Lake County, CA · Lake
Clear Lake
The largest natural lake wholly in California and one of the best bass lakes in the country — a nutrient-rich “bass factory” north of the Bay Area, with giant largemouth, crappie, and catfish.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Crappie — Workable day for Crappie.
Best conditions of 3 species tracked at Clear Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Clear Lake
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Crappie Workable day for Crappie. In season 63/100
What's helping
- 64°F water — right in crappie's ideal range
What's hurting
- 18 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 25
25/day in combination with sunfish; no size limit on most waters.
Source: California regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Largemouth Bass Marginal conditions for Largemouth Bass. In season 51/100
What's helping
- 64°F water — inside largemouth bass's active range
What's hurting
- 18 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 5
12" minimum, 5/day in lakes/reservoirs (no size limit in rivers/streams).
Source: California regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Channel Catfish Marginal conditions for Channel Catfish. In season 51/100
What's helping
- 64°F water — inside channel catfish's active range
What's hurting
- 18 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 10
No size limit; 10/day in the Southern and Colorado River districts (no limit elsewhere).
Source: California regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Local reports & rules for Clear Lake: California CDFW fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Clear Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Clear Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Clear Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Clear Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Clear Lake have?
Clear Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Clear Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Clear Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Clear Lake tidal water?
No. Clear Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.