Fishing at Clear Lake

Clear Lake's warm, shallow water and plentiful nutrients make it a great habitat for bass. Bass tournaments held at Clear Lake have produced some amazing results, making it a favorite destination for competitive fishing events. Some rank Clear Lake as the leading bass fishing lake in the country. With all the excitement about bass, some might forget that the lake is also home to bluegill, catfish, carp, and crappie.

Where to Fish on Clear Lake

The tules that grow along the shoreline provide shelter for the bass, making those places favorite fishing spots. Early in the season anglers often head for the Lakeport area, working the shoreline there around Berger Bay. When the summer heat arrives, the bass seek out the shade under docks and near shoreline trees. Around the mouth of Kelsey Creek is a great place to fish as well as around Point Lakeview and Baylis Point, Jago Bay, and out Luebow Point.

Drifting around Shag Rock and Rattlesnake Island produce good results. Public areas around the lake are surprisingly good fishing spots, including Redbud Park, Library Park, and Lakeside County Park. Also try Horseshoe Bend and up Rodman Slough near the bridge.

Trophy Fish Caught in Clear Lake

• Largemouth Bass - 17.52 pounds, caught in 1990 by Jerry Basgal
• White Crappie - 4 pounds, 8 ounces, California State Record, caught April 1971 by Carol Carlton
• Channel Catfish - 33.33 pounds, caught in December 2009 by Fred Miranda

Which Baits and Lures are Catching Fish at
Clear Lake?

Bass

Jerk baits and Rattle baits such as a Flash Minnow 95 or a Lucky Craft Pointer 78, Plastic Worms, Yamamoto 5" - 7" Senkos,
large spinnerbait, Rip baits, drop-shot worms, shaky head jig and worm, Minnows in the winter, Frogs in the summer

Crappie

Small Minnows, Meal Worms

Catfish

Crayfish, Worms, Minnows, Cutbait, and Shrimp

Bluegill

Worms

Fishing Derby

The annual The Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Catfish Derby is scheduled for May 17-19, 2024. Past winners have taken home $4,000, while second place earned $1,000 and third, $800. Kids' categories also.
Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Catfish Derby