Clear Lake Fishing Overview

Clear Lake in California is a major hotspot for bass anglers from all over the world. Its green waters are packed with trophy fish, from largemouth bass to giant catfish, crappie, and bluegill. The water gets its color from phytoplankton and algae, which support the huge population of minnows and baitfish that make this fishery thrive. When it comes to bass fishing, Clear Lake is in a class of its own. The bass here average an impressive 2-4 pounds year round, but you’ll often find 5-7 pounders, and catching one over 10 pounds isn’t unusual. No...

When it comes to bass fishing, Clear Lake is in a class of its own. The bass here average an impressive 2-4 pounds year round, but you’ll often find 5-7 pounders, and catching one over 10 pounds isn’t unusual. No wonder Bassmaster Magazine ranked it third on their list of the top 100 bass fishing lakes in the US. Even with large amount of fishing pressure from tournaments and other anglers, Clear Lake continues to offer top tier bass fishing for both size and numbers.

Crappie fishing here is just as impressive. In 2021, a record crappie weighing 4lb 5oz was caught. March and April are the best months for crappie fishing, especially around docks and brush pile. It's not unheard of to easily reel in 50 or more crappie in a day.

Catfish fans should hit the lake after dark for the best action, although daytime fishing can also be excellent. With a max depth of 56 feet and plenty of flats, Clear Lake is perfect for soaking cutbait on the bottom in a variety of areas. Targeting those areas at night often leads to big numbers and some massive catfish.

Clear Lake’s 100-mile shoreline is packed with resorts, campgrounds, and over 25 fishing tournaments each year, so it gets busy, especially in the warmer months. Still, this lake delivers unprecedented catch rates and big fish all year long.

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Species:

Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill

USGS Conditions:

11450000

Forage / Baitfish:

Threadfin Shad, Fathead Minnow, Golden Shiner, Hitch

Structure / Terrain:

Docks, Hydrilla, Submerged Brush, Tules

Trophy Fish:

Largemouth Bass: 17.52 lb - Jerry Basgal (1990)
Catfish: 33.25 lb
Crappie: 4 lb 8 oz

Boating / Access:

Open to all boating

Regulations:

Quagga Mussel Inspection

Geography:

Avg Depth: 27 ft

Max Depth: 60 ft

Surface Area: 43,520 acres

Surface Elevation: 1,329 ft

Latest Fishing Reports

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Clear Lake

4 days ago

Lake County

Public

Bass

65°F Slightly Stained

Fishing’s been hit or miss at Clear Lake as the post-spawn grind sets in. Most bass have wrapped up spawning and are now roaming, looking to feed... but you’ve got to work for them. Water temps are fluctuating between 62°F in the mornings and up to 67°F by late afternoon, and that warmer water is key. The bite noticeably improves once things heat...

Wind and weather have been shifting fast, turning clear water muddy overnight in some areas. If you’re not getting bit, move. Fish are up under docks or cruising in shallow cover when the sun pops out, but they drop back when a front rolls in.

Frog action is finally picking up some. Glide baits are drawing in a lot of big followers but few commits. Best action is coming on a a mix of underspins, Senkos, and dropshots. No one pattern is dominating.

Topwater’s should be about to fully turn on. Another warm stretch and a new moon should push a fresh wave of fish shallow.

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4 anglers found this report useful

Clear Lake

Apr 25

Lake County

Public

Hot Crappie bite

Bass, Catfish, Crappie

65°F Slightly Stained

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.

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10 anglers found this report useful