Clear Lake
California's largest natural lake, and one of the best bass fisheries in the country
Clear Lake
Clear Lake is California's largest natural freshwater lake, covering roughly 43,000 acres in Lake County. It is also one of the best largemouth bass fisheries in the country, regularly ranked in the national top ten by Bassmaster.
Clear Lake fishes nothing like Shasta or Whiskeytown. The water is shallow, warm, and full of nutrients, which produces massive numbers of forage and grows enormous bass. Tule lines, lily pads, docks, and rip-rap define the cover, and double-digit largemouth show up every year.
Clear Lake is a destination day for Tony's clients. The drive from Redding is about two hours, so trips here are planned ahead, usually around the spring trophy window or the fall feed-up. If you want a real shot at a big bass, Clear Lake is where to put your line in.
Seasonal calendar
Clear Lake is shallow and warm, so seasonal patterns run earlier than Shasta. Here is what to expect month by month.
January
Species: Largemouth bass
Temp: 46-52°F
Slow finesse on rip-rap and deeper docks. Jigs and shaky heads. Big fish reward patience.
February
Species: Trophy largemouth
Temp: 48-56°F
Pre-spawn movement. Big swimbaits and jerkbaits over warming flats and tule edges. Best window for a giant.
March
Species: Trophy largemouth
Temp: 54-62°F
Spawn begins on the warmer pockets. Sight fishing in clear water. Soft plastics and creature baits.
April
Species: Largemouth bass
Temp: 60-68°F
Spawn in full swing across most of the lake. Bed fishing, flipping mats, and topwater on overcast days.
May
Species: Largemouth bass
Temp: 65-72°F
Post-spawn feed. Bass stack on first breaks and offshore weed lines. Swim jigs, chatterbaits, and frogs.
June
Species: Largemouth bass
Temp: 70-78°F
Topwater frog bite turns on over the pads. Punching mats with heavy tackle. Early morning and late evening prime.
July
Species: Largemouth bass
Temp: 75-82°F
Hot weather, low-light fishing. Pad bite holds up. Deeper weed lines and dock shade through midday.
August
Species: Bass & catfish
Temp: 76-84°F
Tough heat days. First and last light for bass. Catfish bite picks up after dark.
September
Species: Largemouth bass
Temp: 72-78°F
Cooling water restarts the bite. Bass start chasing baitfish. Topwater walkers, swimbaits, and frogs.
October
Species: Trophy largemouth
Temp: 64-72°F
Fall feed-up. Big bass put on weight before winter. Glide baits, swimbaits, and big jerkbaits.
November
Species: Largemouth & crappie
Temp: 56-64°F
Bass move toward winter haunts. Crappie school up around docks and brush. Light tackle works for both.
December
Species: Largemouth bass
Temp: 48-54°F
Slow finesse on rip-rap and main-lake structure. Quality over quantity, with shots at giants.
What we fish for
Clear Lake is a bass lake first, but the panfish and catfish are no joke. Tony tailors each trip to the conditions and what you want to catch.
Largemouth bass
The reason most people make the trip. Clear Lake produces double-digit largemouth every year, and five-pounders are common. The lake's combination of cover, forage, and fertility builds bass faster than just about anywhere in the West.
Key techniques
- Big swimbaits in pre-spawn
- Frogs over pads in summer
- Flipping and punching mats
- Topwater walkers in fall
Crappie
Clear Lake holds healthy populations of both white and black crappie. They school around docks, brush, and bridge pilings. A great option for families or for filling out a slow bass day with steady action.
Key techniques
- Mini jigs under floats
- Live minnows around docks
- Slow trolling with light line
Bluegill & catfish
Bluegill are abundant and big enough to be fun on light tackle. Catfish run large in Clear Lake and are a great evening or night option, especially through the summer when bass slow down in the heat.
Key techniques
- Worms and crickets for bluegill
- Cut bait for catfish after dark
- Slip bobbers around brush
Launch points
Clear Lake has many public launches around its shoreline. Tony picks based on which part of the lake is fishing best.
Library Park (Lakeport)
Free public ramp in downtown Lakeport on the west shore. Good access to the main lake basin and the north end. Plenty of parking.
Redbud Park (Clearlake)
Public ramp on the southeast shore. Quick access to the lower lake, Anderson Marsh, and the rip-rap along Highway 53.
Clear Lake State Park
Ramp inside Clear Lake State Park near Kelseyville. Access to Soda Bay and the south arm. Day-use fee applies.
Konocti Vista
Marina ramp on the south shore near Soda Bay. Convenient launch for fishing the southern half of the lake and the tule lines around Buckingham Point.
Lakeside County Park
Public ramp on the south shore between Lakeport and Kelseyville. Quieter access point and a shorter run to the south-end weed lines.
Gear checklist
Tony provides everything you need to fish. Here is what he brings and what you should pack.
Tony provides
- Bass boat with trolling motor
- All rods, reels, and tackle
- Bait and terminal gear
- Fish-finding electronics
- Cooler with ice
- Lunch (full-day and two-day trips)
You bring
- Valid California fishing license
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Water and snacks (half-day trips)
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Non-marking shoes
- Camera (optional)
Ready to get on the water?
Book your guided fishing trip on Shasta Lake. All gear included, all skill levels welcome.