Fishing Clear Lake In Northern CA

Boat and bank fishing

Last updated on February 3, 2026.

Popular Fish Species
Clear Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
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Clear Lake, CA

Popular Fish Species

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Clear Lake is considered one of the premier bass fishing lakes in the region, as it has been for several years now. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 4 to 6-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Clear Lake, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Crappie Fishing

With a history of good crappie fishing, Clear Lake continues to impress crappie enthusiasts this year. Light line and small hooks are key when fishing live bait. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Clear Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

Lake & Fishing Video

Fishing tips for boat or bank fishing

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, green sunfish and white perch at Clear Lake in California.

Clear Lake is the second largest natural, freshwater lake in California. Nineteen miles long and up to eight miles wide the lake offers plenty of room for boating, water sports and fishing. With average high temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the low-90s it provides a comfortable lake to fish almost year round. Boating, water skiing, camping and other water sport recreation can be experienced throughout spring, summer and fall. The town of Clearlake and Lakeport cater to vacationers and and anglers.

Clear Lake is a fishing paradise

Channel and white catfish, black and white crappie, bass (including Florida strain largemouth) and bluegill inhabit the lake. It is known as a bass factory and produces large stringers of quality fish. Crappie fishing is fair. Check with local officials before eating fish from Clear Lake as levels of mercury can reach dangerous levels, at times.

Bass Fishing At Clear Lake

Revered as one of the top bass-tournament lakes in the west, Clear Lake consistently yields large stingers of bass. Fish shallow in spring and summer then concentrate deeper as the water cools into fall and winter. Swimbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits and topwater are all good choices for shallow to medium depths. Worms, jigs and other soft plastics also work well from very shallow to deep, depending on the time of year.

Primary fish species residing in Clear Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Clear Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Fishing Reports, Forums & Blogs

Bassin With Bob - Fishing reports for Clear Lake.

Today's Weather & Forecast

Average high and average low, monthly temperatures at Clear Lake.

January 55° - 32°
February 58° - 34°
March 62° - 36°
April 67° - 39°
May 76° - 45°
June 84° - 52°
July 92° - 55°
August 90° - 53°
September 85° - 49°
October 75° - 42°
November 62° - 35°
December 55° - 32°

Fishing Boat Rentals

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Marinas

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Clearlake Oaks Boat Launch
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Island Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Clear Lake State Park Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off State Park Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of paved parking.

Redbud Park Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Lakeshore Drive, this is an eight-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Riviera Heights Boat Launch
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Soda Bay Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.