Clear Lake
Lake County Bass, Catfish, Crappie
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What's Biting - 1 week ago
Bass
Excellent
Catfish
Excellent
Crappie
Good

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
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
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...

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 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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Hot Catfish bite
Bass, Catfish, Crappie
63°F Mixed

Full spawn is underway at Clear Lake, with bass in all three phases, but most in actual spawn. The northern end of the lake has been clearest, and best for sight fishing bedded bass. While the spawn in active, the bass fishing overall has been inconsistent, and should become even more challenging with the current weekend storm. The best producer...

Full spawn is underway at Clear Lake, with bass in all three phases, but most in actual spawn. The northern end of the lake has been clearest, and best for sight fishing bedded bass. While the spawn in active, the bass fishing overall has been inconsistent, and should become even more challenging with the current weekend storm. The best producer right now are finesse soft plastics... drop shots, Senkos, and Flukes are all working for smaller bass, but the typical bigger Clear Lake bass have been challenging to lock into a pattern.

Catfish action has remained awesome all spring. Big fish are being caught everywhere on chicken livers, garlic shrimp, or dip baits. Even bass guys are accidentally hooking some double digit cats. Crappie are still biting well on submerged brush.

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Nearby Reports

Cold front after cold front this year, disrupting the typical patterns we see this time of year. Spending lots of time fishing the lower portion of the water column with drop...

Some giant Kokanee are coming out of Berryessa this year... multiple reports of thick/round fish up to 18 inches. Limits are still the standard right now, but depending on...

Clear Lake Weather

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