Smoke and heat. Heat, as in HOT. The mercury topped out at 113 degrees here in the city of Clearlake on Wednesday. Thursday wasn't much different. The smoke from the raging wildfires has returned and the air is thick.

However, the fishing remains darn good and the weather guessers have the temps falling as we go headlong into the weekend. With the falling temperatures we’re hoping to see the smoke dissipate some. Here are the detailed reports.

Bass don’t care all that much about the smoke and in fact the top water bite seems to have gone nuts along with its arrival. Buzzers, poppers, frogs and Spooks have all been responsible for tempting bass this week. Spinner baits and Persuader’s baby duck baits are also helping the top water action come to life.

For fishing below the surface, Senkos still reign supreme. Drop shotters are also having good luck fishing everything from Roboworms to Brush Hogs. Bass are being located in all depth ranges from 2 inches of water to 20 feet. Both the north and south ends of the lake are producing good numbers.

Crappie are scattered widely around some of the more common areas. They’re not being found in tight schools, but working an area thoroughly will produce a nice number to make a meal out of. Minnows are the standard fare with mini-jigs working well for some. The Boat Works, Four Poles, Garners (Fun Time / Clearlake Resort), and the shoreline between the Oaks and Glenhaven are likely spots to wet a line.

The catfish report hasn’t changed much. They’re eating well these days. Another bass angler (and you know who you are) was in Thursday morning regaling us with tales of a catfish whacking the tar out of his favorite Zara Spook this morning. Pick your favorite catfish bait – mackerel is mine – and make a few casts into your favorite fishing hole. You’ll likely get bit!

For event news this week, I want to mention a couple of things. First of all, the International Worm Races last weekend were an absolute kick in the pants. And the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce put on a wonderful fireworks show at Austin Park. If you didn’t make it this year, plan to bring the family next year on the Saturday of Fourth of July weekend.

The second item on my event radar is the Hunter Safety Class coming up towards the end of the month. There’s still room in the class, but seats are filling up. Don’t wait to sign up. Visit us at the shop or online at www.994Fish.com and check under our “Events and Classes” page for details.

Bob Rider owns Lakeshore Bait & Tackle in Clearlake. Visit his Web site at www.994fish.com or call him at 994-FISH (3474).

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