Annual Prospects Report
Clearwater Lake supports quality largemouth bass and spotted bass populations. During our annual spring electrofishing survey this past year, 25% of the largemouth bass collected were > 15”; which is outstanding. Spotted are not as common as largemouth bass, but fish >14” are present. Clearwater Lake does not have a length limit on black bass.
During the spring 2023 fish survey, we captured numerous white crappie between 8 and 12 inches. Almost 70% of the white crappie collected were longer than 9". Clearwater Lake supports a good white bass population. In April and early May, white bass migrate up the Black River to spawn; the best fishing is upstream of Bluff View Marina. White bass of 1-3 pounds are common.
Channel catfish are common, throughout the lake. Flathead catfish are also present in the lake in low numbers. Every year, anglers report catching a few 40-pound flathead catfish.
Every year the Corps of Engineers and Missouri Department of Conservation staff try to construct hardwood brush piles in the lake. These brush piles always hold good numbers of bass and crappie. In 2023, 14 brush piles were constructed near Bluff View Marina. Maps showing these locations can be obtained by contacting the Southeast Regional Office at 573-290-5730.
