Lake Trout fishing at Clear Lake

Start shallow in spring: lake trout sit in 10 to 40 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 28 to 92 ft, and by winter most fish are in 20 to 80 ft. Deep basin is the standout, a deep basin at roughly 78 ft, rated prime for summer lake trout. Plan around early morning in the warm months. A white tube jig (deep) or a magnum spoon on downrigger covers the summer program.

Cisco (Lake Herring) fishing at Clear Lake

In spring, cisco (lake herring) run shallow here, mostly 10 to 40 ft. By summer they slide out to 40 to 80 ft, and by winter most fish are in 20 to 60 ft. Deep basin is the standout, a deep basin at roughly 78 ft, rated prime for summer cisco (lake herring). In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning. Tie on a vertical flutter spoon (small) or a drop-shot micro plastic and you're in the game.

Northern Pike fishing at Clear Lake

Start shallow in spring: northern pike sit in 2 to 8 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 8 to 20 ft, and by winter most fish are in 5 to 15 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Shallow bay flat: a weed flat around 6 ft that scores prime in spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. A bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage covers the summer program.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at Clear Lake

Start shallow in spring: smallmouth bass sit in 3 to 12 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 10 to 30 ft, and by winter most fish are in 20 to 45 ft. Main-lake point is the standout, a point at roughly 23 ft, rated prime for fall smallmouth bass. Best bite is early morning and the evening. Summer baits: a drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig gets it done.

Rock Bass fishing at Clear Lake

Spring rock bass on Clear Lake hold shallow, usually 2 to 10 ft. By summer they slide out to 5 to 20 ft, and by winter most fish are in 12 to 30 ft. Main-lake point is the standout, a point at roughly 23 ft, rated prime for fall rock bass. Plan around the evening in the warm months. A ned rig (small) or a marabou jig covers the summer program.

Pumpkinseed fishing at Clear Lake

In spring, pumpkinseed run shallow here, mostly 1 to 8 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 2 to 10 ft, and winter fish settle into 6 to 18 ft. Shallow bay flat is the standout, a weed flat at roughly 6 ft, rated prime for spring pumpkinseed. Best bite is the evening and early morning. Tie on a micro tube or a sponge spider (fly) and you're in the game.

How deep is Clear Lake?

Clear Lake is about 92 ft at its deepest point. The contours here are modeled from the water's real shape and maximum depth, so treat them as a rough guide.

What fish are in Clear Lake?

Anglers target smallmouth bass, northern pike, lake trout, rock bass, cisco (lake herring), pumpkinseed on Clear Lake.

Where is the best fishing spot on Clear Lake?

Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 78 ft of water that rates prime for lake trout in summer. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Clear Lake?

For lake trout, the summer bite is best in early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.