Clear Lake bass action has been hit or miss, depending on the day. Water clarity remains poor near the Oaks, but improves on the north end, with visibility up to 5 feet depending on the area. Stay clear of runoff zones and find protected water. Surface temps are ranging from 63–67 but the current cold front will likely drop things a few degrees.

Bass are spawning, but activity is inconsistent... some shallow docks and tule edges are holding fish, while other prime areas still feel empty. Clear water pockets are key. Dropshots, underspins, and A-rigs are producing decent numbers, while glide baits are pulling better fish. Topwater remains spotty, with just a few spook bites showing up and no frog bite yet.

Meanwhile, the crappie bite has fully exploded. Big numbers of quality fish are stacked on brush piles and rock piles in 10–15 feet, and action is about as easy and consistent as it gets. Catfish bite has been solid as well.

Lake level is creeping toward 8.0 on the Rumsey, so expect the quarter-mile offshore no-wake zone to activate soon. Mussel inspections are strict.

Guide Rich Tauber reports that Cachuma has been “incredible” for 2–3 pound bass lately, mentioning that soft plastics are the name of the game and fish are being caught anywhere from 5 to 25 feet of water. Other reports are just as consistent, stating dropshots, Ned rigs, and shakey heads are doing the damage. Tauber says the bass fishing is “some of the best we’ve seen in years.” There’s also mention of a likely trout plant coming this week in prep for an upcoming trout derby. Crappie and sunfish action remains slow.