What Highlands Park Reservoir Offers

Highlands Park Reservoir sits about 15 miles northeast of Clearlake in Lake County, California, tucked into the foothills where the terrain starts to roll away from the valley floor. It's a smaller impoundment than Clear Lake itself—roughly 400 acres when full—but it holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish in water that stays clearer than the main lake because fewer people fish it and it has less agricultural runoff. The reservoir is managed by the Highlands Park Water Company, and public fishing is permitted from the shoreline and by boat, though the launch facilities are modest compared to what you'll find at Clearlake's main ramps.

The water here runs cooler and deeper than you might expect for the region, which changes how fish behave across the seasons. Spring and fall are the most reliable times to fish, when bass move into shallower water and the afternoon sun doesn't push everything into the deepest holes. Summer fishing is possible but requires patience and an early start; winter can be productive for catfish but the weather turns unpredictable.

Key Takeaways

  • Highlands Park Reservoir is a 400-acre lake northeast of Clearlake that holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish with less crowding than the main lake.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent bass fishing; summer requires early mornings and deeper presentations, while winter favors catfish.
  • The boat launch is small and can get congested on weekends; shore fishing is viable along the dam and eastern bank.
  • California fishing licenses are required, and you should check current regulations for bass size and creel limits before you fish.

How to Reach Highlands Park and Where to Launch

From Clearlake, take Highway 29 north toward Lakeport, then turn east on Highway 20. Follow it for about 10 miles until you see signs for Highlands Park Road; turn north and follow the road as it climbs into the foothills. The drive from downtown Clearlake takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Once you reach the reservoir, there is a public boat launch on the western shore near the dam, but it's a single-lane concrete ramp with limited parking—expect to wait on busy weekends, and arrive early if you're going on a Saturday or Sunday.

Shore fishing is often a better option if you don't have a boat. The dam itself has a paved walkway where you can fish, and the eastern bank has several pull-offs and informal access points. Bring your own water and snacks; there are no facilities at the reservoir itself, and the nearest gas station or store is back toward Clearlake.

Bass Fishing Patterns Through the Year

Largemouth bass at Highlands Park follow the same seasonal movement as they do throughout California's inland reservoirs, but the smaller size of this lake means you can cover productive water faster. In spring (March through May), bass move from deep winter holes into the shallows to spawn; fish the rocky points on the eastern side of the reservoir and any shallow coves where you see submerged brush or fallen trees. Topwater lures and soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range work well when the water temperature climbs above 60 degrees.

Summer (June through August) pushes bass deeper and into shade. The thermocline forms around 25 to 35 feet, and bass suspend just above it or hold tight to structure—drop-offs, submerged rock piles, and the deeper edges of weed beds. Jigs, Carolina rigs, and deep-diving crankbaits become your primary tools. Fish early in the morning before the sun heats the shallows, and don't waste time in water less than 15 feet deep unless you're fishing right at dawn.

Fall (September through November) reverses the summer pattern. Bass move back into the shallows as water temperature drops, and the bite becomes more aggressive. This is often the best time to fish topwater and medium-depth crankbaits. Winter (December through February) slows the bite considerably, but catfish become active at night, and some bass will feed during the warmest part of the afternoon.

Smallmouth Bass and Other Species

Smallmouth bass are present at Highlands Park but less abundant than largemouths. They prefer the rockier, deeper structure—the dam face, the rocky points on the north end, and any areas with large boulders. Fish smaller lures than you would for largemouths: 2- to 4-inch soft plastics, small crankbaits, and tube baits. Smallmouths bite year-round here, and they're often more active in summer than largemouths because they tolerate cooler, deeper water.

Channel catfish and blue catfish inhabit the reservoir and are most active from late spring through early fall. Fish the deeper holes at night with chicken liver, cut mackerel, or commercial catfish bait. The dam area and the deepest points in the main basin hold the most catfish. Sunfish (bluegill, redear, and crappie) are abundant in the shallows and around any submerged structure; they're a good option if the bass aren't cooperating, and they're excellent for children or anyone wanting a high-action day.

Tackle and Technique Recommendations

For largemouth bass, bring a 6- to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 10- to 15-pound braided line and a fluorocarbon leader. Pack a selection of soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms, creature baits, and crawfish imitations), topwater plugs, and a few crankbaits that dive to 8 to 15 feet. A small tackle box is enough; you don't need to carry everything you own to a reservoir this size.

For smallmouth, drop down to 8- to 12-pound line and smaller lures. Tube baits and 3-inch soft plastics are your bread and butter. If you're fishing from shore, a 5.5- to 6-foot rod is easier to manage than a longer one, and it gives you better accuracy when casting to specific rocks or structure.

For catfish, a medium-heavy rod with 15- to 20-pound line and a simple three-way rig or slip sinker setup works fine. You don't need a specialized catfish rod; any sturdy rod you have will do. Bring a headlamp if you're fishing at night, and keep your bait fresh in a cooler.

Regulations and Licensing

California requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can buy a one-day license, a two-day license, or an annual license through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at most sporting goods stores in Clearlake. Bass have a minimum size limit of 12 inches and a daily bag limit of five fish per angler; check the current regulations before you fish, as these can change. Catfish have no size limit and a generous daily bag limit. Always verify the current rules on the CDFW website or by calling their regional office, because regulations shift seasonally and by water body.

The reservoir is open to public fishing year-round during daylight hours. Night fishing is permitted for catfish, but you must have a headlamp and stay aware of your surroundings. No gas-powered boats are allowed; only electric motors and oars are permitted, which keeps the water quiet and the fish less spooked.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most reliable seasons. Water temperatures are moderate, fish are active, and the weather is usually pleasant. Expect to catch fish consistently during these windows, especially if you fish early morning or late afternoon. Summer can be productive if you're willing to fish deep and start before sunrise; afternoon fishing is often slow. Winter is the slowest season overall, but catfish fishing at night can be rewarding, and you'll have the reservoir mostly to yourself.

Weekdays are always less crowded than weekends. If you can fish Tuesday through Thursday, you'll have a better launch experience and more solitude. The reservoir is small enough that you can fish the entire perimeter in a day, so don't feel locked into one spot; move around until you find active fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Highlands Park?

No. Shore fishing is productive along the dam and the eastern bank, and you can reach most of the reservoir's structure from the shoreline. A boat gives you more water to cover and access to deeper structure, but it's not required to catch fish.

What's the difference between fishing Highlands Park and Clear Lake?

Highlands Park is smaller, less crowded, and has clearer water. The fish are the same species, but the smaller lake means you can cover productive areas faster and you're less likely to be surrounded by other anglers. Clear Lake has more facilities and a larger selection of launch ramps, but Highlands Park often produces better fishing for largemouth bass because there's less pressure.

Can I fish at night?

Yes, night fishing is permitted for catfish and other species. Bring a headlamp and be aware of the shoreline and any obstacles. The reservoir is quieter at night, which can actually improve your chances of catching bass, though most anglers target catfish after dark.

What's the best lure for smallmouth bass here?

Tube baits and small soft plastics (2 to 4 inches) work best. Smallmouths at Highlands Park prefer rocky structure and cooler, deeper water than largemouths, so fish the dam face and rocky points with these smaller presentations.

Is there a fee to launch a boat?

There is no launch fee at Highlands Park, but parking is limited and can fill up on weekends. Arrive early if you're going on a Saturday or Sunday, or consider shore fishing instead.