Annual Prospects Report
Clearwater Lake supports quality largemouth bass and spotted bass populations. For the past ten years, 30% of the largemouth bass collected during our annual spring electrofishing surveys have been > 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.
In the spring 2022 fish survey, there were numerous 7- and 8-inch white crappie were collected. In 2023, these fish should provide anglers with quality size fish. 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 Webb Creek 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.
Each March, the Corps of Engineers and Missouri Department of Conservation staff try to construct large, hardwood brushpiles in the lake. These brushpiles always hold good numbers of bass and crappie. In 2022, MDC staff placed five porcupine crips and 40 spawning benches in the lake. Maps showing these locations can be obtained by the Southeast Regional Office at 573-290-5730.
