Fishing Clear Lake

What's biting on Clear Lake by month, the latest stocking reports, limits, bait shops and the gear to bring.

Photo: Dsmspence · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Fishing charterHalf and full-day trips, gear includedViator Rent a boat on Clear LakePontoons, ski and fishing boats from local ownersBoatsetter Stay near Clear LakeLake cabins, vacation homes and hotelsExpedia · Vrbo Private campsiteWhen the public sites are fullHipcamp

Heads up: Off-season trips are quieter. Many owners still rent on calm, sunny weekends.

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What's biting

Fish in Clear Lake

SpeciesOriginBest monthsNotes
Rainbow troutStocked Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec Last stocked Aug 23, 2026.

Recent stocking

  • TroutAug 23, 2026
  • TroutAug 9, 2026
  • TroutJul 26, 2026
  • TroutJun 28, 2026
  • TroutJun 21, 2026
  • TroutJun 7, 2026
  • TroutMay 3, 2026
  • TroutApr 12, 2026

CDFW Fish Planting Schedule

Gear for these fish

Partner links

Rainbow trout

Fly rods, reels and fliesTrident Fly Fishing→Fiberglass fly rods and kitsEpic Fly Rods→Spoons, spinners and minnow luresRapala→

For every angler

Landing nets and fly boxesEGO Fishing→Sun-protective fishing shirtsHook & Tackle→Fishing shirts, shorts and vestsColumbia→

Gas and fuel docks

  • Chevron
    5.1 mi
  • Riviera Gas Station
    5.8 mi
  • Big Valley Market & FuelDiesel
    6.7 mi
  • Kit's CornerDiesel
    7.0 miCall

Bait and tackle

  • Clearlake Outdoors
    7.5 mi
  • FastopBait
    7.7 mi
  • The Fish PeddlerBait
    24.3 mi

Groceries and ice

  • Power Market
    5.1 mi
  • Red & White SupermarketIce
    5.1 mi
  • Riviera Foods
    5.8 miCall
  • Big Valley Market & Fuel1119 Napo Way, Lakeport
    6.6 miCall

⚑ Limits.See the full limits table on the Clear Lake page, and always confirm with the California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (wildlife.ca.gov) before you fish.

Good to know

Questions about Clear Lake

What fish are in Clear Lake?

Clear Lake has Rainbow trout. Rainbow trout is stocked by the state.

Is Clear Lake stocked with fish?

Yes. The most recent state planting report for Clear Lake lists Trout the week of 2026-08-23. Sign up on this page to get an email when it's stocked again.

Where can I buy bait near Clear Lake?

Bait and tackle nearby: Clearlake Outdoors (7.5 mi), Fastop (7.7 mi), The Fish Peddler (24.3 mi). Hours change, so call ahead.

Do I need a fishing license at Clear Lake?

Yes. In California, anyone 16 or older needs a California fishing license, and some waters need extra stamps or validations. Check the state wildlife agency for current rules before you fish.