Little Claire Lake, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  The Tulare County end of California holds Little Claire Lake. It lies 10,394 feet above sea level. At roughly 15 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. For a base, Three Rivers sits 21 miles out. Then Lone Pine, 28 miles, and Woodlake, 32 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Little Claire Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Tulare County records list rainbow trout, brook trout, california golden trout, Sacramento sucker and black crappie among the fish reported. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. On Little Claire Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 53°F and January at 20°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around early June. The lid tends to go about early June and return around late November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Plan around that when you fish Little Claire Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Forester Lake at 0.9 miles is the sensible second choice. For Little Claire Lake in particular, ask before you travel.