Clear Lake, known as the “Bass Capital of the West,” will be the site of the next stop on the BAM Trail Pro Am circuit. Not only is this a highly anticipated event, but it will also determine the Angler of the Year and the anglers qualifying for the Super 60.
The event, taking place from October 4-6, promises fierce competition for the legendary largemouth bass that Clear Lake is famous for.
“We are expecting a very good bite at Clear Lake,” said pro angler Ken Mah, renowned for his success across California’s top fisheries. “Fall fishing is slowly arriving, and the fish are just starting to transition. The big fish are biting, and we’ll see some significant weights—a team event last week produced multiple limits over 25 lbs.”
Adding to the buzz, Ish Monroe, another top pro on the BAM circuit, shared his thoughts on the upcoming tournament. “Clear Lake in late summer is one of my favorite times to fish it,” said Monroe. “Clear Lake is one of those lakes that fishes well from summer into fall. You’ve got to be ready to switch tactics. A frog and a punching rig will be key in the tulles, but don’t sleep on the River2Sea Biggie or an S-Waver near the docks.”
Water Conditions are Setting Up for Success
The water level is 2.32 feet down, five feet from the spring, but there is still plenty of water in the tulles. Current water conditions at Clear Lake, including moderate clarity (1 to 3 feet) and water temperatures in the mid-70s, suggest that the bass are still in summer patterns. Both Mah and Monroe predict that anglers will find success using various techniques; you can catch them however you prefer—whether it’s finesse, frogging, or flipping.
“This time of year, the fish are chasing bait, and they’ll be holding in the tulles, around docks, and also offshore on rock piles and ledges. There will be opportunities for everyone—whether you’re throwing topwater or working a deep crank,” said Mah.
Monroe agreed, emphasizing that reaction baits could also play a major role: “If the wind kicks up, look for a squarebill or a chatterbait to do some damage. When those fish are aggressive, they’ll crush it.”
Versatile Techniques Will Prevail
Mah also highlighted the importance of versatility at Clear Lake. “No one wins by sticking to just one pattern. You need to be able to adjust and cover water. A flipping stick will be a key player for big bites, but don’t overlook a chatterbait or a squarebill.”
Monroe echoed this sentiment, adding, “The key to Clear Lake is knowing when to change it up. Whether you’re punching grass or burning a crank, you’ve got to stay adaptable.”
Co-Angler Strategy
Kirk Marshall, a seasoned co-angler, offered strategic advice for those fishing from the back of the boat. “At Clear Lake, co-anglers have a real opportunity to capitalize,” Marshall said. “Because a co-angler never knows where or how a pro angler will fish a particular area, I recommend having various baits ready that cover a variety of presentation options.
When your pro is power fishing or the boat is moving quickly, a reaction presentation such as a chatterbait or crankbait could be very productive in enticing a kicker. When you’re in an area where fish have been pressured or the bite gets tough, switching to a more finesse presentation, such as a dropshot, Senko, or shaky head, can often be enough to entice the most finicky fish.”
Marshall also mentioned that a key to his success has been not to fish the same baits in the same spots as his pro. Mixing up where you cast and what you cast allows co-anglers to target different aggressive fish and those wanting something a little different from what their pro just presented.
With a strong history of producing record-breaking bass, Clear Lake is expected to deliver thrilling moments and high-stakes weigh-ins across all three days of competition. The tournament will conclude at Library Park, with weigh-ins open to the public.
Registration Open for Anglers – Sign Up Here
The three-day BAM Pro/Am at Clear Lake will blast off from Library Park or Konocti Vista Casino on Friday, October 4 through Sunday, October 6. Registration is still open for anglers looking to make their mark in the 2025 BAM season and compete for one of the most prestigious titles on the west.
Event Schedule
Thursday pre-tournament meeting and Barbecue at Clear Lake Outdoors from 4 to 5 pm , meeting at 5 pm.
Friday, October 4:
5:00 AM Boat check at BAM release boat, Konocti Harbor.
Blast off at safe light (time to be announced at the meeting).
3:00 PM Weigh-in kicks off. The excitement begins!
Saturday, October 5:
Continue the quest at safe light.
3:00 PM Weigh-in. Plus, announcement of Tackle Warehouse Pro and Co winners.
Top 10 announcement immediately after weighing in Stay ready for the draw!
Sunday, October 6:
The final blast off at safe light.
3:00 PM Final weigh-in, followed by the announcement of the Bass Boat Technologies and Garmin Contingencies winners.
The crowning of the Champion and distribution of winnings to occur shortly after.
About BAM Tournament Trail
The Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAM TT) provides an exceptional platform for both anglers and sponsors. It combines extensive exposure opportunities, celebrating the skills of western bass anglers. The circuit receives broad media coverage across print and online magazines, emails, podcast, websites, videos, television, and multiple social media channels.
Proud Sponsors of the BAM Tournament Trail: Bass Boat Technologies, Tackle Warehouse, Boardman Chamber, Garmin, Storquest, and, Bass Cat Boats, Ford Fairfield, Dish – Accel Marketing, Power Pole, Mercury Outboards, Bob’s Machine, Wood Bros, Sticky Graphics, Jean Deleonardi Real Estate, Valley Outdoors, Eternal Lithium and, Alpha Angler Rods, and Fisherman’s Warehouse.
BAM’s Esteemed Tourism Sponsors: the Boardman Chamber, City of Oakley, the Lake Almanor Chamber, and the Feather River Tourism Association.
The BAM Tournament Trail features the BAM Pro Tour, Pro-Am, and Kayak events, each designed to test the determination of western anglers in a competitive and environmentally conscious format.
To learn more about the BAM Pro Tour, Pro-Am and Kayak events. Visit: BAM TRAIL, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram
Media and Advertising Inquiries: Please contact Mark Lassagne for further information regarding media and advertising opportunities.
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