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Clear Lake Fishing Report 2024 [Tips, Spots, Pictures, and Everything You Need to Know]

How To Fish Clear Lake

Fishing Clear Lake – photo: usgs.gov

Clear Lake Fishing Report

Clear Lake is a large, but shallow lake that sits 123 miles away from San Francisco and 471 miles away from Los Angeles.  

Overall it’s a popular lake being nestled in the northern part of California. In this post you’re going to be given the blueprint to fish this lake.

So you may be asking yourself how to fish Clear Lake? There are three important factors you must know  if you want to know how to fish Clear Lake successfully. First, you need to know what kind of fish is in Clear Lake. Second, it’s important for you to know which part of the lake each species can be found. Lastly, knowing what are the best baits that work on Clear Lake is vital.  However, tactics, baits, and locations will be different for each type of fish that you target. So let’s talk about the steps you need to take in order to give you the best chance of catching a fish on Clear Lake.

About Clear Lake

Clear Lake is a shallow body of water with the average depth being 20 feet and a maximum depth of 60 feet when the lake is completely full. Being 19 miles long and 8 miles across. Clear Lake has over 100 miles of shoreline and spans over 68 square miles. This is one of America’s oldest natural lakes that sits on a massive area of hard bedrock. According to scientists from the United States Geological Survey in 1973 and 1980, the lake is at least 480,000 years old!

Clear Lake is known as the “Bass Capital of the West” because largemouth bass account for two-thirds of the fish taken there, with a record of 17.52 pounds (7.95 kg).

You can expect to have an average water temperature in the upper 75-79 °F in the summer and 40 °F in the winter. 

Clear Lake gives locals and visitors the opportunity to test their luck in catching one of the many game species this lake has to offer.

Important Lake Warnings

Algae blooms may be present which may affect fishing, swimming, and water contact in general. 

According to parks.ca.gov, “every one of California’s new laws requires boat operators to have a California Boating Card. The card is required for anyone under the age of 41 to operate a boat in California’s waters.”

If you are fishing and camping, fire bans may be in effect due to the ongoing drought conditions.

What Kind of Fish Are In Clear Lake

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • White and Black Crappie
  • Bluegill and Sunfish
  • Perch
  • Catfish
  • Note: Rainbow trout are planted at this lake.*

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Clear Lake Fishing Tips & General Strategies

Water clarity: Despite its moniker, Clear Lake’s water is actually a murky green due to the presence of algae, cool right?

Yet, this doesn’t stop fishermen from taking advantage of the plethora of fishing options.

Clear Lake has a mix of structure and cover that attracts bass:

Weed beds: Found all throughout the lake and are great year-round hiding spots for bass. Pay close attention to the flats of weed beds around ledges and channel swings, and keep an eye out for objects like rock piles and rocky ridges.

Tules & cattails: Bass love to find cover in the tall tules and cattails that line the shore. Don’t be shy about getting in close and flipping your lure into the deepest darkest spot.

Ledges: Bass use underwater ledges as highways, particularly in the warmer months. Pay special attention to the edges of weed beds near drop-offs or submerged humps – they’re awesome!

Rocky banks & reefs: Critters like shad, crayfish, bluegill love to live and hide in these rocky areas, which is exactly why bass love to hunt around areas like that!   Look for rocks the size of a baseball or a basketball, as these rocky areas are preferred haunts of bass, crappie, and catfish.

Docks: Bass will congregate around docks in the late summer and fall, especially those docks that are located near deep water, channels, or ledges.

Springtime Fishing update

Here’s your spring fishing update. 

The air temperature ranged from 50°F to 75°F, warming throughout the season. Wearing layers was necessary in colder mornings.

Clear Lake winds has been unpredictable. Wind speeds averaged 5–15 mph, although gusts could reach 20–30 mph.

Spring brought a few showers, but not much. If the weather changed when fishing at Clear Lake, checking the forecast and carrying rain jackets and extra clothing ensured comfort and fun.

When is spawn in Clear Lake?

Most bass start to spawn when the water temperature is between 60 and 65°F, and the process can go on until the water temperature is at least 70°F. 

Honestly though, there is no “exact time” to know when the spawn occurs… it’s really about the springtime water temperature patterns, so keep your eye on it.

Largemouth bass can spawn in different places at Clear Lake, with some spots being better than others. Some important areas are:

Rocks and gravel flats: Bass like to spawn on hard, flat surfaces, and the lake has a lot of structures made of rocks and gravel flats that are perfect for this. You can find these places near the shore or in the many coves and inlets around the lake.

  • Hotspots: Rocky Point, Holiday Harbor, Tayee Point, The Keys, Rattlesnake Island, Konocti Bay, Buckingham Point

Humps: Bass tend to spawn on submerged humps, especially those with a mix of rock and sand. These structures give birds a safe place to nest and keep predators away.

  • Hotspots: Rattlesnake Island, The Keys, Soda Bay

Small creek inlets and cuts: Bass like to spawn in creek inlets and cuts because the water is calm and shallow there. These places are good places for birds to nest because there is less water moving through them and they are protected from wind and waves.

  • Hotspots: Rattlesnake Island, Rodman Slough and Tule Island, Holiday Harbor

Shorelines with tule and cattails: Bass spawning areas with lots of tule and cattails are great places to hide. Adults and young fish can find shelter and safety in these areas of plants.

Hotspots: Clear Lake State Park, Quercus Point to Holiday Cove, Rodman Slough and Tule Island, Holiday Harbor

Shallow bays and backwater areas: Fish also like to spawn in shallow bays and backwater areas, especially those with a mix of cover and structure. These areas protect bass from the main lake’s currents and other disturbances, so they can spawn without being bothered.

  • Hotspots: Clear Lake State Park, Holiday Cove, Rodman Slough, Tule Island, Holiday Harbor, The Keys, Cache Creek, Konocti Bay

Clear Lake – Summer Fishing update

Clear Lake – Summer Fishing update

Fishing reports during the summer have often been seeing frequent heat waves with the air temperature ranging from 80°F to 100°F. Nights can drop below 60°F.

Summer Clear Lake winds averaging 5-15 mph. Prepare for windy conditions as gusts can reach 20-30 mph. Local topography can change wind direction, although northwest winds prevail.

Clear Lake has few thunderstorms in summer. To ensure a pleasant and enjoyable fishing trip, check the weather prediction and bring adequate gear, even in dry conditions.

Depending on air temperature, wind, and sunlight, most anglers report the summer water temperatures at Clear Lake can range from the mid-70s to the low 80s (°F). Anglers should adapt their fishing techniques when water temperatures rise.

Largemouth bass in Clear Lake depend on several sources of summer forage:

Bass feed on Clear Lake’s numerous threadfin shad. Shad attract bass in open water and around weed borders and other structures.

Crayfish: Clear Lake bass need crayfish too. Bass regularly pursue these crustaceans around rocky banks, reefs, and other hard objects.

Bluegill and other sunfish: Like bass, bluegill and other sunfish live in the lake, especially among weed beds and docks. These fish feed opportunistic bass.

Summer Clear Lake Bass Fishing

During summer, bass in Clear Lake tend to seek deeper, cooler waters, so focusing on drop-offs, channels, submerged humps, and the edges of weed beds is crucial. Here are some of the best techniques for catching bass in Clear Lake during summer:

  1. Deep diving crankbaits: Fishing crankbaits along ledges, rock piles, and deep water points can effectively target bass. Retrieve the crankbaits with a stop-and-go action to trigger reaction strikes.
  2. Carolina rigging: This technique is ideal for fishing soft plastics along the bottom in deeper water. Use a Carolina rig to comb through rocky banks, humps, and points where bass are likely to be holding.
  3. Jigs: Jigs can be fished around docks, rock piles, and other structures to entice bass. Use a slow, methodical retrieve to imitate crawfish or other bottom-dwelling prey.
  4. Drop-shotting: This finesse technique allows you to present soft plastic baits vertically in deep water. Target areas with submerged vegetation or other structure to find bass.
  5. Topwater lures: Early morning and late afternoon provide prime opportunities for topwater action. Cast lures near weed edges, docks, and shallow structure for explosive strikes.

Here are five common reaction style baits and five finesse style baits, along with their respective brands, for summer bass fishing:

Reaction baits:

  1. Strike King 6XD (deep diving crankbait)
  2. Rat-L-Trap (lipless crankbait)
  3. River2Sea Whopper Plopper (topwater lure)
  4. Rapala X-Rap (jerkbait)
  5. Booyah Buzz (buzzbait)

Finesse baits:

  1. Yamamoto Senko (soft plastic stick bait)
  2. Zoom Trick Worm (soft plastic worm)
  3. Z-Man Finesse TRD (Ned rig bait)
  4. Roboworm Fat Straight Tail Worm (drop-shot bait)
  5. Strike King Rage Craw (creature bait)

Five specific locations on Clear Lake where you can target bass during the summer include:

  1. Rodman Slough: This shallow, grassy area offers excellent opportunities for topwater and weed bed fishing.
  2. Rattlesnake Island: The rocky structure around the island makes it an attractive spot for bass seeking deep water cover.
  3. Henderson Point: A productive area with rocky points and submerged humps that hold bass in deeper water.
  4. Konocti Harbor: The docks and rock piles in this area can harbor bass seeking shade and cover.
  5. Jago Bay: This large bay features a mix of weed beds, docks, and rocky structure, providing ample opportunities for bass fishing.

By employing these techniques, using the recommended baits, and targeting these locations, you can improve your chances of success when fishing for bass in Clear Lake during the summer months.

But Where Are The Best Places To Fish At Clear Lake?

And in no particular order here is that list of the best fishing spots at Clear Lake.

DISCLAIMER:  The material provided is for general information purposes only. It’s important to understand that any information provided in this article can change at any time. Any maps or graphics featured are not to be used as navigational aids. Fishing Blueprint will not be responsible for any personal injury or property damage from any misuse of the maps or graphics provided.   It’s completely impossible to give you every single spot where you can potentially catch a fish.  But, what this list does do is to give you a helping hand and narrow down to the most productive fishing spots.

Soda Bay to Clear Lake State Park

This stretch of the lake is great to fish year round. 

Soda Bay has a good mix of boulder piles that are on a point and extend into deeper water. And as you get into Soda bay there is a good variety of weed beds and tulles to fish.

Bass that live in this area will position in shallow structure, tulles, and weed beds, then in the wintertime will migrate to the deeper breaks in the hot summer months.

For those who have not fished Clear Lake, Soda Bay actually has a CO2 spring vent and will create bubbles in the lake. 

Most anglers swear by this spot being feast or famine. Some have actually claimed the CO2 bubbles mess up the clear coat on their boat.  We could not find any definitive warning from the California Department Of Game and Fish that the CO2 bubbles from Soda Bay damages the clear coat on your boat. 

The State Park is a fairly large area that has very little change in depth and is covered in submerged weed beds and tulles in shallow water. Sometimes this vegetation can grow to the surface creating a floating mat or canopy. 

It’s relatively shallow (between 3 and 10 feet deep) and what makes this spot unique is all the cover the fish can hide in and call home. Parts of the flat close to deep water, if the fish feel threatened, they can retreat to.  Fishing the outside edges can frequently result in fish being caught.

There are several hard bottom patches, small rock piles, and high spots on humps that should be checked for fish. 

Lastly, when the lake gets windy you can fish Kelsey Creek Inlet and still get bit.

Located: mid lake

Structural features: Reeds, tulles, rocky structure (points, cuts, boulders) 

Best species to target: Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill

Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, shore line fishing

Located: mid lake

Structural features: Reeds, tulles, rocky structure (points, cuts, boulders) 

Best species to target: Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill

Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, shore line fishing

Quercus Point to Holiday Cove

Quercus Point is a grassy point with boarding tully patches, and a relatively sharp drop off on each side. Furthermore, approximately 25-50 yards off the tip of Quercus Point there are several highpoints and rock piles that should be checked carefully for bass. 

Along the shoreline the area is covered in submerged weed beds and tulles in shallow water. Sometimes this vegetation can grow into floating mats.

Fishing this area in the spring for spawning bass can be off-the-charts fun.

There are several hard bottom patches, small rock piles, and high spots on humps that should be checked for fish. 

Lastly, when the lake gets windy you can fish Holiday Cove and still get bit.

Located: southwest lake

Structural features: Reeds, tulles, rocky structure (points, cuts, boulders) 

Best species to target: Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill

Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, shore line fishing

Rocky Point

This spot is very unique because it is filled with rocky reefs, boulder piles, and hard bottom near tulle patches that are located near the bank. That combination is important because as the water in the spring warms up, spawning bass are attracted to this area, making it a beacon for fish.

Located: west lake

Structural features: Reeds, tulles, rocky structure (reefs, rocky piles, hard bottom) 

Best species to target: Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill

Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, shore line fishing

Rodman Slough and Tule Island

This is another “must fish” area in the spring. Tulles, submerged weeds, and vegetation mats support a healthy bass, bluegill, and even catfish population year round.

Surprisingly the area has several hard bottom patches and rock piles. 

For those who like to fish frogs, flipping grass, and punching vegetation, this area is a sight to behold.

If you motor up Rodman Slough and find there are too many boats inside, a phenomenal second choice would be to fish Tule Island and the surrounding banks.  

One of the best techniques to try is to fish a lipless crankbait parallel to the weedline and yo-yo it back to the boat. Shad colors tend to work the best. 

Rodman Slough isn’t very big, and fishing near another boat will probably happen, please utilize the Golden Rule and be polite and courteous to each other. 

Located: west lake

Structural features: Reeds, tulles, rocky structure (reefs, rocky piles, hard bottom) 

Best species to target: Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill

Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, shore line fishing

Holiday Harbor

This area is known for its great bass fishing during the summer. 

Bass will take shelter among the docks and deeper weedline edges. 

Make sure to target natural cuts and points the tulles will make along the shoreline.

Located: north lake

Structural features: Reeds, tulles, rocky structure (reefs, rocky piles, hard bottom) 

Best species to target: Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill

Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, shore line fishing

Pepperwood Cove to Kono Tayee Point

This section of the lake is known for its rocky shoreline. Rock size will range from smaller chunk rock boulders closer to the bank and will transition to smaller baseball sizerock to pea gravel. 

When the lake is at normal pool, casting crankbaits along the shoreline often results in bass being caught. 

Alternatively, when the lake is at a lower pool you’ll notice the large boulder embankment is exposed and cannot be fished. The solution to fishing this spot is scanning the area for large isolated boulders that could use a cover.    

Look Closely…

Located: north lake

Structural features: Reeds, tulles, rocky structure (reefs, rocky piles, hard bottom) 

Best species to target: Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill

Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, shore line fishing

The Keys

The Keys is an area that comprises a series of interconnecting man made channels. 

This area can be on fire all through spring into early summer, normally, March through April for catching bedding bass. 

Then will move out to the adjacent locations such as Stubbs Island or the bordering tulle patches that are located on either side of the entrance of The Keys.

Located: northeast lake

Structural features: Reeds, tulles, rocky structure (reefs, rocky piles, hard bottom) 

Best species to target: Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill

Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, shore line fishing

Rattlesnake Island

Rattlesnake Island is special; its shoreline consists of rocky reefs, boulder piles, and hard bottom near tulle patches that are located near the bank. 

That combination of the different types of structure allows the water to warm up sooner than the surrounding area, thus spawning bass are attracted to this area, making it a beacon for fish all through spring and into early summer.

If you’re going to target Rattlesnake Island to fish, focus your time on the transition zones from rock to vegetation (ie; tulles, submerged weeds, and vegetation mats) to increase your chances to catch fish.

Lastly, be sure to fish the artificial chunk rock embankment just east of Rattlesnake Island, especially during pre-spawn and post-spawn

Located: northeast lake

Structural features: Rocky banks, reeds, tulles, rocky structure (reefs, rocky piles, hard bottom) 

Best species to target: Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill

Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak

Monitor Point and Monitor Island

This spot is defined by a long rocky point with multiple drop offs and humps lined with tulles. 

If you’re going to target Monitor Point and Monitor Island, focus your time on the transition zones from rock to vegetation (ie; tulles, submerged weeds, and vegetation mats) to increase your chances to catch fish.

Other productive areas will be saddles (high spots connecting the humps), channels, large boulders, ridges, and drop offs.

Before trying to fish everything, be sure to take some time and scan these areas first with your fish finder to see if there are any bait or bass relating to that particular spot.  If you see bait or bass in the spot then fish it. 

Located: southeast lake

Structural features: Rocky points, rocky banks, reeds, tulles, drop offs 

Best species to target: Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill

Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak

Rosebud Park to Cache Creek

This is another “must fish” area in the spring. Tulles, submerged weeds, and vegetation mats support a healthy bass, bluegill, and even catfish population year round, but is best fished in the spring

Surprisingly the area has several hard bottom patches and rock piles especially around Indian Island. 

The opening of Cache Creek is filled with grass mats and tulles and is perfect for those who like to fish frogs, flipping grass, and punching vegetation.

During the summertime, bass will migrate and seek shelter to the docks and lining the Redbud Park area.

Located: southeast

Structural features: Reeds, tulles, rocky structure (reefs, rocky piles, hard bottom) 

Best species to target: Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill

Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, shore line fishing

Konocti Bay

This area is a phenomenal place for catching largemouth bass. 

The main lake points of Konocti Bay (Wheeler Point (east) and Fraser Point (west)) are both steep rocky points that drop into deep water, making them perfect spots for summer and early fall bass fishing. 

Overall, most of the bay is between 6-22-feet at full pool. The back of the bay is lined with submerged weeds, grass mats, and tulles. 

Located: southeast

Structural features: Reeds, tulles, rocky structure (reefs, rocky piles, hard bottom) 

Best species to target: Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill

Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, shore line fishing

Buckingham Point to Shag Rock

This spot is one of the primary summer fishing spots for largemouth bass. 

The shoreline is steep and is mostly made of small boulders to chunk rock and drops into deeper water.

Just to the east of Buckingham Point bass will migrate to the tully groves on Anderson Island and Dollar Island.

As well as that, just south of Shag Rock, there are several pockets and cuts also filled with tulles and grass mats. 

Located: southeast

Structural features: Reeds, tulles, rocky structure (reefs, rocky piles, hard bottom) 

Best species to target: Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill

Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, shore line fishing

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Boat Ramps At Clear Lake

Clear Lake State Park Boat Ramp

  • Location: mid-lake west side
  • Address: 5300 Soda Bay Rd, Kelseyville, CA 95451
  • Phone number: (707) 279-4293
  • Lanes: 3
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Showers: Yes
  • Camping nearby: Yes

 

Riviera Heights Boat Launch

  • Location: midlake, west side
  • Address: Kelseyville, CA 95451
  • Phone number: none
  • Lanes: 1
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Showers: No
  • Camping nearby: No

Lakeside County Park

  • Location: midlake, westside
  • Address: 1985 Park Dr, Kelseyville, CA 95451
  • Website: parks.lakecountyca.gov
  • Phone number: none
  • Lanes: 2
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Showers: No
  • Camping nearby: No

First Street Launching Facility

  • Location: northwest
  • Address: 20 1st St, Lakeport, CA
  • Phone number: none
  • Lanes: 3
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Showers: No
  • Camping nearby: No

Third Street Launching Facility

  • Location: northwest
  • Address: 20 3rd St, Lakeport, CA
  • Phone number: none
  • Lanes: 3
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Showers: No
  • Camping nearby: No

Fifth Street Launching Facility

  • Location: northwest
  • Address:  5th St, Lakeport, CA
  • Phone number: none
  • Lanes: 3
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Showers: No
  • Camping nearby: No

Keeling Park

  • Location: Northside
  • Address: 3015 Lakeshore Blvd, Nice, CA 95464
  • Website: parks.lakecountyca.gov
  • Lanes: 2
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Showers: No
  • Camping nearby: no

Lucerne Harbor Park

  • Location: northeast lake
  • Address: State Hwy 20, Lucerne, CA 95458
  • Phone number: (707) 262-1618
  • Website: parks.lakecountyca.gov
  • Lanes: 2
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Showers: No
  • Camping nearby: no

Clearlake Oaks Boat (Keys) Launch

  • Location: mid-lake east side
  • Address: 12684 Island Dr, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423
  • Phone number: none
  • Lanes: 1
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Showers: No
  • Camping nearby: Yes. 

Redbud Park

  • Location: southeast
  • Address: 14655 Lakeshore Dr, Clearlake, CA 95422
  • Phone number: none
  • Lanes: 8
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Showers: No
  • Camping nearby: No

Marinas At Clear Lake

Braito’s Buckingham Marina & Boat Launch

  • Location: mid lake, westside
  • Address: 1555 Eastlake Dr, Kelseyville, CA 95451
  • Website: braitos-marina.edan.io
  • Phone number: (707) 279-4868
  • Nearby boat ramp: Yes, 2 lanes available to use
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Showers: no
  • Gas: Yes
  • Groceries available: no
  • Electric: No
  • Camping nearby: No

Top Tackle Shops Near or At Clear Lake

Clearlake Bait & Tackle

  • Address: 14699 Lakeshore Dr, Clearlake, CA 95422
  • Phone: (707) 994-4399
  • Payment methods accepted – Cash, credit, debit

Limit Out Bait, Tackle & Lodging

  • Address: 12607 State Hwy 20, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423
  • Phone: (707) 998-1006
  • Payment methods accepted – Cash, credit, debit

Clearlake Outdoors

  • Address: 96 Soda Bay Rd, Lakeport, CA 95453
  • Phone: (707) 262-5852
  • Payment methods accepted – Cash, credit, debit

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