Clouds, cool and a bit of rain dramatically changed conditions on Clear Lake this week. We’ve had some overnight temperatures in the 30s and the daytime highs have been in the 70s. The water has cooled to the 70 degree mark. The fishing reports have been rather mixed, but one thing is certain: The fall change is under way.

The bass report has changed dramatically, but the specifics haven’t been meted out yet. What we’re hearing is that the morning top water feeding on bait fish has slowed dramatically. The baitfish themselves seem to have moved on from where they’ve been hanging out.

Anglers are reporting more suspended bass and a bite that last well through the morning and right on into the afternoon. We’ve been edging this way for a couple of weeks, but it looks like the big shift for fall has arrived. Look to shallow- to mid-depth running jerk baits, lipless crank baits and jigs as your main offerings. Live minnows should be ramping back up into full swing now too. We’ll keep you posted as this bite stabilizes … For now, it is safe to say that things are definitely improving!

Crappie anglers too are feeling encouraged by the onset of fall weather. We’ve had a couple of crappie anglers who have been buying up our medium minnows with regularity, but they won’t talk much about where they’re fishing or what kind of numbers they’re seeing. One could speculate, however, that one who is going through minnows is catching fish … I’d be looking to the deepest holes and fishing them slow. We anticipate (and maintain hope) that the crappie bite will open up nicely in late October or early November.

The catfish have been consistent and cooperative all year. Soak your favorite cut baits or crawlers. Enjoy your time at or on the water. Keep us posted with your results or better yet, bring your catch to the shop for a Braggin’ Page picture.

Bob Rider is owner of Lakeshore Bait and Tackle in Clearlake. Rider can be reached via telephone at 707-994-FISH (3474) or on the Internet at www.994Fish.com.

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