2022 Fishing Tournaments on Clear Lake

The first breath of spring comes to Lake County in February. The grass starts to grow, a few early wildflowers begin to pop up, and the lake comes alive. Bass break out of their winter lethargy and get active. Plus, the lake’s bass tournaments get started.

For example, The Lake County Chamber of Commerce’s Team Bass Tournament is one of the most popular. Having run for 34 years, it brings teams from all over the nearby counties, Northern California, and from as far as the Midwest. Pickup trucks hauling bass boats appear in Lakeport, parking in Library Park. It’s one of the best Bass tournaments in California, nationally recognized, and always draws a crowd. The Team Bass Tournament is happening on March 12th and 13th this year.

Another great Lake County tradition is Clearlake Oaks’ Catfish Derby. A tradition in the Oaks for over thirty years, the Catfish Derby is as much fun to watch as fish in. There’s steep competition, and it’s also a great time for kids as well. In 2017, 11-year old Tanner Castillo entered as an adult and won the contest with a 28.81 lb. cat. Families line up on the beaches, bring picnics, and put out a line. Grandfathers wake their grandchildren early in the morning and get out on the lake just as the sun peeps out over the mountains. And they bring in big fish; twenty-five to twenty-eight pound winners happen regularly. Happening on May 13^th, 14^th, and 15^th, this year.

However, those are just the two biggest local tournaments. There’s always at least one tournament happening every month this year. Several organizations such as Wild West Bass Trails, Bass Anglers of Northern California, American Bass, and NewJen Bass Tournaments have multiple contests planned. Even though covid has resulted in fewer tournaments for 2022, thirty-nine are still happening. That means that if you’re coming to do some fishing and have some fun, odds are you’ll be able to find a tournament happening on the weekend you visit. Here’s where to find the list of all the tournaments in Lake County this year.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, Lake County has several excellent lodging options. Favored by fishers for generations, Skylark Shores Resort offers clean, spacious rooms as well as a boat launch on-site. Plus, the place has a friendly atmosphere that feels a bit like stepping back in time. For a quiet, unique getaway, spend a night in one of The Featherbed Railroad’s themed cabooses. Whether you’re spending a night on the Orient Express or in Casablanca, you’ll have a good time. And if you prefer to bring an RV or camp, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something more family-friendly and inviting than Clear Lake Campground. Located on the banks of Cache Creek, it offers fishing from your campsite, as well as kayak, canoe, and small boat rentals, a swimming pool, and a laid-back, casual atmosphere. And if you want to experience nature while you fish, be sure to check out Clear Lake State Park; it’s got 600 acres filled with multiple campsites, hiking trails, and a boat launch.

The best way to keep up on the tournaments and fishing in Clear Lake is to follow the Clearlake Bassmasters on Facebook.