Paul "Big Bait Bailey" is a well-known angler, especially recognized in the West Coast fishing scene for his expertise in fishing Clear Lake and catching giant bass. Clear Lake, located in Lake County, California, is the largest natural freshwater lake wholly within the state and is believed to be one of the oldest lakes in North America. Bailey is our guest this week on Bass University Live (February 2025) to discuss big bass fishing on lakes like Clear Lake. The expansive, warm water of Clear Lake is a popular spot for fishing, and is known as the "Bass Capital of the West". The lake is home to gamefish like largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, carp, and catfish. These fish feed on forage like hitch, shad and sculpin. Drought conditions can negatively affect the lake, impacting baitfish populations and, consequently, the bass population.
Drought conditions in Clear Lake since 2017 have negatively impacted bait fish, including the hitch, which need current from creeks to spawn. Rains over the last couple of years have brought the lake back to full pool, and fishing is back on. Bailey stresses that the same baits/techniques may not work as they did 8 years ago. He also stresses the importance of catching the stupidest bass out of the conditioned schools that may follow your bait. Bailey highlights his top 5 baits for big bass (and Clear Lake) as well as using forward-facing sonar to locate baitfish.
Big Bait Bailey Clear Lake Topics

1:34 Clear Lake Conditions (Drought & Resurgence)
9:16 Understanding Clear Lake Baitfish (Hitch, Shad & Sculpin)
10:57 Adapting to Water Level Changes
17:36 Bait Size Selection (Particularly for Hitch)
29:36 From Huddlestons to Glide Baits
32:22 Paul Bailey's Top 5 Clear Lake Fishing Lures
53:42 Alabama Rigs on Clear Lake
56:14 Clear Lake Depths and Water Clarity
1:02:50 Best Times to Fish Clear Lake