Why YOU Should Make A Trip To Clear Lake, CA?

Clear Lake Donkeys

Clear Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in California aka "The Bass Factory." In 2020, Bassmaster Magazine named it the “Best Bass Lake of the Decade,” even surpassing famous spots like Sam Rayburn, Lake Fork, and Falcon Lake in Texas, as well as Lake Okeechobee and Orange Lake in Florida. Although the lake has its ups and downs, it consistently ranks in the top 5 for bass fishing. And it's not just about bass—there are also trophy-sized crappie and catfish waiting to be caught.

Planning

For anglers not familiar with Northern California and the Clear Lake area, planning is going to be difficult. Just like its status as the oldest lake in North America, the information and websites about Clear Lake often feel old and outdated too. First-time visitors and non-locals might have an unpleasant experience due to unmet expectations and a lack of information. Hopefully, this guide will provide the helpful details you need to enjoy your visit.

Snapback collab G-Ratt Baits x Good Fish Angler's Co.

Getting There

Located north of San Francisco and Napa County, getting to Clear Lake can be a bit challenging. The nearest airports are San Francisco (130 miles away), Oakland (120 miles away), and Sacramento (114 miles away). So, after your flight, you’ll still have a couple of hours' drive to reach your final destination.

Clear Lake (Redbud Arm)

Location

Although Clear Lake is a bucket-list destination for bass anglers, it's important to be aware that Clearlake City and Lake County have high crime rates, 100-degree summers, winter storms, and limited amenities. Additionally, during the summer, parts of the lake can experience algae blooms with a pungent scent. Overall, it might not be the best place for a family vacation.

Given the lake's size, there are plenty of accommodation options, both good and bad. I would avoid staying on the west side of the lake, including the Redbud arm, Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks, Lucerne, and Nice, unless you don't mind the occasional encounter with a meth head. Based on past experiences, Lake Shore Road is a windy, narrow route that can be difficult to navigate, especially while towing a boat. Instead, consider staying on the east side of the lake in Kelseyville, Buckingham Park, or Lakeport. Some Airbnbs in Clearlake Riviera offer exquisite panoramic views of the lake and Mount Konocti, though these locations can also be challenging to reach with a boat due to sharp turns and steep driveways. From there, you'll be about 25 minutes from the Redbud Launch (south) and 25 minutes from the 5th Street Launch in Lakeport (north).

If you're towing your boat and traveling alone or with one friend, the easiest place to stay is Konocti Vista Casino. They offer parking and have their own boat launch with a marina, where you can leave your boat in the water with power available at each slip.

Mount Konocti

Konocti Vista Casino (boat slips available)

Family of deer near Buckingham Park

VRBO in Buckingham Park- The best way to enjoy Clear Lake

Food

From my personal experience, the best way to enjoy Clear Lake is to BBQ steaks at your Airbnb and soak in the view—if your rental has one. But if no one in your group is much of a cook, I recommend Park Place Restaurant in Lakeport. They serve decent pasta and great fish tacos, plus they have plenty of outdoor seating.

Another spot I love is Richmond Park Bar & Grill in Konocti Bay. You can pull up in your boat and find plenty of dock parking. They serve classic bar food and cold beer (or something stronger if you prefer). It’s a perfect place to break up the day, especially if the Clear Lake bass are being difficult and tight lipped. On weekends and some weeknights, they have live music, arcade games, a pool table, and stunning lake views. It has that ultimate lake dive vibe that makes it a fun and relaxing stop.

Park Place (right next to 3rd Street boat ramp)

Richmond Park Bar and Grill (lakefront eats with boat dock parking)

Richmond Park Burger

Fishing

As mentioned before, Clear Lake is world-renowned for its largemouth bass. With year-round tournaments consistently weighing in the high twenties, it’s no wonder Clear Lake is a bucket list destination for bass anglers. But the best advice I can give any angler, regardless of skill level, is to fish for more than one day. The lake has so many parts to explore—Rattlesnake Arm, Redbud Arm, State Park, all of the bays, and all of the creeks—that it can easily take a whole day to fish just one area. If you’re not fishing the lake regularly, your chances of struggling are pretty high.

Which brings me to my second recommendation: if your fishing time is limited and funds permit, hire a guide. Personally, I don’t love this recommendation because, as a bass angler, my pride makes me hesitant to pay someone to take me fishing. But if I were traveling from across the country or another continent, I’d hate to spend all that time and effort only to struggle to catch anything.

My final recommendation is to visit in June or July for the evening frog bite or in March or April for the large swimbait and glide bait bite. One of the classic glide baits that has captured the attention of both swimbait enthusiasts and mainstream anglers due to its ability to catch giant fish is the Sneaky Pete. Garrett Dixson, owner of G-Ratt Baits and maker of the Sneaky Pete, says, "Be patient and understand it may take a few days until you can dial in a bite. We feel the profile of our Sneaky Pete is spot on with a hitch and that's matching the hatch so to speak. Its' erratic swimming action also plays a huge role."

Cost

The main expenses for your trip will be your flight and guide fees. Guide costs range from $400 to $1,000, and if you're coming from afar, it's worth trying to negotiate a multiday rate. If you're visiting in the summer, I recommend asking your guide about night fishing. Food and accommodations can be found at relatively low prices, though options are limited.

Overall Recommendation

Clear Lake is a definite must for bass anglers of all levels. However, truly appreciating its allure may require more than just one visit. In addition to the summer frog bite and spring swimbait and glide bait action I mentioned earlier, there's also the exhilarating pre-spawn LV500 bite, where you can reel in consecutive 3 to 5-pounders for a solid 30 minutes in one spot. And then there's the winter deep crank bite, offering the chance to land trophy-sized bass with reaction baits even in the coldest months.

What makes Clear Lake truly exceptional is its consistent ability to yield 30-pound bags of bass year-round. The presence of so many impressive "Clear Lake Donkeys" underscores why this lake is a top-tier destination for anglers seeking memorable catches.