Fishing Clearwater Lake

AKA: Clearwater Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Clearwater Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Clearwater Lake, MO

Popular Fish Species Clearwater Lake, MO

Clearwater Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Clearwater Lake continues to deliver great largemouth bass fishing for locals and bass tournament anglers. Careful fisheries management by the Missouri Department of Conservation has maintained a thriving bass fishery, providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Spotted bass also reside here in fair numbers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been very rewarding lately. Anytime bass seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Clearwater Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round.

Crappie Fishing

Clearwater Lake has been a decent crappie fishing lake for some time now. The lake has good populations of both black crappie and white crappie. These two species generally school by with their own, but once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Clearwater Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill and white bass at Clearwater Lake in Missouri.

Clearwater Lake Fishing Video

Located in the southeast corner of the state, Clearwater Lake is 1,630-acre reservoir on the Black River. Just six miles from Piedmont, MO you can fish for bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish. There are 27 miles of shoreline, sections of which are accessible for fishing from the bank.

Clearwater Lake is located in the southeast section of Missouri and offers exceptional fishing opportunities for anglers. The lake is known for its clear waters and abundant fish population, making it a popular destination for anglers seeking various species.

Catfish enthusiasts will also find plenty of action at Clearwater Lake, with both channel and flathead catfish present in good numbers. Anglers can employ a range of techniques to target catfish, such as bottom fishing with live or cut bait, using stink baits, or setting trot lines or jug lines. Fishing near the lake's deeper areas or along the shoreline can yield impressive catches of catfish.

Clearwater Lake in Missouri is a fantastic destination for anglers seeking largemouth and spotted bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. With its diverse fishery, clear waters, and opportunities for boating and camping, Clearwater Lake provides a memorable fishing experience for anglers of all levels of expertise.

Two marinas serve the boating visitors and there are public boat ramps for launching. Plenty of good fishing water is available via a canoe, kayak or row boat. Lots of submerged brush and vegetation concentrate the baitfish as well as the bass and crappie. Catfish tend to hang out near the river channels and the shallow feeding areas close to the channel.

Primary fish species residing in Clearwater Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Clearwater Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to the excellent fishing opportunities, Clearwater Lake offers boating and camping facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Anglers can enjoy boating on the lake, whether it's a motorized boat, kayak, or canoe, and explore different fishing spots.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Bluff View Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
573 223-4849

Webb Creek Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
573 461-2344

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Piedmont Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Camping Area B Road, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Webb Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off H Road, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Bluff View Marina
93 State Hwy AA
Piedmont, MO 63957
573 223-4849

Webb Creek Marina
10350 HWY H
Ellington, MO 63638
573 461-2344