Clear Lake Bite Meter

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Largemouth Bass
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Clear Lake Fishing Overview

Water Description

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...

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 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.

Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill
USGS Conditions:
11450000
Gauge Height: 7.65 ft
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
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Latest Fishing Reports

Good Largemouth Bass bite
Largemouth Bass
65°F Slightly Stained

Clear Lake bass are in post-spawn mode and feeding aggressively around shallow wood and brush. The topwater bite is starting to unlock, with walking baits doing very well in shallow, stained water near tree clusters. Clearer areas are holding fish too, but they’re far more likely to follow without committing. When they won’t come up, a Texas-rigged...

Clear Lake bass are in post-spawn mode and feeding aggressively around shallow wood and brush. The topwater bite is starting to unlock, with walking baits doing very well in shallow, stained water near tree clusters. Clearer areas are holding fish too, but they’re far more likely to follow without committing.

When they won’t come up, a Texas-rigged craw or weedless drop shot is getting bit in the same cover. PB&J-colored finesse worms are pulling solid fish out of bushes, docks, and stump lines, especially when soaked offshore near former beds. Senkos and free rigs are also connecting.

Threadfin shad schools are becoming more prevalent around the lake. Look for shade lines and surface activity, then target these fish with topwater, drop shots, or smaller swimbaits.

1 anglers found this report useful
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...

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 up.

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.

9 anglers found this report useful

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Lake Berryessa is loaded right now... both with fish and boat traffic. Trout are the headline, especially Eagle Lake strain rainbows that are lighting up and slow-trolled...

Stayed on the Warm Springs side today. Went all the way to the very end. Caught 8 bass total today. 2 decent ones and 6 dinkers about 12-14oz ea. And, 1 catfish of 4lbs 9oz...

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