Is Clearlake worth the trip?

Fryle · Post by **Fryle** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 2:34 pm

I have a question for all you fishin fiends about Clearlake. I’ve never been before and a buddy of mine and I thought about heading there this next week. We’re coming from Modesto so it’s gonna be a costly trip. I’m just wondering how good that place truly is for anyone who has 0 experience with the place? I’d hate to blow 500$ a piece to drop shot around and catch 1-2 pounders. We also don’t have a large boat so wind could be a big issue. What got me wondering if it’s really worth the trip is really the CA Delta. Ive fish the delta the last 4yrs, once a week for 6 straight months out of the year and it is by far the toughest fishing in my entire area. Having said that I still go out there once a week primarily cause I’m addicted to the techniques of the delta not really how “well” it fishes. So if anyone from out of state or about to drive really far were to ask my opinion if they should make the trip to the delta I would instantly say no it is not worth the $. A gooooood chance said person will get skunk’d or catch a handful of 1-2 pounders. I would advise them to save the $ and book a guided trip to try to make it worth while. So really I’m just looking for a straight up blunt answer if Clearlake really is kind of the same deal. If you don’t know it at all, only have a couple days to fish, and won’t be back very often by any means if it’s worth the trip or are we gonna get stuck in a wind tunnel and be bummed. Or is it like the delta, better off going with a guide to get your money’s worth? Any info is appreciated thanks!

JL · Post by JL » Thu Jun 16, 2022 3:23 pm

It would be worth the money to hire a guide OR get some guidance from a local. There are a few EXCELLENT guides on Clear Lake. Hire one of them for a day and go from there! Just my opinion. Have fun!

Whoopbass · Post by **Whoopbass** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 9:12 pm

Night and day difference with needing a guide on the delta versus Clearlake. Clear lake is worth the trip and the fishing is supposed to be good right now. There are several current fishing reports for Clearlake on Youtube.
If you want to save money stay at Clearlake State park for $30 a night. Stay as many days as you can and don't go running all over the lake.

JL · Post by JL » Fri Jun 17, 2022 10:41 am

The State Park is a rip off! $35.00 a night with NO HOOKUPS except water. If your going to camp, checkout Konocti Casino and Resort. Full hookups, boat slip with room or camping spot and not much more than the State Park charges. Plus, you won't have to deal with the Nazi style Park ranger that I have dealt with in the past! I am a Veteran and can camp there FREE, but choose to not! Just my opinion!

birdman920 · Post by **birdman920** » Fri Jun 17, 2022 6:12 pm

Clear Lake right now is good right now if you know what your doing ! I would definitely book a guide for your 1st day fishing ! he will save you a lot of frustration trying to figure out the bite !

JL · Post by JL » Fri Jun 17, 2022 6:30 pm

Birdman speaks the TRUTH!

Kelly Ripa · Post by **Kelly Ripa** » Fri Jun 17, 2022 8:46 pm

The reason I go to Clear Lake is because it's all good...Name a bait or presentation you want to fish and it will work for you.The fish don't act like pure Florida's as they still chew the paint off of baits that have been around for a century. Then there is fishing at night which can really be an experience on this lake especially for the larger girls. I see your point about the 1-2 pound fish but when I factor in the I don't have to think about tidal effects vs. present low water conditions I'd be going to Clear Lake before there are no launch ramps. I am making the trek from Ojai to Clear Lake in July....Prolly only have one rod in my hand the whole trip

Rip

Bsapp206 · Post by **Bsapp206** » Fri Jun 17, 2022 10:26 pm

Clearlake is fishing well rite now. Fish are moving out to summer haunts. Reaction bite is Turning on. Crank baits spinner baits, chatters, flip the grass catch some bass. If your negative in your thinking highly likely you could have a negative experience. Open mind change your baits fish the day. Lotsa fish in this ole pond. Hiring a guide can you teach you a lot. You just sit back and fish. Bass factory it can kick out big numbers on any given day. Or the next bite can be DD. Visit the local tackle stores get some tips and go fishin!

jiggin4bass · Post by **jiggin4bass** » Fri Jun 17, 2022 11:57 pm

Jigs I would rig up a few poles spinning and casting even add a flipping stick. Colors
brown/purple, black/blue, summer craw
Bluegill, redear perch will all work

Raised on Fork · Post by **Raised on Fork** » Sat Jun 18, 2022 10:21 am

I was there last weekend on the full moon. From 10 pm - midnight giant bass were blowing up all around my boat on a main lake point. I literally threw ever topwater in the tackle box with no luck. It was my second time on Clear Lake and while incredibly frustrating showed me why it is one of the best bass lakes on earth. The giants of Clear Lake are alive and well! It was exhilarating just to see and hear the explosions. Hopefully someone on this string can give you the trick to land one of these beauties.

Dave Brabec · Post by **Dave Brabec** » Sat Jun 18, 2022 10:55 am

Raised on Fork wrote: ↑Sat Jun 18, 2022 10:21 am I was there last weekend on the full moon. From 10 pm - midnight giant bass were blowing up all around my boat on a main lake point. I literally threw ever topwater in the tackle box with no luck. It was my second time on Clear Lake and while incredibly frustrating showed me why it is one of the best bass lakes on earth. The giants of Clear Lake are alive and well! It was exhilarating just to see and hear the explosions. Hopefully someone on this string can give you the trick to land one of these beauties.

Had that happen several times.They were Catfish.

Raised on Fork · Post by **Raised on Fork** » Sat Jun 18, 2022 11:05 am

Unbelievable! That blows my mind!!

Kelly Ripa · Post by **Kelly Ripa** » Sat Jun 18, 2022 1:11 pm

Second vote for catfish...usually you just throw away the mangled spinnerbait or crank....I was sure I had a toad on more than once

stickbait · Post by **stickbait** » Sat Jun 18, 2022 8:09 pm

Fryle wrote: ↑Thu Jun 16, 2022 2:34 pm I have a question for all you fishin fiends about Clearlake. I’ve never been before and a buddy of mine and I thought about heading there this next week. We’re coming from Modesto so it’s gonna be a costly trip. I’m just wondering how good that place truly is for anyone who has 0 experience with the place? I’d hate to blow 500$ a piece to drop shot around and catch 1-2 pounders. We also don’t have a large boat so wind could be a big issue. What got me wondering if it’s really worth the trip is really the CA Delta. Ive fish the delta the last 4yrs, once a week for 6 straight months out of the year and it is by far the toughest fishing in my entire area. Having said that I still go out there once a week primarily cause I’m addicted to the techniques of the delta not really how “well” it fishes. So if anyone from out of state or about to drive really far were to ask my opinion if they should make the trip to the delta I would instantly say no it is not worth the $. A gooooood chance said person will get skunk’d or catch a handful of 1-2 pounders. I would advise them to save the $ and book a guided trip to try to make it worth while. So really I’m just looking for a straight up blunt answer if Clearlake really is kind of the same deal. If you don’t know it at all, only have a couple days to fish, and won’t be back very often by any means if it’s worth the trip or are we gonna get stuck in a wind tunnel and be bummed. Or is it like the delta, better off going with a guide to get your money’s worth? Any info is appreciated thanks!

Do it with in the next month or sooner !!! Water is dropping quick !!!

Clear Lake is a must see... the first trip don't go cheap...I would stay 3 days min...ya it will cost ya a little coin but be well worth it in the long run...

If you never been.. I would book a room at Ferndale for a couple days, it's right on the water. Cool place.

You can get a good feel of the lake just staying there (ferndale) and looking around when your not fishing in the evening/morning...

Or the casino but you will get sucked into gambling and not doing the fishing gig...imo

Grab a guide for the first day, this is a must, ya it will cost you some money but in the long run will give you so much info on the lake ! He will give you a lot of info on what's going on with the lake. Fish, bite. conditions, ect ect..

Then the next couple days bounce around in your own rig...crazy big lake !!! you will have fun...

Make sure you give us a report..
Thanks...

TonyM · Post by **TonyM** » Sat Jun 18, 2022 8:41 pm

Ferndale? You’re dating yourself Stickbait. It’s OK. We’re both old.

Hasn’t been Ferndale forever. Doesn’t seem to be quite as popular as it once was either. Now called Clear Lake Vista Resort. I believe it’s owned by the same tribe that owns the casino. Still cool place to stay though No idea how the ramp is there currently with the low water or if a guy will need to trailer elsewhere to launch.

Dave Brabec · Post by **Dave Brabec** » Sun Jun 19, 2022 6:39 am

Best to come before Sept .Dont think even 5th street will make it that far this year.Water is now about 6"lower than last June.County and Redbud both closed at about -1.4 last year or about a month left.Dont think the Ferndale ramp is usable and State park ramp is now closed.

Csuhchris · Post by **Csuhchris** » Mon Jun 27, 2022 9:34 am

Launched from Lakeport today at 445 and fished topwater till 8:00. Biggest was a 5. A lot of small chunks likely fry guarding. Switched to looking for beds around Lucerne as the water quality was 5+ feet in visibility. Tons of beds and spawning fish! Blind casts with senkos while searching for beds proved to be effective! Good luck man! Life is short! Gotta to pay to play! Enjoy!

Kelly Ripa · Post by **Kelly Ripa** » Mon Jun 27, 2022 3:29 pm

Fry guards and bed fish ...I'm sorry things didn't work out..

I can't come up for 4 more weeks snivel snivel...drat....Maybe my friends will have a new boat by then ....over a 11/2 years on the build because of shortages industry wide. supposed to be May and now I don't know.

Rip