In terms of water level, this summer is looking pretty grim for Clear Lake, and for much of California in general. As I write this, the lake is currently sitting at 0.48 FT on the Rumsey gauge, which is exceptionally low for this point in the water year (March). The lake typically loses around 3-4 feet over the summer from evaporation and draw-down, which means we could be nearing -3.0 FT or lower by fall. The lowest that Clear Lake has ever been at the end of a water year is -3.39 FT. 

Of course, with that comes looming concerns from boaters (like myself) about the lake’s accessibility. By Fall 2021, many of the public ramps around the lake were closed due to low water. The Lucerne ramp remains closed from last year, and it is likely that additional ramps will again be closed by the end of summer this year. The lower, shallower water could also mean significant algae blooms (think back to the mess in 2013-2015). An extended dry season also means increased wildfire activity. None of this is good news for Californians, and especially not for Lake County’s economy and tourism. 

Will late Spring rains bring in some last-minute water for the year? Historically, Clear Lake receives an average of 3 inches of rainfall between March and May - and that factors in the very wet “bombardment” seasons. It’s unlikely that we’ll get anything substantial, but I’m hoping diligently like most Californians. 

On a more positive note, let’s talk about what all this means for fishing. Typically in low water years, the amount of “shallow” cover decreases significantly. In a normal or high water year, you can fish all the way to the back of most of Clear Lake’s docks, creeks and tule patches - all of the tasty cover where you’d expect to find spawning bass. When the water recedes, these areas may run dry or just become inaccessible, especially on the north end. Shallow flats become larger and more expansive, and the aquatic vegetation will be even more prolific.

I don’t have much to report on in terms of my own fishing. I am wrapping up several upgrades to my boat (new batteries, electronics and trolling motor) that have been taking longer than expected. The good news is, I should be back out on the water by the time this is posted. From what others have told me, there is a pretty good reaction bite going on, with fish being caught on most of the typical Spring baits…crankbaits, jerkbaits, underspins, spinnerbaits, etc.

I’ll be back with a more comprehensive report soon. Good luck and tight lines to fellow anglers.

PS: If you’re a weather/climate nerd like me, I highly recommend checking out Daniel Swain’s blog, Weather West. It is usually updated monthly, and features a wealth of unbiased, grounded insight and statistics related to California’s nerve-wracking climate.