At Nemo’s Fishing Guide Service, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re fishing with John Chargualaf, a true local legend with 50 years of experience. John knows the waters of Northern California like the back of his hand and has helped generations of anglers reel in unforgettable catches. If you’re searching for Clear Lake CA fishing guides who know where the fish are and how to catch them, you’ve come to the right place. Our boat is a reliable 20-foot beauty, powered by a 350 V8 engine. It’s built for comfort and just the right size to give groups of up to four people a personal, relaxed experience. We fish some of the most scenic and productive waters in the region, including the California River, Betwa River, Yuba River, Bouledge Holland’s Lake, and, of course, Clear Lake—where we offer some of the best guided fishing trips in Clear Lake California. We go after all the good stuff—sturgeon, bass, crappie, bluegill, and shad. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned angler, we’ll set you up for success. Looking for the best freshwater fishing in Northern California? This is it. John’s laid-back approach makes everyone feel welcome, and he’s always happy to share his tips, tricks, and local secrets to help you land a great catch. When you're out on the water with us, it’s all about having a good time, learning something new, and making memories. John’s been doing this long enough to know how to tailor the day to fit exactly what you're looking for—whether that’s chasing big fish or just soaking up the peaceful beauty of the lake with a rod in hand. Before you come, be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and dress for the weather. You’ll also want to pack some snacks and drinks to keep you going through the day. Anyone 14 and under must wear a life vest (we’ve got those), and you’ll need a California fishing license—but don’t stress if you’re not sure how to get one. We’re happy to help with that part. To lock in your trip, we require a 50% deposit. It’s non-refundable, but you can reschedule with at least 3 weeks’ notice. If you need to move things around within 48 hours, the deposit will be lost. And just a heads-up: no-shows mean no-go—we want to make sure everyone gets the most out of their day on the water.

EPSG:4269

Largemouth Bass

Current Conditions, Hot Bites & Pro Tips for Clear Lake Anglers

Fishing is heating up on Clear Lake, and now’s a great time to get out there! Water temps are hovering in the low 70s, and the bite has been solid across the board. Visibility is decent, with light algae starting to show in some areas but nothing that’s stopping the fish from feeding.

Bass are the main stars right now—post-spawn action is on, and they’re hitting hard around rocky points, docks, and submerged grass beds. Topwater lures are starting to produce early in the morning, while soft plastics and jigs are working well throughout the day. If you’re patient and methodical, you’ll likely get into some quality largemouth.

Crappie are stacking up around brush and dock pilings in 8 to 12 feet of water. Minnows and small jigs under floats are doing the trick, especially near Rattlesnake Island and Cache Creek. Expect steady action if you stay mobile and target structure.

Bluegill are active and biting, making it a great time to bring kids or beginners out. Use worms or small plastics near shallow weed lines and docks—simple setups are all you need for fun, consistent action.

Catfish are also starting to stir with the warming water. Chicken liver, stink bait, and cut mackerel have all been solid choices in deeper holes and along the rocky banks in the evening.

Don’t forget—anyone 14 or under must wear a life vest, and a valid California fishing license is required for adults. If you’re not sure how to get one, we’re happy to help before your trip.

Want to hit these hotspots with a local expert? Book a guided trip with Nemo’s Fishing Guide Service and fish with Captain John, who’s been guiding Clear Lake for 50 years. He knows exactly where to go and what’s biting.

Two coho salmon being caught in Olivehurst

A lone fisherman enjoying a catch on the coast of CA.

Photograph of a single pink salmon, caught in Olivehurst

Three largemouth bass caught in Olivehurst

Ready to make unforgettable memories on the water? Book your adventure today with Nemo’s Fishing Guide Service in Clear Lake and Northern California’s top rivers—where expert guidance meets thrilling catches!

Nemo’s Fishing Guide Service offers unforgettable fishing trips on Clear Lake and top Northern California rivers, including the Sacramento, Yuba, and Feather. Led by Captain John Chargualaf—who brings over 50 years of hands-on experience—every charter is personalized, relaxed, and rooted in deep local knowledge. Whether you're after bass, crappie, sturgeon, or seasonal striper and shad, John knows exactly where to go and what tactics to use, making your time on the water productive and enjoyable. Perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike, each trip is designed to match your pace and skill level. With a comfortable 20-foot boat, small group sizes, and a captain who’s fished these waters for decades, you’ll enjoy a hands-on, guided experience you won’t find anywhere else. Book your trip today with Nemo’s Fishing Guide Service and let a local pro show you the best of Clear Lake and Northern California fishing.

Captain John Chargualaf has spent more than five decades studying the currents, contours, and hidden structure of Clear Lake and the surrounding Northern California rivers. Friends and fellow anglers describe him as a walking almanac of local fishing history—someone who can recall water levels, baitfish migrations, and record catches from memory. That deep-rooted knowledge means guests don’t just catch fish; they gain an insider’s perspective on how these waters have evolved and why they remain so productive today. Ask anyone who has shared a boat with John, and they’ll mention his calm, encouraging style. He believes clear instruction and patient guidance turn a good day on the lake into a memorable one. Whether coaching a child through a first cast or fine-tuning a seasoned angler’s jig presentation, John adapts to each person’s pace. His goal is simple: make sure everyone steps off the dock with new skills, fresh stories, and a renewed appreciation for Northern California’s fisheries. John’s commitment to the resource shows in the way he tracks seasonal patterns and water conditions. Before every trip, he reviews recent weather, forage activity, and spawning cycles to pinpoint where bass, crappie, bluegill, sturgeon, or shad are feeding. That real-time approach keeps guests on productive water year-round and underscores why Clear Lake CA fishing guides with genuine local insight are so valuable. The vessel itself is a sturdy 20-foot craft powered by a reliable 350 V8 engine. Designed for small groups of up to four, it offers a stable deck with plenty of room for casting and quick access to shoreline pockets, mid-lake humps, and river seams. Safety gear is up to date, seating is comfortable, and the layout lets John stay close enough to coach without crowding the action—an ideal platform for learning, relaxing, and landing fish in some of Northern California’s finest waters.

Check out our fishing spots! The red zone marks prime fishing areas, while the pins show where we meet guests. Locations may vary by season and conditions. Let’s go fishing!

Expert Clear Lake & North California Rivers Fishing Guide

Fishing License

Things to Do

Clear Lake Fish

Top Things to Do in California

California Fishing License

What Fish Can You Catch in Clear Lake California

<h3>What types of fishing trips do you offer?</h3>Nemo’s Fishing Guide Service offers guided fishing trips on Clear Lake and top Northern California rivers including the Sacramento, Feather, and Yuba. Trips are tailored for small groups, targeting species like bass, crappie, bluegill, sturgeon, striped bass, and shad, depending on the season and location. <h3>How much does a fishing trip cost?</h3>Pricing varies based on trip length and location. Most trips require a 50% deposit to secure your spot. Visit our Rates page for current pricing, or contact us directly to get a custom quote based on your group size and desired trip. <h3>What's included in the fishing trip?</h3>All fishing trips include expert guidance from Captain John Chargualaf, a comfortable 20-foot boat, and all essential tackle and gear. You’ll also receive one-on-one instruction and access to proven fishing hotspots throughout Clear Lake and the nearby rivers. <h3>What should I bring on my fishing trip?</h3>We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and wearing weather-appropriate clothing. You should also bring your own food and drinks. A valid California fishing license is required—we can assist you in getting one if needed. <h3>Do I need a fishing license?</h3>Yes, all anglers aged 16 and older must have a valid California fishing license. Kids under 14 must wear a life vest during the trip. If you don’t have a license yet, we can guide you through the process before your trip. <h3>When is the best time to go fishing?</h3>Fishing is productive year-round, but the best times are usually spring and fall for bass and crappie, and late spring through early summer for shad and striped bass. Sturgeon bite best in cooler months when river conditions are right. <h3>How many people can join a trip?</h3>Our trips are designed for small, private groups of up to four people. This allows for a relaxed, personalized experience where everyone gets individual attention and instruction from the captain. <h3>What happens if I need to reschedule?</h3>You can reschedule your trip up to 3 weeks in advance. We require 48 hours' notice for short-term rescheduling; otherwise, you risk forfeiting your deposit. No-shows are non-refundable, so please contact us as early as possible. <h3>Where do we meet before the trip?</h3>Meeting spots vary depending on the best fishing conditions and waterbody for that day—Clear Lake or one of the rivers. We’ll confirm the exact location with you ahead of time to ensure a smooth start to your trip.

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