Clear Lake's main bass tournament runs each spring, drawing anglers from across Northern California
The Clear Lake Bass Tournament is an annual spring event held on California's largest freshwater lake, located in Lake County about two hours north of San Francisco. The tournament typically takes place in April or May, though the exact dates shift year to year. It attracts both serious competitors and recreational anglers who want to fish against others and see how their catch measures up.
The event is organized by local fishing clubs and the Clear Lake Fishing Association, which manages most of the structured fishing events on the lake. Entry fees, boat requirements, and prize structures vary depending on which specific tournament you enter — Clear Lake hosts multiple bass tournaments throughout the year, but the spring event is the largest and most well-known.
Key Takeaways
- Clear Lake's spring bass tournament typically runs in April or May, with exact dates announced by the Clear Lake Fishing Association several months in advance.
- You will need a California fishing license, a boat (or access to one), and entry fees that usually range from $50 to $150 per angler depending on the tournament format.
- Most tournaments follow a catch-and-release format where fish are weighed and returned to the lake, with prizes awarded for the heaviest individual fish and largest total weight.
- Clear Lake's largemouth and smallmouth bass populations support year-round fishing, but spring tournaments coincide with peak spawning activity when fish are most active.
Tournament dates and how to find current information
The Clear Lake Fishing Association posts tournament schedules on their website and through local tackle shops around the lake. Spring tournaments are usually announced by January or February for events happening in April and May. If you are planning to fish, contact the association directly or check with marinas on the north shore (near Lakeport) and south shore (near Clearlake Oaks), where most tournament registration happens.
Registration typically opens two to four weeks before the event and closes the day before or the morning of the tournament. Some tournaments fill up quickly, especially if prize money is substantial or if the lake is fishing particularly well that season. Calling ahead to confirm a spot is worth the effort if you have your heart set on a specific date.
What you need to bring and what it costs
You will need a valid California fishing license — available online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at any tackle shop. A one-day license costs less than a year-long license if you only plan to fish once. You also need a boat or must arrange to fish with someone who has one; Clear Lake does not allow shore-based tournament fishing for most events.
Entry fees for the spring tournament usually run between $50 and $150 per angler, depending on whether you are fishing as an individual, in a two-person team, or in a larger group. Some tournaments charge a separate boat fee. Prize money is typically distributed among the top finishers — first place might win $500 to $2,000 depending on the number of entries and the tournament's sponsorship. Smaller tournaments offer tackle or gift certificates instead of cash.
How the tournament works and what the rules are
Most Clear Lake bass tournaments run from sunrise to sunset, with anglers launching from designated ramps and fishing the entire lake. You check in at the start, fish during the allowed hours, and return to the weigh-in station by a set time — usually late afternoon. Fish are weighed immediately, recorded, and returned to the lake alive. The angler or team with the heaviest total weight wins; some tournaments also award prizes for the single largest fish caught.
Standard rules prohibit live bait (artificial lures only), require that all fish be caught during tournament hours, and mandate that you stay within the lake boundaries. Most tournaments require a minimum fish size — typically 12 inches for largemouth bass — and set a limit on how many fish you can weigh in (often five per angler). Violations result in disqualification or point penalties. Read the specific tournament's rules before you register, as details vary between events.
Clear Lake's bass population and what to expect
Clear Lake holds both largemouth and smallmouth bass in healthy numbers. The lake is 68 square miles and reaches depths of over 40 feet in places, offering diverse habitat — shallow weed beds, rocky points, submerged structure, and open water. Spring is prime time because bass move into shallower water to spawn, making them more catchable. Water temperatures in April and May typically range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for active feeding.
Typical tournament catches range from 10 to 20 pounds total weight for competitive anglers, though winning weights can exceed 25 pounds. Many recreational participants catch 5 to 10 pounds and still have a rewarding day. The lake's largemouth bass average 2 to 4 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 6 or 7 pounds. Smallmouth are generally smaller but plentiful in deeper water and around rocky structure.
Where to launch and what facilities are available
Clear Lake has multiple public boat ramps. The main tournament launch points are at Lakeport Marina (north shore), Clearlake Oaks Marina (south shore), and Redbud Park (east shore). Most tournaments designate one or two ramps as official check-in locations. All ramps charge a day-use or launch fee, usually $5 to $10. Parking is available at each site, though it can fill up on tournament mornings — arriving early is wise.
Fuel, ice, and basic supplies are available at marinas around the lake. If you are traveling from out of the area, lodging options include motels in Lakeport and Clearlake, and several RV parks operate year-round. The lake is about 30 minutes from Highway 101, making it accessible from the Bay Area and Sacramento regions.
Preparing your boat and gear before tournament day
Check your boat's engine, battery, and fuel system at least a week before the tournament. Make sure your bilge pump works, your navigation lights function, and you have a working radio or cell phone for communication. Bring a fire extinguisher, life jackets for all passengers, and a first-aid kit. Clear Lake can develop afternoon wind, so a stable boat and good anchoring gear matter for safety and fishing success.
Stock your tackle box with artificial lures in sizes and colors suited to spring conditions — crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater plugs are reliable choices on Clear Lake. Bring more than you think you will need; losing lures to snags is common. A net, pliers, line clippers, and a scale for weighing fish before weigh-in help you stay organized. Sunscreen, water, and snacks keep you comfortable during a long day on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to enter the tournament?
Most tournaments require a boat, but some allow you to fish as a non-boating partner with someone who owns one. Contact the tournament organizer to ask about partner or co-angler divisions, which are common in larger events. You will still need a fishing license and must pay an entry fee.
What happens if I catch a fish that is too small to weigh in?
Fish below the minimum size (usually 12 inches) must be released immediately. They do not count toward your weight or fish count. Measure fish in the boat before bringing them to weigh-in to avoid penalties or disqualification for undersized fish.
Can I fish with live bait instead of lures?
No. Clear Lake tournaments prohibit live bait and require artificial lures only. This rule protects the lake's ecosystem and keeps competition fair. Check the specific tournament rules to confirm any exceptions, though they are rare.
What if the weather is bad on tournament day?
Most tournaments proceed unless conditions are dangerous — high wind, lightning, or severe storms may cause postponement or cancellation. The tournament organizer will announce any changes early in the morning. Check your email or call the contact number listed on your registration confirmation.
How do I find out the results after the tournament ends?
Results are usually posted at the weigh-in station the same day and shared online within a few days. The Clear Lake Fishing Association publishes results on their website and may send them to registered participants by email. Prize money is typically distributed within two weeks.