FISHING REPORTS

Lakeshore Bait & Tackle's Weekly Lake County Fishing Report May 9, 2008

Fair and stable weather has brought on a pleasant upswing in the bass bite, the cats are on the prowl, crappie continue to be caught by some, and bluegill have started to make an appearance. Our wind of a week ago has tapered down to a predictable afternoon breeze. The water temp is above 65 degrees by mid-day. And lastly, the algae is in full bloom here in the south end of the lake.
 
Bass anglers are picking up bass on Senkos, crank baits, swim baits, spinner baits, and finesse rigs. This is the perfect time to try that new lure or work on technique and see what works. The bite isn’t red hot, but is steadily improving. Most folks are reporting fish from 12 to 18 feet. Others are reporting catches in as little as three feet of water among tule beds. Slow fishing is still catching more fish than the run & gun method. Minnow anglers are claiming higher numbers & frequency fishing the same locations with live jumbos.
 
Crappie anglers are reporting quality catches – not large numbers of fish, but nice big 2 and 3 pound fish. White jigs, minnows, and even crank baits have been responsible for slabs with sore lips this week. The depth has ranged from 8 feet to 15 feet. The fish are not concentrated in any one area, but rather they are scattered throughout the shoreline areas around the lake. There’s been a hint of a bluegill bite along the Kelseyville shoreline by the State Park area. There’s not much to go on, other than shallow water and live worms.
 
The catfish have made the biggest splash this week. We’ve weighed hundreds of pounds of fish in the last few days. Mackerel, shrimp and live jumbo minnows have all done the trick. Good catch reports are coming in from all areas that commonly hold cats. (Cache Creek, Austin Park, Bass Alley, Indian Island, Rattlesnake Island, and others.) The nighttime bite is best, but nice cats are being caught by day also.
 
And while we’re talking about cats, the Annual Catfish Derby is upon us next weekend (that’s May 16, 17 & 18). Stock up early on your favorite bait and tackle items. Information about the “Biggest catfish derby west of the Mississippi” can be found at www.clearlakeoaks.org. Come and join in on all the fun!

Lakeshore Bait & Tackle
14913-D Lakeshore Drive
Clearlake, CA 95422
707.994.FISH
707.994.4961 fax
 Your local fishing, firearms and fun dealer.

Lakeport
Tackle It Sport Shop /Ed Clark
160 N. Main Street
Lakeport 95453
707-262-1233
Visit their website

Clear Lake Oaks/Glenhaven :
Limit Out Bait and Tackle/Bob Higgins
12599 E Highway 20
Clear Lake Oaks
707-998-1006

Glenhaven Beach Campground and Marina / Hollis "S" Thackeray
9625 E. Hwy 20
Glenhaven CA 95443
707-998-3406

Clearlake City

Lakeshore Bait & Tackle / Bob Rider
14913-D Lakeshore Drive
Clearlake, CA  95422
707.994.FISH
707.994.4961 fax
707.245.5321 cell

If there are any other bait and or tackle shops in Lake County that would like to be added to this list just email me and I will add you to it in a day or two....Catfish Ed.