Clear Lake Bass Guide

Spanish Flat, California
Short Day and Full Day Trips

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Carl Keller

Carl Keller

Independent Guide
US Veteran Veteran
Intense
Instructional
Beginner Oriented
Quality
Comfortable
Talkative
I’m Carl, owner/operator here in Northern California. I guide on Clear Lake in Lake County (which is the number one bass fishery in the country for the decade according to the BassMaster Magazine) and Lake Berryessa in Napa county. Both are exceptional lakes. Clearlake has Largemouth Bass and Berryessa has Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted Bass. Both lakes also have really good seasonal crappie fishing. The state record crappie (4 pounds 5 ounces) was caught out of Clear Lake about 3 years ago and 2-3 pounders are very common. The bass at Clear Lake are a Northern/Florida cross so they have characteristics of both. They are short and fat, mean and strong. Clear Lake is super fertile with many species of bait so the fish grow really big really fast here. The main food here is thread fin shad, Clearlake Hitch, silverside minnows, crawfish, and of course bluegill and young crappie. The Clearlake Hitch is a native fish here. It’s basically a minnow that will grow to 2 pounds. It’s the favorite food of the bass here.

A little about me....

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Carl Keller

Carl Keller

Independent Guide
I’m Carl, owner/operator here in Northern California. I guide on Clear Lake in Lake County (which is the number one bass fishery in the country for the decade according to the BassMaster Magazine) and Lake Berryessa in Napa county. Both are exceptional lakes. Clearlake has Largemouth Bass and Berryessa has Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted Bass. Both lakes also have really good seasonal crappie fishing. The state record crappie (4 pounds 5 ounces) was caught out of Clear Lake about 3 years ago and 2-3 pounders are very common. The bass at Clear Lake are a Northern/Florida cross so they have characteristics of both. They are short and fat, mean and strong. Clear Lake is super fertile with many species of bait so the fish grow really big really fast here. The main food here is thread fin shad, Clearlake Hitch, silverside minnows, crawfish, and of course bluegill and young crappie. The Clearlake Hitch is a native fish here. It’s basically a minnow that will grow to 2 pounds. It’s the favorite food of the bass here.

A little about me.
I grew up in south Arkansas and started fishing for bluegill and crappie with my dad and mom when I was very young. Actually I can’t remember not fishing since I could walk. I started bass fishing around 7 years old and catch my first 5 pounder out of a pond at age 9. Ever since then bass fishing has been my main choice. I grew up on the lakes and rivers in Arkansas. I also fished lakes in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Florida. This experience has made me a very versatile fisherman. In 1990 I joined the US Air Force and moved to California. I have been fishing Clear Lake since 1992 and have caught many (100+)double digit bass. I started tournament fishing in 1997 and still fish tournaments today. I’ve also fish many other lakes and rivers in California. In 2009 I moved to Lake County and started guiding. I really enjoy getting my clients on a fish of a lifetime which can happen on any cast at either lake. Bass fishing is my passion!
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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
13 pounds 14 pounces
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Ribeye steak
What’s your favorite band?
George Strait.
What’s your favorite movie?
Road House - Patrick Swayze

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
13 pounds 14 pounces
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Ribeye steak
What’s your favorite band?
George Strait.
What’s your favorite movie?
Road House - Patrick Swayze
What’s your favorite sports team?
LA Dodgers
What’s your drink of choice?
Water
What was your last halloween costume?
?
What do you want for Christmas this year?
Fishing gear
How did you get started guiding?
Dad and mom and grandpa
What makes you different from other guides?
More fishing experience (50+ years)
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Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing

NEW 1 - 3 People 5 - 8 Hours From $460
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips
Short Day and Full Day Trips

About Your Trip

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Get ready to experience the thrill of bass fishing with Captain Carl, your expert guide on the legendary waters of Clear Lake, CA—widely celebrated as the “Bass Capital of the West”! With over 30 years of bass fishing experience and more than two decades spent mastering Clear Lake and nearby Lake Berryessa, Captain Carl knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you’re a first-timer hoping to land your very first bass or...

About Your Trip

Get ready to experience the thrill of bass fishing with Captain Carl, your expert guide on the legendary waters of Clear Lake, CA—widely celebrated as the “Bass Capital of the West”! With over 30 years of bass fishing experience and more than two decades spent mastering Clear Lake and nearby Lake Berryessa, Captain Carl knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you’re a first-timer hoping to land your very first bass or a tournament angler looking to hone your skills, Carl has you covered.

On this adventure, you’ll be fishing from a fully rigged Ranger bass boat, designed for comfort and efficiency on these bass-filled waters. With all necessary safety gear on board, plus ice and water to keep you refreshed, you can focus on what matters—catching fish and having a blast! Carl is passionate about creating a top-notch experience for every guest, snapping trip photos to help you capture every big catch and unforgettable moment.

Clear Lake is famed for its largemouth bass population, with ample opportunities to hook into trophy-sized fish. And if you’re up for a change of scene, Carl also offers trips on Lake Berryessa, where you can go after a triple-threat lineup of largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass—all in the same action-packed day!

As an avid bass tournament competitor, Carl fishes in over 20 competitions each year, giving him the edge when it comes to understanding seasonal patterns, prime fishing spots, and the most effective techniques. He’s excited to share his knowledge with you, whether that means teaching the basics or refining advanced strategies for your next tournament.

So grab your gear and get ready for an exciting day of bass fishing! With Carl’s expertise and passion for the sport, you’re in for an unforgettable journey on the water.
Amenities

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 14 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Beer

No beer allowed.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
Boat photo for Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
Boat photo for Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
Boat Type
Bass Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Ranger
Engine Manufacturer
Evinrude
Total Horsepower
250

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Bass Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Ranger
Engine Manufacturer
Evinrude
Total Horsepower
250
Number of Engines
1
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Largemouth Bass
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
Smallmouth Bass
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
Spotted Bass
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
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  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing

Type of Fishing

Lake

Need a Place to Stay?

Clear Lake Bass Guide Photo Gallery

Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
Clear Lake Ultimate Bass Fishing
November 5th, 2024
Spanish Flat, California
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