California's Oldest Lake, and One of Its Best
Why Rent On Clear Lake
Clear Lake in Lake County is California’s largest natural freshwater lake entirely within the state, and geologists estimate it is over two million years old, making it ancient even by the standards of ancient things. At 68 square miles, it spreads across a basin ringed by volcanic peaks and rolling vineyards, with the charming lakeside town of Lakeport on its western shore. The fishing here is the stuff of California angling legend, with largemouth bass tournaments drawing professional and amateur anglers from across the country every season.
Lakeport Rentals for the Full Experience
Vacation rentals and lakehouses in Lakeport and the surrounding Clear Lake communities offer families waterfront access with the full comfort of a private home. A lakefront rental with a private dock, full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and a deck overlooking the water is the only proper way to experience Clear Lake’s scale and character. Many properties sleeps ten or more guests, making them ideal for family reunions or multi-family groups who want to share this extraordinary lake together.
Fish, Boat, Kayak, and Watch the Birds
Bass fishing at Clear Lake is world-class, and the annual professional tournaments that cycle through Lakeport are a testament to the lake’s consistent productivity. Disney’s Boat Rentals provides pontoon access for families who want a leisurely cruise across the lake’s expansive bays. Birdwatchers find the shoreline marshes of Clear Lake State Park particularly rewarding, with great blue herons, white pelicans, and a variety of waterfowl inhabiting the lake’s wetland edges throughout the year.
Wine Country Meets Lake Country
The vineyards surrounding Clear Lake in Lake County produce wines that have earned growing recognition from California wine enthusiasts, and estates like Brassfield and Shannon Ridge offer tasting experiences that are far more relaxed and accessible than their Napa and Sonoma counterparts. A morning on the water and an afternoon at a lakeside winery is one of the more civilized ways to spend a summer day in Northern California.
Park Place Restaurant for Lakeside Elegance
Park Place Restaurant in Lakeport offers refined lakeside dining with views of Clear Lake that make every meal feel like an occasion. The combination of world-class fishing, a vast, ancient lake, wine country culture, and excellent local dining makes Clear Lake one of California’s most rewarding and underappreciated lake destinations. A well-chosen vacation rental puts your family right at the center of everything the lake has to offer.
- Surface area (mi)
- 111.85
- Max depth (ft)
- 59.06
- Elevation (ft)
- 1328.74
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 99.42
Popular activities
- Boating
- Wakeboarding
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Ice Skating
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Clear Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, it is not always safe to swim in Clear Lake. The lake often has harmful algal blooms with high levels of toxins that can pose health threats to humans and pets. Swimmers should avoid areas with algae and scum and check for posted advisory signs indicating danger, warning, or caution levels.
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Clear Lake is a popular destination for outdoor activities and wildlife enthusiasts because it offers various water recreation such as swimming, fishing, boating, and water-skiing. The lake is also a nesting place for waterfowl and has hiking trails like the Indian Nature Trail and Kelsey Creek Trail that highlight its natural and cultural history.
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You can catch various fish species in Clear Lake, California, including native species like Sacramento perch, rainbow trout, and Sacramento sucker, as well as introduced species such as largemouth bass, black and white crappie, and catfish. The lake also has populations of green sunfish, bluegill, and Mississippi silverside.
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The Highlands Springs Recreation Area is best for families. It has a large beach area, calm reservoir, picnic areas with BBQs, restrooms, and activities like fishing, hiking, and biking. This spot is about half an hour from Clear Lake Campground and allows only non-motorized boats.
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Towns near Clear Lake include Clearlake, Lower Lake, Lakeport, Upper Lake, Clearlake Oaks, Glenhaven, Lucerne, and Nice. These towns are located along the shores of Clear Lake in Lake County, Northern California. They offer various community settings from lakeside living to mountainous areas.
