Hot Bass bite

Clear Lake

Lake County Bass, Catfish, Crappie

105

What's Biting - 2 weeks ago

Bass

Hot

Catfish

Excellent

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

Fishing Reports

Log Report

Clear Lake

Jul 29

Lake County

Public

Hot Bass bite

Bass, Catfish

80°F Stained

It's typical late July at Clear Lake. Water temps are pushing 80 during the day, and the algae bloom is in full effect, especially on the south end. Most lakes would see the bite slow down under these conditions... not Clear Lake. The bass bite has been awesome. Some locals are churning out 40+ fish days, most in the 2-3 pound range with the occasional 5-6 pounder (or bigger). Fish are coming on chatterbaits, pitched or flipped jigs and beavers, and Senkos or urchin-style baits worked into the shallows under docks or around any shade. There's also a legit frog bite, with reports coming from the north end. Obviously you have to choose the right lure for the structure you're fishing, but overall, bass haven't been picky.

The catfish bite has picked up as well, with some giants coming off the state park campground area.

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2 anglers found this report useful

Clear Lake

Jun 26

Lake County

Public

Excellent Bass bite

Bass, Catfish, Crappie

78°F Stained

Water temps are climbing at Clear Lake, pushing into the high 70s. The algae is affecting the water clarity, especially on the southern end. But the fishing remains in typical Clear Lake fashion this time of year... very good for big fish, whether it's bass, crappie, or catfish. Red-colored crankbaits and chatter baits have been getting a good...

Red-colored crankbaits and chatter baits have been getting a good number of fish on the reaction bite, as fish are keyed in on crawdads right now. Punchers are pulling some quality fish out of thick cover on beavers and creature baits. And there's been a decent frog bite in the morning (black). Multiple ways to catch bass right now depending on location and preference.

Giant cats are being caught all around the lake on garlic shrimp, chicken liver, or dip baits. But honestly, you have an excellent chance of hooking one on bass stuff as well.

Crappie guys are pulling some nice slabs targeting brushy areas on bright colored jigs.

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5 anglers found this report useful