Our big fish counts continue this week as we log another two bass in the ten pound class.?? We'll get back to that in a minute. First, however, we should talk about the changing weather and how it is likely to shape the bite on the lake.

Temperatures dropped substantially and the winds arrived early in the week.?? We didn't see much in the way of rain this week, but the conditions got downright ugly making it nearly impossible to get on the water Monday & Tuesday. Wednesday saw an improvement and today (Thursday) is warmer and much more calm. In fact, a quick drive by the launch facility this morning made me wish I'd brought the boat to work today for a little "research"after closing time. (I call it "research"or "training"when we're taking time on the water?Ķ We own a bait shop after all.)

Here's the nuts and bolts of things. The water temperature has cooled from the low 60's to the mid and upper 50's. The bass have moved off some but not much. The name of the game is looking for shallow structure ??? rocks, docks and tules. We were seeing most of the big bass come from as little as 2 to 6 feet of water. I would venture to say that we'll be seeing those fish to as much as 12 or 15 feet. But, as we warm into the coming weekend I would expect to see them right back into the shallows. So try this: fish your way in to shallow flats. Don't ride over that "staging"water to get to your favorite skinny water hole. Fish it first and work your way in.?? Key artificials this week: 4"swim baits (white, chartreuse ice, or panfish patterns), jigs with trailers, spinner baits, and finesse worm presentations.?? And don't forget that live bait (jumbo minnows) this time of year can be just outrageous.

So back to the big bass thing for a moment. Both fish were brought in on Monday. Both were caught by shore anglers. Charles Pierce of Vallejo brought in a 10 pound 11 ounce bass he caught on a crappie jig (Fin-S Shad to be exact) using 4 # fluorocarbon line. Charles was fishing the docks at Konocti Harbor Resort.?? Later in the day, Bill Duddleston from Middletown showed up with a ??10 # 10 ounce largemouth. Bill was fishing the pier at Redbud Park and tricked that bass with a nightcrawler.

The crappie fishing has slowed to some extent. Anglers are getting a few nice crappie off the docks at Konocti Harbor Resort and from shallow water locations around the lake. The shoreline docks along the south end of the lake (Clearlake & Jago Bay) come to mind and also the State & County Parks in Kelseyville. Fish live minnows or small finesse jigs such as Northland's Fire-Fly & Gypsi Jigs or Lunker City's Fin-S Shad.

Now for some hunting info?Ķ The Spring Turkey Season opens on March 31st and runs until May 6th. This season should be a real winner in Lake County as the turkey population is going strong. And, just in time for the spring season, we're now selling firearms, ammunition, and hunting licenses. Come see our newly remodeled store and growing selection of firearms related products.

And lastly, I want to spend a moment and introduce the new Pine Dell Resort. Located out past Monitor Point and Pirates Cove on Lakeshore Drive is an oasis on the water. Owner Randy and General Manager Amber invited us out to sample their food and tour the facility earlier this week. We were impressed to find a top notch operation that operates a fuel dock, a fuel station along the highway, a full service deli, grocery store, and coming in time for Memorial Weekend an RV & Tent campground with shower & laundry facilities. The view of Mt. Konocti is simply breath taking from the patio dining area. Stop by and enjoy a fantastic pizza or deli sandwich while you fuel up your boat.

-Bob Rider, Owner
Lakeshore Bait & Tackle
14913-D Lakeshore Drive
Clearlake, CA 95422
707.994.FISH
707.994.4961 fax
www.994Fish.com