This week’s report is much less of a rant than last week’s on the algae issue. Fishing continues to be quite good. The south part of the lake got back to being a bit soupy this week after the 100 degree days we’ve had.

A cooling trend is forecast as we move into the weekend. Cooler temps and some wind will help to move the algae along. Soon, we’ll be at Labor Day, autumn will be upon us, and the weeds and algae will dissipate.

Bassers are finding quality fish and good numbers by fishing shallow in the morning followed by deep water in the late morning and afternoon hours.

Minnows are working well for live bait anglers. Others are throwing spooks and frogs for top water action and moving to finesse drop shotting or jigs in the deeper water. Some of the smaller swim baits have also been working when fished just shy of the bottom in deep water.

Catfish have been plentiful from all around the lake. Folks from Lucerne, Glenhaven, Clearlake and the Riviera have all checked in this week with reports of good numbers of fish. All of the usual suspects are in town for the party – mackerel, anchovies, livers, live minnows and crawdads, you name it. There’s no real trick here – soak your favorite bait and enjoy having your rod go bendo!

There’s only a short time left to get in on the Friends of the NRA gun raffle. (Yep, we’re giving away another gun!) We’ll be drawing on Tuesday, Sept. 1, for a Savage Model 10XP Predator Hunter in .223. This gun and scope package comes in full camo.

We’ll have tickets for sale at $10 each here in the store (Lakeshore Bait & Tackle). All proceeds from the raffle benefit the Lake Friends of NRA. Someone’s going to win a great rifle!

Bob Rider is owner of Lakeshore Bait & Tackle, 14913-D Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake, telephone 707.994.FISH (3474). Visit the shop online at www.994Fish.com .