Clear Lake Fishing reports by Paul’s Fishing Guide

[trev07]

Kevan, Never fished yellow before but me and 2 others are thinking about coming down next saturday to give it a try. Hopefully if we get into some fish we may do that tournament you have as well. Could you give us a step in the right direction though. Just wondering where to access the lake and where we should start looking.

[trev07]

Also I have a large pickup and I won't be driving on so preferably somewhere that isn't to far of a walk

[Kevan Paul]

Macintosh is the best for crappie right now. If your looking for big yellows i think i would start by the pump house or farmers. Downsizing will produce more fish also. Mudbug with spikes has been a go to bait for me.

[Kevan Paul]

The tournament is going to have some big prizes way down in the payout so you will not need to win take home a big prize. We are going to have a pro tc and some other good items like a vexilar to give away also!

[trev07]

I saw on the lake map the mcintosh park but just wondering where the pump and farmers accessess are. It looks like the west little lake has some decent structure in it..

[picksbigwagon]

Kevan, I haven't fished Clear Lake in years and a couple of us are thinking of meeting up down there, what bait shops are open still? The last time I was down there in open water season we used the Bait Dome I think, the geodesic bait shop......

I just looked at the Iowa DNR maps and what the dredging did to the lake near Ventura, I think they call it the little lake? Anyway, are the dredgelines still like that? They look absolutely crazy......

[Kevan Paul]

The Crazyminnow is the only bait shop and if you stop im he could tell you about the different locations. The little lake has been the best and yes the dredge cuts still look like that. But remember the lake is down 31" so its not as deep as it may look If you pull out of Macintosh and go east the first big curve with the white shed is the pump house. Just remember that is the area with the aerators so be careful.

[catchnothing]

Hey Kavan, Coming down there soon. Is there alot of snow the the lake? What are some basics for yellows? Looking forward to a awesome trip...

Thanks

[Kevan Paul]

No Snow!! Ya! Mud bugs and spikes work the best. Fish the pumphouse for larger fish. Lots of Crappies in the little lake.

[fisherman-andy]

Will be making our first trip to Clear in a week or so. Where can one access Farmer beach area? Is there parking there or can one drive out from that portion of Farmers onto the lake? Same with McIntosh Park?

[Kevan Paul]

Yes Farmers, Pumphouse, and Macintosh. The ice should be good to go but drill some holes to make sure. There is a good bite at Farmers and Macintosh. Small jigs and spikes.

[Kevan Paul]

Lots of fish in 10-19 fow. The bite has been great!

[Kevan Paul]

Still great fishing at Clear!!! Little lake or pump house!!!1

[Kevan Paul]

The fishing is still great and the tournament is coming along nicely. We have 60 in and it looks like we might make 80 or even 100.

[klee]

How hard is it to find the yellow bass? Planning to make our first trip down at the end of February here. What to look for on lake maps as far as location that will hold them and how deep are they at this time of year? Is it better to follow the crowd or fish away? Thanks

[Kevan Paul]

The little lake is a great place to start. 7ft

[Kevan Paul]

Clear Lake is HOT HOT HOT!! If your looking to catch some Yellow Bass you better get to the take and do it. Little Lake / Mudbugs / Cutbait = Lots of Fish!!!

[Kevan Paul]

We still have lots of ice and good fishing. 17" and the Yellows are still going in the little lake. Might as well make one more trip.

[MidCoast]

We still have lots of ice and good fishing. 17" and the Yellows are still going in the little lake. Might as well make one more trip.

Is the ice pretty much consistent all over the Little Lake? I want to drive my half ton on it, but I am quite nervous about doing so.

[Tullies]

Kevan Paul,

Where do you access from and how deep are you fishing at? Planning a trip there this weekend with the kids. It will be my first time there so hoping to get into some yellow bass. I looked at the map and seems like Mcintosh is one access I can go in. Any tips will be appreciated. Thanks.

[Kevan Paul]

macintosh is about the best place to go in at or lorenzen park. Mudbugs with spikes or cutbait works best. The best thing to do is drill a lot of holes and keep on the move. Once you find the honey hole you will catch piles of fish. Start in the center of the little lake and work away from there I would go west but don't be afraid to go south or east.

[Kevan Paul]

There was a truck out the other day. The ice is 16" and pretty consistant but I haven't been on clear in a while so I can't say if its safe to drive truck on. It should be ok but not sure.

[fisherman-andy]

Kevan,

Aside yellow bass I see that Clear also has white bass. I've caught some and seen a few caught through the ice this year on Clear. My question is does anyone catch them with some regularity? Or are they abundant in Clear lake during the open water season too? Thanks!

[Kevan Paul]

Yeah we get into some in the open water season. It seems best when they go shallow to spawn.

[Kevan Paul]

Clear is about 1/3 open and it should be fishable by boat late next week. I hope to get out this weekend. I'll post something monday.