Rain, rain come and stay. Go away another day. An early fall storm is giving our region a good soaking this week. We're glad to see it. Creeks and streams are running again. Nutrients are flowing into the lake and our lake level has begun a slow rise. There's good news on the fishing front, too. Bass anglers are enjoying a super fall minnow bite. Catfish anglers are catching fish aplenty. And soon, I hope, we'll see some crappie action take off for the season.
 
Bassers are finding good results when they use live bait this time of year. Fall is jumbo minnow season! Rig your jumbo minnow on a number two bait holder hook. Add a size four or five split shot three feet from the end and you've got a really easy and productive rig for fall fishing. For those fishing lures, look to bottom running swim baits, deep jigging, and drop shot methods to give you the best result. Our bass are largely hanging on ledges and drop offs. Deep rock piles will also be getting some attention.
 
Catfish action has been quite good this week. One thing we know about the whiskerfish is that they seem to come alive when the creeks start running. One angler reported fishing in the rain this week and landing nearly 75 pounds of catfish for his efforts. Several anglers reported catching cats in the 6 - 10 pound class with regularity. Target areas around inlets - that is, where fresh water is running into the lake.
 
Trout action (yes, I said trout) at Blue Lakes has been decent. I don't often get reports for Blue Lakes, but when I can put a few together and develop some consistent information, I'm happy to pass it along. Trout are being caught from a slow troll at a depth of about 24 feet. (Look for the trout to move up quickly as the water cools.) Night crawlers, Cripplures, and Needlefish are doing the trick.
 
The firearms training staff at Lakeshore Bait & Tackle is presenting a Women's Personal Safety class on Saturday, November 7th. The class is not a personal defense class, but rather an introduction to awareness, instinct, and mindset as a means of avoiding being victimized. The class is $25 per person with advance registration. We're offering the class free to mature teens (under 18) when they attend with an adult student. This is a great opportunity for moms and daughters to get on the same page with their approach to personal safety. Call 707.994.FISH (3474), email Bob@994Fish.com, or visit our store in Clearlake for more information.
 
-Bob Rider, Owner
 Lakeshore Bait & Tackle