American Bass Clear Lake July Classic

The American Bass Clear Lake July Classic takes place Monday, July 13, 2026, at Soda Bay Marina in Clearlake, California, bringing anglers of all skill levels to compete for cash prizes on the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within the Golden State. This single-day black bass fishing derby launches at sunrise on 43,000 acres of legendary water—ranked by Bassmaster Magazine as the number one bass lake on the West Coast and third best in the nation—where two-thirds of all fish caught are largemouth bass and any cast could produce the trophy of a lifetime. Following the competition, the celebration continues shoreside with live music, local food vendors, artisan markets, children’s activities, and a fireworks display that illuminates the evening sky over these storied waters.

Clear Lake occupies a place of geological wonder in California’s Lake County, a body of water nearly half a million years old that sits within a basin where lakes have formed and reformed for some 2.5 million years. Several thousand years ago, a landslide blocked natural drainage into the Russian River, and water rose until it found an outlet through Cache Creek into the Sacramento River, creating the 68 square miles of surface area and 100 miles of shoreline that anglers navigate today. The Pomo people recognized this abundance millennia ago—archaeological evidence confirms human habitation here for 12,000 years—and called the native Clear Lake hitch “chi,” a fish that still swims these waters alongside the Florida and Northern strain largemouth bass that California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife began stocking in the 1950s. The lake’s shallow average depth of 21 feet, warm temperatures, and over one million crawdads provide the protein-rich forage that produces bass averaging two to four pounds, with specimens over ten pounds caught regularly and a lake record standing at an astonishing 17.52 pounds, landed by Jerry Basgal in 1990.

The waters surrounding Soda Bay offer more than just exceptional fishing—they cradle an ecosystem where pelicans, ospreys, bald eagles, and great blue herons patrol the shoreline while deer, bear, and mountain lion roam the surrounding hills beneath the shadow of volcanic Mount Konocti. The tournament atmosphere blends competitive intensity with the casual warmth of a lakeside community gathering, where families spread blankets along the shore, dogs are welcome to join the festivities, and couples discover romantic vantage points as the July sun settles toward the western hills. Pack picnic blankets, folding chairs, and sunscreen for a full day that transitions seamlessly from the adrenaline of weigh-ins to the relaxed rhythms of an evening celebration capped by fireworks reflecting across the lake’s surface.

Lake County’s dining scene offers distinctive rewards for hungry anglers: the Riviera Hills Restaurant overlooks Clear Lake from the shadow of Mount Konocti, featuring a menu crafted around local wines, fruits, and vegetables from surrounding vineyards. For casual lakeside fare, Main Street Bar & Grill in Clearlake delivers fish and chips, chicken fried steak, and hearty burgers with small-town hospitality, while Saw Shop in Kelseyville brings farm-to-table excellence with wood-fired pizza alongside local wines, craft beers, and seasonal cocktails. Danny’s Road Side Kitchen and Catfish Coffee House draw loyal followings from tournament regulars who appreciate generous portions and genuine Lake County character. For accommodations that position you perfectly for tournament morning, explore nearby lodging options on Lake.com and start planning your California bass fishing adventure today.