Brown Trout

Brown Trout fishing near Clearlake requires a bit more dedication, but the rewards can be substantial. While not as prevalent as Rainbows, Browns can be found in deeper sections of the tributaries feeding into Clearlake, especially those with colder, spring-fed sources. Focus your efforts during the early morning or late evening hours, when these fish are most active. Larger streamer patterns that imitate baitfish or crayfish often produce the best results. A key local tip is to target areas with submerged structure, such as fallen logs or undercut banks, as these provide ideal ambush points for Browns. Be aware that these fish can be quite wary, so a stealthy approach is essential. The Brown Trout population in this area is relatively small, so practice catch and release to help maintain the fishery.