Clear Lake Catfish Report-April 30 1999 The catfishing is showing real signs of improvement especially in the south end of the lake. Al Frietas of Don's Bait and Tackle in Clearlake reports increasing numbers of channel cats being taken off shore in the Clearlake area with minnows and cutbaits such as mackerel and anchovies. I received a very encouraging email from Jay Shannon of Sebastopol Ca. The following is an excerpt from his email: "Well, I ventured out on Monday 4/26 to see what I could drum up and had a pretty darn good showing. Not lots of fish, but quality. I fished with my dog, as my usual partners were working. I boated 5 fish, breaking off a sixth. First fish was 22 lbs 9 oz. I followed it up with a 17, 14, 12. Down to my last baits, I took one more drift and bang, I busted a giant. When she came to the surface, I was amazed that she was noticeably larger than the 22-9. After putting her in the net, I weighed her between 24.5 and 25lbs. Up until that day, I had not been able to break the 20 lb mark. Then, on one short day, I catch two over 22 lbs. Of course, all fish were released. I enjoy eating small fish, but prefer to release the big spawners for obvious reasons. I notice that this time of year, the really large cats come in early to begin the spawn cycle. For obvious reasons, I cannot reveal the exact location of my catch as I was sworn to secrecy when shown the spot, but thought you'd like to know that the action is beginning to pick up. " Jay was prefishing for the Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven Family Catfish Derby being held on June 11th, 12th and 13th. He was drift fishing in 13 feet of water in the south end of the lake. He hooked 4 of his fish on minnows and two on cut mackerel. The wind has layed down today and the prediction is for light winds this weekend so things are looking better every day. I think this weekend should see some decent catfishing in the north end of the lake as well.....Good Fishin.....Catfish Ed.    Clear Lake Catfish Report-April 23 1999 The catfishing is improving steadily especially in the south end of the lake. The forecast is for warm weather this weekend which should improve it even more. Al Frietas of Don's Bait and Tackle in Clearlake has good news. Russ Foster of Clearlake caught 5 channel cats, a 15 pounder, two 14 pounders, a 10 pounder and a 5 pounder on cut bait and crawlers at Brown's Landing near Indian Island in Clearlake. Al says several nice cats have been taken near Austin Park with crawlers and cut bait. Bob Higgins of Limit Out Bait and Tackle in Clearlake Oaks reports quite a few channel cats caught on crawlers in the Keys mostly by dock fishermen. I haven't been able to find a catfisherman around the Nice/Lucerne area so it's hard to tell if they're biting in this area. If I can pull myself away from this computer, I'll try wetting a line for cats this weekend......Good Luck......Catfish Ed.   Clear Lake Catfish Report-April 19 1999 Unfortunately, the catfishing is still on the slow side. There are very few catfishermen on the lake. The conditions are improving daily with the good weather so it can't be much longer till they go on the bite. Al Frietas of Don's Bait and Tackle in Clearlake reports quite a few smaller cats in the 3 pound range falling for cut bait, nightcrawlers, minnows and clams in the Redbud Park area of Clearlake. Al recommends using a two-hook rig and baiting one with a live minnow or nightcrawler and the other with clams or cut bait. Al also suggests hooking your nightcrawlers only once through the collar so that their squirming action attracts the catfish. There are still a few 5 to 8 pound channel cats being caught in the Nice/Lucerne area with crawdads and cut bait but not enough to get excited about........Good Fishin......Catfish Ed.   Clear Lake Catfish Report-April 2 1999 It is still hard to find a catfisherman on the lake due to the nasty weather we keep experiencing. The only report I could get is from Bob Higgins at Limit Out Tackle in Clearlake Oaks. He reports three nice channel cats from 8 to 10 pounds being taken on large minnows at the south end of Rattlesnake Island. Bob says the crappie are still biting in the Keys and just outside of the Keys on medium minnows under a bobber. I tried my luck on my favorite beach near my house yesterday and caught three battling carp to 14 pounds but no catfish. Hopefully I will have better news next week with the improving weather.........Good Fishing........Catfish Ed. As of 9:00AM this morning the lake level is at 7.46 feet above Rumsey. Back to Old Reports