Clear Lake Fishing for Those Who Love Quiet Nature

I call Clear Lake my happy place. It’s the largest natural freshwater lake in California, but it feels like my own secret oasis. Imagine quiet coves surrounded by oak-covered hills and vineyards, with no city noise – just the splash of fish and the rustle of a breeze. As someone who loves long hikes, sweet wine, and quiet nature, I find everything I crave here. 

The lake is often hailed as the “Bass Capital of the West”​, and for good reason: trophy largemouth bass over 10 pounds aren’t uncommon in these nutrient-rich waters. 

But it’s not just the fish that make it special. Clear Lake offers over 100 miles of shoreline to explore, teeming with birds from graceful herons to bald eagles. There are hiking trails up nearby Mount Konocti with breathtaking lake views, and local wineries producing the sweetest wines (perfect for a post-fishing treat). 

For a nature-loving angler who dislikes crowds and concrete jungles, Clear Lake is a dream come true. It’s that magical mix of fantastic fishing, serene landscapes, and a laid-back rural charm that keeps me coming back season after season.

Best fishing spots at Clear Lake — Shore vs. Boat Access

Clear Lake is huge, and part of the fun is finding your own perfect spot. Whether you’re casting from the shore or exploring by boat, there are plenty of promising fishing holes. I tend to avoid the busy ramps on weekends (crowds aren’t my thing), so I’ve discovered a few peaceful gems. Here are some of my favorite spots, divided by how you access them:

Shore Fishing Spots

I often fish from shore when I want a leisurely day of hiking and casting. The lake’s shoreline is dotted with parks and natural areas that are both beautiful and fish-rich. A few top picks:

Clear Lake State Park – My go-to shore spot. This park (near Kelseyville) has quiet coves, shaded picnic areas, and even camping if you want to stay over. It was rated one of the best fishing spots in the West, and it lives up to the hype.

Library Park (Lakeport) – A friendly little park in the town of Lakeport, on the northwest shore. It has a grassy lakefront and a public fishing pier. Don’t let the town location fool you – the fishing can be excellent. Locals cast for bass and crappie here, and kids often pull in catfish near the docks. It’s one of the spots recommended by local tackle experts​. I stop by for an easy evening of shore fishing when I’m in the area, sometimes with an ice chest ready in case the crappie are biting.

Lakeside County Park – Tucked between Lakeport and Kelseyville, this county park offers a long stretch of accessible shoreline. It’s a pretty spot with picnic tables and big shade trees – perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Redbud Park (City of Clearlake) – Over on the southeast end of the lake, Redbud Park in Clearlake has a public boat launch and fishing pier that attract anglers year-round​. The shoreline here drops off a bit, which is good for catfish and bass. I remember one hot summer evening at Redbud – I hooked a chunky channel catfish using a simple worm on the bottom, right as the sun was setting. If you go, bring bug spray – the mosquitos also like the twilight hour!

Rodman Slough – On the north end of Clear Lake, where Rodman Slough feeds in, there’s a bridge and some accessible bank areas popular with anglers. It’s a bit more rustic – essentially roadside pull-offs – but it can be a hidden gem. The water here is shallow and weedy; great habitat for bass.

These are just a few examples – with over 110 miles of shoreline, Clear Lake has many little beaches, docks, and rocky points to explore. Part of my routine is hiking along stretches of shore to find new casting spots (another excuse for a long hike!).

Pro tip: focus on areas with structure like tule reeds, docks, or rocks. Open, barren shoreline is less likely to hold fish. And always watch your footing in the weeds: the only crowds here are sometimes snakes or frogs rustling away as you approach!

Boat Fishing Spots

If you have a boat, canoe, or kayak (my personal favorite), Clear Lake becomes an endless playground. Being on the water lets you reach the deeper holes and offshore structure where some of the biggest fish hide. I’m not a fan of noisy speedboats, so I often paddle out in a kayak for a quiet fishing excursion. Here are some excellent boat-access spots and areas:

• Rattlesnake Island (Clearlake Oaks Arm) – On the eastern arm of the lake by the town of Clearlake Oaks, you’ll find Rattlesnake Island. Around this small island and the adjacent shoreline is legendary catfish territory. The lake bottom drops into deep holes near shallow flats here, creating catfish feeding grounds​. I’ve anchored on a warm night near Rattlesnake Island and had big channel catfish practically lining up to bite on cut bait. During the day, the area also holds bass around the island’s rocky shores. Boaters love this spot because it’s a bit off the beaten path – you can drift in the channel or work the drop-offs in relative peace. Just be sure to get an early start if it’s tournament season, as a few bass boats might zoom here at dawn (otherwise, it’s nice and quiet, just how I like it).
  
• The Narrows and Shag Rock – In the center of Clear Lake, the two main lake basins pinch together between Lakeport and Nice/Lucerne. This pinch-point, marked by Shag Rock (a prominent rocky outcrop sticking up from the water), is a hotspot for game fish​. Current flows through the Narrows bringing baitfish, and big bass often lurk around Shag Rock’s structure. I enjoy drifting through this area casting crankbaits along the rocky drop-offs. It’s produced some of my best bass when the bite in shallow bays slows down. The Narrows can get windy, but on calm days it’s a must-visit. It’s also scenically right in the middle of the lake – you get 360° views of the surrounding mountains as you fish.
  
• Points and Coves (Mid-Lake and South) – Clear Lake has numerous long points and sheltered coves that are ideal for fishing by boat. Two examples are Point Lakeview and Baylis Point on the south end, which extend into the lake and create natural ambush spots for bass​
  
• Anderson Marsh & Cache Creek Outflow – On the far south end of the lake lies Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, a marshy area where Cache Creek begins its flow out of Clear Lake. This area is shallow with lots of vegetation – perfect bass habitat.
  

Of course, boating on Clear Lake also means you can reach any number of offshore hotspots. Some anglers head to mid-lake rock piles or troll around for catfish in the deeper sections. The freedom of a boat lets you follow the fish if they’re not biting in one spot. 

I’ve spent whole days just exploring coves and fishing every promising nook, often rewarded by a surprise catch. Just keep an eye on the wind forecast – the lake can get choppy in afternoons, so I stick close to launch if I know winds will kick up. 

Fortunately, there are more than a dozen launch ramps around the lake (with 11 public ramps that are free to use​), so you’re never far from a put-in or a safe harbor if the weather turns. Being on the water at Clear Lake, surrounded by nature and with a fishing rod in hand, is pure bliss for someone like me who savors quiet and adventure.

Fishing during the winter season — What changes, what stays exciting

Winter at Clear Lake is a totally different experience (in a good way). When the temperatures drop and the summer boaters vanish, the lake takes on an almost magical stillness. 

As someone who treasures quiet moments in nature, I actually love winter fishing here – but it does require some adjustments. 

Let’s talk about what changes in winter, and what remains wonderfully the same (or even better).

What changes in the winter

The first thing you’ll notice is the weather and water conditions. Lake County winters are chilly; mornings can be frosty, and occasionally there’s even a light dusting of snow on the surrounding hills​. The lake’s water temperature plunges (down into the 40s°F), which makes the fish a lot less active. Largemouth bass, in particular, slow way down. I’ve learned that in winter a bass might only feed once every few days​, since their metabolism slows in the cold. This means the feeding windows are short – maybe an hour or two of the day when they’ll bite. 

Gone are the aggressive strikes of spring; instead, winter bites can be subtle taps. I adjust by fishing much slower – using finesse techniques like slowly jigging a spoon or working a drop-shot rig at glacier speed along the bottom. Patience is key. There have been winter days where I cast for hours without a nibble. The fish tend to hang out in deeper water (20+ feet) or around structures where the water might be a tad warmer. 

Also, winter brings occasional storms that can muddy the water and raise the lake level. After heavy rains, I’ve seen the shallows turn murky and debris float around – not ideal for fishing, but it usually settles in a few days. In short, winter fishing is more challenging: fewer bites, slower action, and you’ll be bundled up in layers with fingerless gloves on, braving cold winds. It’s not the season for everybody – but for us die-hards, it has its own rewards.

What stays exciting (and why I love it): The best part of winter fishing is the solitude and natural beauty. What the season lacks in quantity of fish, it makes up for in quality of experience. The lake is so peaceful in winter. On many weekdays, you won’t see a single boat on the water other than maybe a lone kayaker or a flock of ducks. The water can be glassy smooth on calm days, reflecting the gray winter sky and the silhouettes of bare oak trees. I’ve had winter mornings where a mist dances on the surface of the lake, and you feel like you’re in a painting – just you, the fish beneath, and the whisper of fog. For someone like me who dislikes crowds, this is heaven. 

Winter also brings out different wildlife; migratory birds visit the lake, and I’ve watched elegant swans and flocks of geese appear out of the mist as I fish. And let’s not forget, the fish are still there. When you do get a bite in winter, it can be a big one. Many veteran anglers believe winter is when you have a shot at a true lunker bass, since the fish are less pressured and often at their heaviest.

I’ll never forget one January evening: it was dead quiet, with a pale moon rising, and I hadn’t caught a thing all day. Just when I was about to pack it in, my line went taut with that telltale thump. After a careful, tense retrieve, I landed a beautiful 6-pound bass – she was cold to the touch, but what a thrill in the middle of winter! That fish made my week. 

Winter also offers great chances for crappie if you can locate them schooled up in deeper pockets. I sometimes bring a portable fish finder on my kayak; one December I found a massive school of crappie 25 feet down and ended up catching dinner for days. And if you enjoy catfish, a sunny winter afternoon can still entice a channel cat to bite, especially in the shallows where the sun warms the water a bit. The excitement in winter comes from the chase and the serenity – every fish feels earned. 

Plus, there’s something cozy about coming back after a cold day on the lake and warming up by a campfire or cabin fireplace with a mug of something hot (or a glass of that sweet wine). In winter, Clear Lake shows its calm, introspective side – and for a thoughtful angler, it’s a special kind of paradise.

Common mistakes anglers make at Clear Lake

Even a fantastic fishery like Clear Lake can stump you if you’re not prepared. I’ll admit I’ve learned some of these lessons the hard way. Here are a few common mistakes anglers make at Clear Lake (and how to avoid them), shared in the spirit of helping fellow fishermen have a great time:

Ignoring the weeds and tules

One big mistake is fishing Clear Lake like a bare reservoir instead of a weedy, shallow lake. This place has some aquatic vegetation – weed beds, algae mats, and tule reeds ringing the shores​. Newcomers sometimes cast out to open water or use lures that constantly snag in the weeds. 

I’ve been there – spending more time pulling salad off my lure than actually fishing! 

The fix: embrace the weeds. Fish love the cover, so don’t avoid it, fish along it. 

Use weedless lures (like frog lures or Texas-rigged soft plastics) that can slide through the vegetation without fouling​. Focus on the edges of tule patches and weed lines where bass hide and ambush prey.

 Once I started doing this, my catch rate soared. Clear Lake’s weedy character is a feature, not a bug – so don’t ignore it, adapt to it.

Fishing at the wrong time

Another common error is not timing your fishing to the lake’s patterns. I’ve seen folks show up on a scorching summer afternoon and wonder why nothing’s biting. 

In Clear Lake’s summer, midday can be slow for bass – the fish are often lethargic in the heat and hiding deeper. Meanwhile, that’s when jet skis and water skiers are zooming around, which doesn’t help. The mistake is not adjusting your schedule. The remedy: fish early, late, or at night depending on target species. 

For bass, the crack of dawn and dusk are prime times in summer, when the water is cooler and fish move shallow to feed. I love those calm summer dawns when the lake is quiet and the bass are chasing baitfish on the surface (topwater action is fantastic then). 

For catfish, night fishing is king – many big catfish feed heavily after dark on summer nights​. In winter, midday can actually be better since that’s when the water warms up slightly. 

Also consider the season: spring and fall are famously productive at Clear Lake, so if you have flexibility, plan trips then for easier fishing. In short, match your fishing times to the lake’s rhythms. Don’t be that angler frying under the noon sun in July wondering where the fish are – they’re likely siesta-ing in the cool depths!

Bringing a one-track mindset

Clear Lake offers diverse fishing, and the fish’s preferences can change day to day. A common mistake is coming here with only one type of bait or one game plan and stubbornly sticking to it even if it’s not working. 

I’ve been guilty of arriving fixated on throwing a certain lure (say, a spinnerbait) because it worked last month – and then getting zero bites for hours because the fish wanted something else. The truth is, some days the bass want slow bottom baits, other days they’ll crush a fast-moving crankbait. Or maybe the crappie that were near the docks have moved to deeper brush piles this week. 

The key is to stay flexible. Bring a variety of lures and baits and be willing to switch tactics​. My tackle box now has a bit of everything: topwater frogs, crankbaits, plastic worms, jigs, and even some live bait rigs. If bass aren’t biting my go-to lure, I’ll try slowing down with a jig, or upsizing/downsizing the lure, or moving to target a different species for a while (nothing wrong with catching a few bluegill to reset your luck). Also, do a little homework: check recent fishing reports or chat with the local bait shop to find out what’s working this week. Avoid the mistake of being inflexible. At Clear Lake, variety is the spice of success – so come armed with options and an open mind.

Overlooking local rules and etiquette

Some anglers, especially first-timers, make the mistake of not educating themselves on local regulations and unwritten rules. Clear Lake has a few important rules: for example, you must get your boat inspected for quagga mussels (via a sticker) before launching​. I’ve seen people turned away at ramps because they didn’t have their inspection sticker – a surefire way to ruin your trip. More on permits in the next section.

Another mistake is crowding someone else’s spot or private dock without permission. While the lake is public, common courtesy goes a long way. If you’re fishing near homes or docks, be respectful – don’t tromp through someone’s yard or tie up to their dock unless you’ve asked. Similarly, if another angler is quietly working a shoreline, don’t roar up with your boat right on top of them. Give space; there’s plenty of lake for everyone. 

And please, don’t litter – nothing spoils a serene nature outing more than finding trash on the shore. I always carry out everything I bring in (often plus some extra trash I find). By following the rules and basic etiquette, you ensure Clear Lake stays beautiful and welcoming. The only things you should leave behind are ripples in the water!

Underestimating Mother Nature

Lastly, a mistake I’ll highlight is not being prepared for the elements. Clear Lake’s environment can be deceptively mild at times – but it has its quirks. In summer, the sun is intense (Lake County is known for clear skies), so I’ve seen folks get badly sunburnt or dehydrated because they forgot sunscreen and water. Always pack more water than you think you need, a hat, and sunscreen – I have a permanent spot in my tackle bag for these. In spring and fall, sudden wind can whip up waves, especially in the afternoon. I learned this when a lovely morning turned into a very rough ride back to the dock on my kayak – nowadays I always wear my life jacket and keep an eye on wind forecasts. 

Also, certain areas can get mucky; a sturdy pair of boots or waders can save you from a “stuck in the mud” mishap when shore fishing. And those lovely tule marsh areas? They breed mosquitoes. Don’t forget bug spray if you’re out around dusk near the reeds (trust me on this one – scratching mosquito bites is not a fun post-fishing activity). All in all, respect the conditions. Come prepared for sun, wind, bugs, or cold depending on the season. Clear Lake is a natural gem, but you have to play by nature’s rules to fully enjoy it. A little preparation will keep you safe, comfortable, and ready to focus on the fish instead of fighting the elements.

Avoiding these pitfalls makes a huge difference. The goal is to enjoy the lake as much as I do: safely, respectfully, and successfully. If you remember to adapt to the weeds, fish at the right times, stay flexible, know the rules, and prepare for the environment, you’ll avoid 90% of the common frustrations. Then you can focus on what matters – the joy of fishing in this incredible place. And maybe you’ll pass your own lessons on to the next newcomer you meet, so they won’t repeat those mistakes either!

Fish species you’ll encounter — Clear Lake’s major catches

One of the best things about Clear Lake is the variety of fish. It’s like a big aquatic buffet – whether you want a hard fight or a tasty panfish for dinner, this lake has you covered. I’ve spent days chasing trophy bass and others happily bobber-fishing for bluegill off the dock. Here are the major fish species you’ll encounter in Clear Lake (the stars of the show), and a bit about each one:

Largemouth Bass – The headliner, the big kahuna of Clear Lake. Largemouth bass are what put this lake on the map. They average 1–5 pounds commonly, but trophies exceeding 10 pounds are out there (the lake record is 17.52 pounds!). These bass are feisty and strong – hook one and you’re in for a thrilling fight with acrobatic jumps.

Spring is prime time for bass (during the spawn in April/May the shallow coves teem with them), but you can catch bass year-round here. Clear Lake is often ranked among the top bass fisheries in the entire U.S., and it shows. I usually practice catch-and-release on the big bass to keep the fishery healthy, but I’ll admit I take a quick photo with a grin before letting them swim off. If you love bass fishing, this lake is basically heaven.

Crappie (Black and White Crappie) – Don’t underestimate the crappie! Clear Lake has a phenomenal crappie population. These are slab panfish, typically 8–12 inches long (half a pound to a pound), and in some years giants over 2 pounds show up. In fact, Clear Lake yielded California’s record white crappie and a record black crappie as well​, which tells you something.

Crappie form schools and when you find them, it can be non-stop action – 50 fish days are not unheard of in spring​. I love crappie fishing in late winter and early spring; they move into shoreline brush and around docks in February/March to spawn, and the bite can be on fire. They’ll hit small jigs or live minnows under a bobber.

There’s nothing like the thump of a big crappie on light tackle. Plus, they are delicious – sweet, flaky white fillets. Many a fish fry at my campsite has been thanks to a mess of Clear Lake crappie. So if you want some fun and food, target these guys.

Channel Catfish – Clear Lake’s catfish are the stuff of legend. These whiskered warriors get huge here, and they’re everywhere in the lake. Five- to ten-pound channel catfish are routine catches, and 20+ pounders are caught each year. The lake even produced a 33.57 pound monster in 2019​ – a lake record that still amazes me.

If you enjoy a good tussle, hook a big catfish and hang on as it pulls like a freight train. Catfish bite best at night or in low light. Warm summer nights, I’ll often set up on shore with a sturdy rod, some stinky bait (chicken liver is my go-to), and wait for that slow, heavy pull on the line. They also bite on cut bait, shrimp, or even an old hot dog – catfish aren’t picky gourmands.

Clear Lake hosts an annual Catfish Derby that draws anglers from all over (it’s actually the largest catfish tournament west of the Mississippi River​). I’m not much for competitions (too many people!), but it speaks to how famous the catfish here are.

Personally, I love catching a big “cat” now and then for the challenge – and occasionally for the fryer. Fried catfish with some lemon and hot sauce, enjoyed under the stars by the lakeshore, is hard to beat.

Bluegill and Sunfish – Bluegill, along with their sunfish cousins (like green sunfish and redear), are the friendly panfish that often save the day when nothing else is biting. They might be small (usually 4–8 inches), but they are plentiful and fun.

Clear Lake has tons of bluegill hanging around weeds, docks, and rocky shallows. They’re perfect if you have kids along or just want constant action. Many times I’ve taken a break from bass fishing to watch my bobber dance courtesy of a scrappy bluegill. On light tackle, they put up a spirited fight.

And if you get into the bigger ones (10-inch bluegill do exist here​), it’s a delight. Best method: a simple worm or bit of nightcrawler on a small hook under a bobber. It’s almost guaranteed success on a sunny afternoon. I’ve spent lazy afternoons on a quiet pier catching one ‘gill after another, chatting with a friend and enjoying the sunshine – pure bliss.

Also, bluegill are tasty pan-fried whole or as fillets, so they’re another option for a shore lunch. They spawn in big groups in late spring, making shallow, circular nests you can often see near the shore – a neat sight if you’re a nature nerd like me. Where there’s one bluegill, there are usually many more, so they keep you busy.

Carp – Yes, Clear Lake has carp – big common carp that cruise the shallows. They’re not typically a target for most sport anglers here (considered “rough” fish by some), but I have to mention them because you will encounter them. On calm mornings, I often see huge carp (20-30 pounds easily) rolling or tailing in the weedy bays. One morning, I nearly jumped out of my waders when a carp the size of a golden retriever splashed a few feet away! While I don’t fish for carp on purpose, I have accidentally hooked them while crappie fishing, and let me tell you, that’s an unexpected adventure. Carp fight incredibly hard – long runs that test your drag and your patience. If you’re into carp on fly rods or just want a battle, Clear Lake’s carp won’t disappoint. Otherwise, be aware they’re around. Local wildlife also appreciate them; I’ve seen ospreys snatch small carp right out of the water. So while I might not actively seek carp, I respect that they’re part of the lake’s ecosystem. And who knows, one day I might dedicate a day to catching one on light tackle just for the challenge (after all, I do enjoy a good fight and a bit of unconventional fun).

Those are the main characters in the Clear Lake cast. There are a few other species like black bullhead catfish (smaller catfish cousins) and an unusual native minnow called the Clear Lake hitch (now a threatened species that local tribes used to harvest – you must release any hitch if caught). But most anglers will be focused on bass, crappie, catfish, panfish, and maybe the occasional accidental carp. The table below gives a quick summary of Clear Lake’s major fish species, their typical sizes, and a little note about each:

Fish Species	Typical Size in Clear Lake	Notes
Largemouth Bass	Commonly 1–5 lbs; trophies 10+ lbs	Star of the lake. Hard fights and big jumps. Best in spring & fall. Catch-and-release encouraged for big ones.
Crappie (Black/White)	~8–12 inches (0.5–1.5 lbs) common; 2+ lbs possible	Schooling panfish. Fantastic spring bite (50+ fish days)​. Great eating – popular for fish fries.
Channel Catfish	5–10 lbs common; 15–30+ lbs big ones	Nighttime warriors. Hit smelly baits. Annual derby target​. Tasty fried or in stew if you keep one.
Bluegill & Sunfish	4–8 inches common; up to ~10 inches	Abundant near shore. Easy and fun on worm & bobber. Perfect for kids and relaxed fishing. Good table fare in numbers.
Common Carp	10–20 lbs common; 30+ lbs around	Not a sport fish to most, but huge and powerful. Often seen rolling in shallow weeds. A surprise catch that will test your tackle.

As you can see, Clear Lake is rich with fish. This diversity is one reason I never get bored here – if bass are shy, I can switch to panfish; if I want a nighttime challenge, I go for catfish. Every fishing trip can be a little different. And beyond catching them, just observing these species in their habitat is fascinating for a nature lover. I’ve spent time just watching the bass guarding their nests in spring, or listening to the splash of carp on a calm evening. Clear Lake really is an angler’s playground with a thriving aquatic community.

Gear and bait tips specific to Clear Lake

Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my gear and tactics to suit Clear Lake’s unique conditions. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all lake – the shallow depth, abundant weeds, and mix of species mean you’ll want to come prepared with the right stuff. Here are some gear and bait tips tailored for Clear Lake that I’ve picked up (often the hard way):

Go weedless and sturdy. Given the heavy vegetation (weeds and tules) throughout the lake, it’s important to have gear that can handle some tussle with plants. 

I use medium to heavy action rods for bass, spooled with 12–15 lb test line (sometimes braided line with a fluorocarbon leader) so I can muscle fish out of weed beds. 

For lures, weedless designs are your friend. My favorites include frogs (great for throwing right on top of weed mats without snagging) and Texas-rigged soft plastics (like worms or creature baits with the hook point buried, so they slide through cover)​. 

When the bass are hiding in dense cover, a weedless jig or punching rig can coax them out. Basically, expect to fish “in the salad” and gear up accordingly. A lightweight trout rod won’t cut it here if a 5-lb bass drags you into the weeds. Bring the bass gear and don’t be shy about using some muscle.

Live bait can be a winner. While I enjoy lure fishing, I’m not above using live bait, especially if I’m fishing with family or if the bite is slow. Minnows are like candy to crappie and bass. Local bait shops often carry live minnows – a dozen of those and some bobbers can turn a tough day into a success. I hook minnows through the lip or behind the dorsal fin, about 2–3 feet under a bobber, and cast near submerged brush or dock pilings. 

It’s almost cheating how well it works when crappie schools are around. For catfish, cut bait (like cut shad) or nightcrawlers on the bottom do great, but my personal secret is chicken liver – it’s messy but channel cats love the scent trail. I wrap the liver in a bit of gauze or pantyhose and tie it to the hook so it stays on during casting. 

If you prefer artificial lures only, that’s fine, but if you want to maximize catching (or have kids who just want a fish on the line), bring some live or natural bait along. Just check local regulations about bait use (certain live baits are allowed here, and minnows should be from a certified vendor to prevent introducing any invasive critters).

Don’t forget the little things

A few gear extras can really improve your Clear Lake experience. Polarized sunglasses are a must-have for me – they cut the glare on the water and let me see fish (like cruising carp or bedding bass) beneath the surface. They also help navigate around those pesky weed beds without running your boat aground. 

A decent fish finder (even a portable one for a kayak) can be helpful to locate deep schools of crappie or to find drop-offs and channels in this mostly shallow lake. If you’re fishing at night, a good headlamp or lantern is crucial – not only for re-tying hooks but also for safely moving around (and signaling any late-night boaters of your presence). 

Waders or waterproof boots are great if you shore fish; many banks are marshy, and with waders you can step out a bit into the water to improve your casting angle beyond the weeds or to retrieve a lure. I sometimes wear hip waders and wade the edges of Clear Lake – feeling the soft lakebed under my feet and being literally in the water is a neat experience (just shuffle your feet to avoid surprising any turtles or, on rare occasions, a docile water snake). 

Lastly, pack a net if you’re after bigger fish. A large landing net has saved me from heartbreak more than once when a thrashing bass or catfish is about to shake off at the boat. Clear Lake fish can be trophy-sized – be ready to actually land that fish of a lifetime!

These tips have served me well. The bottom line is: tailor your approach to the lake. Clear Lake can reward those who come prepared for its conditions. With the right gear, bait, and a bit of know-how, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever the lake offers on a given day. Happy tackle tinkering!

Local regulations, permits, and things to know

Before you hit the water at Clear Lake, it’s important to get familiar with a few local regulations and practical tips. They’re mostly straightforward, and they ensure both you and the lake stay in good shape. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know:

• California Fishing License: Just like anywhere in California, if you’re 16 or older you need a valid California fishing license to fish Clear Lake.
  
• Local lake rules and advisories: Clear Lake has a few local ordinances to be aware of. For boaters, there are speed limits in certain areas (within 600 feet of shore, I believe the max is 5 MPH in some spots) – just watch for buoy markers or signs
  
• Boating permits – Mussel inspection sticker: If you plan to launch any kind of boat (yes, even a kayak or canoe) on Clear Lake, you’re required to get a Lake County invasive species inspection sticker​.

Bag limits and size limits

• Clear Lake falls under California’s statewide fishing regulations for harvest limits. In summary: bass (largemouth) have a daily bag limit of 5 fish, and they must be at least 12 inches long (though many of us practice catch-and-release on bass, it’s good to know the rule).
  
• Crappie and bluegill (and other sunfish combined) usually have a 25 fish limit per day – plenty for a fish fry but don’t go over.
  
• Catfish have a limit as well (check the current regs, but generally it’s around 10 catfish per day in aggregate).
  
• And for the rare trout someone might catch in winter (not common here), the limit is typically 5.
  
• It’s always wise to double-check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for Zone 2 (North-Central) each year, just in case there are changes or special rules.
  

Etiquette and safety

While not “regulations,” these are things everyone should keep in mind. 

• Share the space kindly. Clear Lake is a beloved resource for fishing, birding, boating, and more. So if you’re fishing near others, be friendly and give space. If you’re in a boat, slow down to idle speed when passing someone fishing from a small boat or kayak so you don’t swamp them with your wake (I wave thank-you when folks do this for me)
  
• The sun can be brutal, the water can be cold, etc., so dress accordingly (you’ll often see me in long sleeves, long pants, hat, and buff to avoid sunburn). Drink lots of water, especially if you’re hiking to remote spots.

In summary, do your due diligence: have your license, get your boat sticker, follow the catch limits, and stay informed about the lake’s current conditions. It sounds like a lot, but once you’ve done it the first time, it becomes second nature. 

And it’s all worth it to enjoy this incredible fishery legally and safely. I’ve found that the folks in Lake County are very helpful if you have questions – never hesitate to ask a park ranger, bait shop owner, or fellow angler if you’re unsure about a rule or need advice. 

We all want you to have a great time at Clear Lake. When I follow these guidelines, I can relax and lose myself in the fishing, knowing I’m doing things right.

Final reflections — Why this lake keeps calling you back

Every time I pack up my gear after a trip to Clear Lake, I already know I’ll be back. This place just gets under your skin (in the best way). 

For me, Clear Lake isn’t just a fishing spot – it’s a whole mood, a sanctuary for the soul. It combines so many of the things I love in life: peaceful nature, a hint of adventure, and the simple pleasures of outdoor living. 

Where else can I take a long morning hike up a volcano (hello, Mt. Konocti), spend an afternoon catching bass and crappie, and then sip a glass of sweet local wine by my campfire at night, listening to frogs chirping along the shore (check my guide of things to do around Clear Lake)? That unique blend of experiences is what keeps calling me back.

Fishing-wise, Clear Lake continues to amaze me with its productivity and surprises. Even after years of coming here, I still discover new honey holes and learn new tricks about the fish. 

Each season paints the lake in different colors and moods – the blossoming spring full of active fish and wildflowers, the balmy summer evenings where the water turns gold at sunset, the crisp autumn days with flocks of birds migrating through, and the quiet winter mornings where it’s just me and the mist. 

It’s never the same lake twice, yet it always feels like an old friend. I think that’s why it never gets old; there’s always something fresh to appreciate. One day I might be ecstatic over a personal-best bass, another day I’m content watching an osprey dive for its dinner while I lazily cast a line. 

Clear Lake offers both excitement and tranquility in equal measure.