Bassmaster names Clear Lake #1 Best Bass Lake in America!

We’ve been saying for years that Clear Lake boasts the best bass fishing in the west. Well, we’re proud to say we’re not the only ones bragging. Clear Lake has been named to the “100 Best Bass Lakes in America for 2025” by none other than Bassmaster.

Its spot? Number one!

You read that right. For the first time since 2020, our beautiful blue, 43,785-acre namesake has been named number one in the entire nation! 

Five-hundred lakes were in contention. One-hundred lakes made the cut. But Clear Lake topped the list, meaning America’s oldest lake is once again our country’s best for bass fishing! Kinda makes us tear up with pride. Just a little.

Here’s what the fine folks at Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (a.k.a. B.A.S.S.) had to say: 

“This fishery has endured decades of tournament traffic and still produces monsters year-round,” said B.A.S.S. Conservation Director Gene Gilliland. “It’s a testament to both the ecosystem’s productivity and sound fisheries management.”

Aw, shucks. Thanks Gene. We’re so grateful to all of the fishery folks who made this possible, as well as the anglers who keep coming back for more. There’s a reason: Like Gene said, we’ve got some big, big mouths. Just this spring angler Gary Collins notched a 15-bass, 102.81-pound total at the WON Bass Open, fishing alongside his friend and fellow fisherman, John Pearl. Trust us, there are plenty more monsters lurking in these depths.

Clear Lake is our personal pride and joy, but we’re not interested in keeping her all to ourselves. Nope, we’re proud to share Clear Lake with anglers from near and far.

Is that you?

If you’re planning an excursion to the Best Bass Lake in America, here’s how to plan your angler adventure!

Stay

Clear Lake is bursting with big mouths, and the nearby towns are just as plentiful with places to stay! Skylark Shores Resort boasts a legendary waterfront setting that rolls right up to the lake shore, plus magnificent views of Mt. Konocti. They even have a boat launch to boot! Feel like lounging in the lap of luxury, Lake County-style? Clear Lake Cottages and Marina features a premier resort experience for anglers of all ages. Would you rather “rough it?” Clear Lake Campground offers a vintage all-American vacation straight out of 1956, with a few modern amenities and a lot of old-school charm. Or heck, why not get a little bit  “out of the ordinary” (this is Lake County, after all) and choo-choo-choose to stay in one of nine antique railroad cabooses at Featherbed Bed & Breakfast? To be honest, you can’t go wrong with any of Clear Lake’s nearby lodging opportunities, just make sure to plan ahead (they can get pretty popular, you know).

Play

“What else is there to do besides fish?” Oh boy, don’t get us started. Sure, you’re liable to want to spend most of your time on the water, but if you have some extra time (or you’re bringing loved ones who don’t fish) Lake County features plenty of fun everywhere you look. Besides being the “Best Bass Lake in America,” we’re also home to the fastest-growing region in wine country! Oh, and we offer California’s clearest skies,  with 600,000 acres of public land and more than 400 miles of hiking trails to enjoy them. We’ve got adorable downtowns and rustic rural areas, scrumptious spots to eat, loads of casino gaming action, and historical attractions that date back to the Stone Age. Finally, our most famous “resident” happens to be a 10,000-year-old volcano, whose summit boasts some of the most breathtaking views your eyes have ever seen! It almost doesn’t seem fair we happen to have so much going for us. But here’s the thing: we’re the first to admit we’ve been blessed (a lot!), and are more than happy to share our 1,328 square mile slice of heaven with everyone. Because the thing that we have been blessed with the most is a sense of gratitude and hospitality.

Fish

Okay, okay, we get it. We have lots of places to stay and play, but you’re here to fish! Well, here are some tips to get you on your journey. Clearlake Oaks Boat Launch is a one-acre park that packs a punch. Besides the boat launch, there’s a fishing pier, picnic area, and BBQ pits. And before you ask, yes you can bring your dog (just make sure your favorite fishing buddy is on a leash). If you need to stock up on supplies, you can get your gear at Bass Hounds – Tackle Pros, your one-stop-shop for all you need to strike a monster bass … or catfish … or crappie … or lots of fish, really. Want a guide for your day on the lake? We have so many guide services to choose from: there’s “Adam’s Whoop Bass Guide,” “Bass Fishin’ with Richard,” “Bassin’ with Bob,” “Clearlake Family Guide Service,” “Ross England’s Clear Lake Guide Service,” and “Taylored Guide Service.” Yes, these dudes get to fish for a living. Yes, it’s really, really awesome.  And if you need an easy way to rent a bass boat (or a pontoon, ski boat,  jet ski, kayak, or SUP for that matter) Disney Boat Rental makes magic happen.

Being named the “Best Lake in America 2025” is our achievement – but it is your opportunity to enjoy.

Because the only thing better than going bass fishing, is going bass fishing with new and old friends.  That means you.

We hope you’ll make the trip our way, and we’ll see ya when ya get here.

Plan Your Trip