Clear Lake Fishing reports by Paul’s Fishing Guide

[Kevan Paul]

WOW. Clear Lake Yellows are on Fire. The bite is the best its been all year. Small jigs and live bait or ripple shads have been good. We fished 3 hours tonight and caught 150. Today was just a good day of fishing all around.

[Kevan Paul]

Well kids the Yellow Bass are still going strong. The fish have made a move to the weed line and they are stacked up pretty good. Not saying you can't get some out deep but if you want 100 plus I think you need to be less than 6ft. We are still running small jigs with a Ripple shad or a minnow!!! The Musky bite has also been pretty good. Its hard work but its a lot of fun when you get hooked up!!

[NIBOWMAN]

Any word on the yellows. I would like to get my son out sunday for maybe the last time this fall. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

[Kevan Paul]

The Yellows have been going good. Most fish are being caught in the little lake.

[Kevan Paul]

I've had some good reports of Gills coming from Clear Lake this fall. Early ice will be the best time to target some of these guys. These fish will be very shallow. I'm looking forward to trying out some new plastics on these guys! SHOULD BE FUN!!!!!

[Kevan Paul]

Ice is right around the corner. If everything goes well we might be able to find some ice next week. If you start your hunt for ice next week make sure your safe. Bring a rope, life jacket and spud bar. Also make sure you tell somebody where you are going. Be Safe and have fun.

[Kevan Paul]

Its time to start talking ice fishing. I've been out a few times and each time I did well. The ice is running 3 to 5 inches. Most of the keeper fish are in 9 fow or less. I've been running the new dingle drop by clam and that has been a very good bait. Farmers beach should have around 4 to 5 inches. Tomorrow I'll be out most of the day and I'll try to post another report tomorrow night.

[JIvers]

Thanks for the report!

I'm hoping to find safe ice on some small ponds around Coralville today, but if not I'll be making a road trip tomorrow...

[Kevan Paul]

Hi folks. I've had some good bites over the last few days. The ice is still 4 to 5 and its only going to get better. I've fished a couple ponds in Mason City and also Clear Lake. If your looking for a fun bite try fishing the shallows at clear lake. Along the bulrushes has been pretty good. Lots of fish and some sorting is needed but still a fun bite.

[Kevan Paul]

The Ice is good. Everything I found is 10 inches plus. I've been catching some Yellows and Crappie in the little lake. Fish Shallow and keep on the move.

[dale struck]

I am new to Iowa and just started ice fishing again 3 years ago. I have been fishing Mississippi river in SE minn.

I live in Waterloo and would appreciate any tips and ideas where I can go and what to use.

OH my wife has never fished ice at all and she needs to catch some or she will not go any more.

Thanks in advance for anything you might have for me.

[Kevan Paul]

I'm not to familiar with the waterloo area. I would check with your local bait shop. I believe there is a shop called Hanks Bait. They are very good and great place to info.

I'll be out this week and I will try to post more reports as I get them.

[delmuts]

Dale. Most certainly give Hanks a call at 319-234-0711. Mike (the owner) and Dan are great guys and will help you out. If the ice is safe and he has the time; Mike may even take you out to help get you started!

[dale struck]

Thanks for advice and I will definately talk to the guys at Hanks.

[Tullies]

Kevin,

Any update on the yellow bass at Clear Lake? How thick is the ice now?

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

14 inches as of last night on the big lake (Farmers Beach). I haven't been on the "little" lake. There are plenty of yellow bass that are about 5 inches long. No walleyes so far.

[Kevan Paul]

Yep the ice is around 14 and the Yesterday we had 168 Yellows 7 to 9 inches most around 7.5 and we also had 4 keeper walleyes. 15 to 17 inches. All of these fish came from the Big Lake. The best thing I can tell ya is to keep on the move. We have switched to spoons to try and focus on the Walleyes. 6 to 10 fow

[Tullies]

I'm planning to fish the small lake for some yellow this Saturday. Any report from there other than the big lake?

[Tullies]

Also, I figured people are driving onto the lake already?

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

Yes they are but stay away from the aerators>

[MidCoast]

Yes they are but stay away from the aerators>

Are there any Aerators out on the small lake?

[Kevan Paul]

No aerators in the little lake. If your looking for Yellows you should fish the big lake. The only thing going in the little lake right now is a few 9 to 10 1/2 inch Crappie. We have also been getting some keeper Walleye in the big lake. Fish the pump house or farmers for the walleye and yellows. Spoons and minnow heads have been good. If your looking for Yellows run a drop jig with spikes.

[Tullies]

Kevan,

Where is the pump house or farmers located?

[Tullies]

I located the pump house and the farmers beach. Thanks.

[Kevan Paul]

Sounds good!