers by warming up the bass and catfish bites nicely this week. The lake temperature is sliding upwards and now touches the upper 50s. We’ll likely see 60 degree surface temperatures in some locations around the lake by the end of the weekend.

Here are the details on the species reports.

Bassin’ has been fun this week. I can honestly say that I was surprised to sell completely through over 2,000 jumbo minnows in an eight day period from Wednesday a week ago to Thursday this week. We’ve stocked our tank up good and full to get us through the coming weekend.

Bass anglers have reported catches from four feet clear down to 15 feet and everywhere in between. Docks and walls have been good producers as have areas that offer subtle depth transitions.

For folks tossing lures at the bass, spinner baits, lipless cranks, shallow cranks, shaky head and drop shot worms, and even small swim baits are all accounting for a piece of the action. Word has it that a fast presentation beats a slow one at the moment. So burn ‘em in and hold tight for the bite!

Here’s a tip from the Old Man in the Row Boat (aka: Grandpa Don in our shop): “When the redbuds open, the crappie will come in. When the cottonwood buds open, the bass will bed.” Well, the redbuds are just forming up … There’s not much of a crappie bite. We’ve seen a few crappie that were caught locally from docks and walls on mini-jigs and minnows. Aside from that information, there isn’t much more to go on.

Now catfish are telling another pleasing tale. We’ve seen some nice fish this week that tipped the scales to 20 pounds. Jumbo minnows, mackerel and anchovies are tops for my customers. Indian Island, the mouth of Cache Creek, and even Bass Alley have all paid good dividends this week for those that invested the time. The winds have been too strong for drifting, so bring your anchors or wind socks and slow things down a bit.

We’re just now a few weeks away from our third annual Friends of the NRA benefit dinner and auction. This year’s event is being held at the Lion’s Hall in Middletown on April 18. We’ve got some amazing firearms for this dinner. I’m happy to announce that your Lake Friends of the NRA have reached the High Caliber Club with their fundraising efforts the past two years. The High Caliber designation serves to improve the quality of the items that we bring to you for auction, raffle, and on our games this year.

Come by and preview the first 20 premium firearms to be offered at the dinner. Kimber pistols, Ruger revolvers and rifles, Henry rifles, Benelli rifles, Smith & Wesson handguns, SKB shotguns, and more. Dinner tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available right here at Lakeshore Bait & Tackle. Come and support the Lake Friends of the NRA and enjoy a professionally catered High Caliber event!

Bob Rider is owner of Lakeshore Bait & Tackle, located at 14913-D Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake, telephone 707-994-FISH (3474). Visit him online at www.994Fish.com.

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