What You'll Find at Redbud Park

Redbud Park sits on the north shore of Clearlake Reservoir in Kern County, California, about 40 miles northeast of Bakersfield. The park is a small, low-key launch point with a boat ramp, parking area, and picnic tables — nothing fancy, but functional for anglers heading out to fish the reservoir's northern section. The water here is shallower and warmer than the deeper central basin, which makes it a different fishery than what you'll encounter at other Clearlake access points.

The reservoir itself is a warm-water impoundment built for irrigation and flood control, and Redbud Park gives you direct access to habitat that holds largemouth bass and channel catfish year-round. The shoreline near the park is lined with tules and scattered willows, and the bottom transitions from sandy shallows to mud flats as you move away from shore. That structure matters — it's where the fish hold, especially in spring and fall.

Key Takeaways

  • Redbud Park has a single-lane boat ramp suitable for small to medium boats, with parking for about a dozen vehicles and a trailer area.
  • Largemouth bass fishing is best in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) when water temperatures favor active feeding.
  • Channel catfish bite year-round, especially at dawn and dusk, and respond well to chicken liver, cut mackerel, and prepared stink baits.
  • The park has no fuel, food, or restroom facilities, so bring water and supplies before you arrive.
  • A California fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older, and Clearlake has a daily bag limit of five largemouth bass per person.

Largemouth Bass Tactics for the Northern Shallows

The water around Redbud Park rarely exceeds 20 feet deep within a quarter-mile of shore, and that shallow, warm environment produces bass that feed aggressively during the transition seasons. In spring, bass move into the shallows to spawn, and you'll find them around the tule beds and along the muddy banks. Work a 3/8-ounce spinnerbait or a 4-inch soft plastic worm in the 2- to 6-foot zone, keeping your casts tight to the vegetation.

Fall fishing here can be even better than spring. As water temperatures drop in September and October, bass move back into the shallows to feed before winter, and they'll chase topwater lures and crankbaits in the early morning hours. Bring a small popper or a shallow-running crankbait in shad or crawdad patterns. The bite typically peaks in the first two hours after sunrise and again in the last hour before dark.

Summer and winter are slower. In summer, bass retreat to deeper water and the shallows become less productive. In winter, the water cools enough that bass metabolism slows, and you'll need to fish more slowly with smaller presentations — a 2-inch worm or a 1/4-ounce jig fished on the bottom near the deeper drop-offs that form just beyond the park's immediate shoreline.

Catfish Fishing Year-Round

Channel catfish don't care much about season, and Redbud Park is a reliable spot to catch them any time of year. They're bottom feeders that respond to scent, so bring prepared catfish baits or make your own with chicken liver, cut mackerel, or shrimp. A simple three-way rig with a 2-ounce sinker and a 18-inch leader to a 2/0 or 3/0 circle hook will get the job done. Cast out 30 to 50 feet from shore and let the bait sit.

Catfish bite best at dawn and dusk, and they'll feed through the night if you want to stay late. Set your rod in a holder and watch for the rod tip to bend — catfish usually take the bait with confidence and won't drop it. Reel steady and keep tension on the line; they don't fight like bass, but they're strong and can wrap you around the tules if you give them slack. Most catfish in Clearlake run 2 to 5 pounds, though you'll occasionally hook something larger.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (March through May) is the most popular season at Redbud Park because the bass bite is strong and the weather is mild. Expect the park to be busier on weekends, and plan to arrive early if you want a good parking spot. Water temperatures range from 60 to 75 degrees, and the reservoir is usually at a decent level for launching.

Fall (September through November) offers excellent fishing with fewer crowds than spring. Water temperatures drop from the high 80s in September to the low 60s by November, and that cooling triggers aggressive feeding. Winter (December through February) is quiet and cold, but catfish fishing remains steady and you'll have the park mostly to yourself. Summer (June through August) is hot, the bass bite slows, and the park can get crowded with recreational boaters on weekends.

Facilities and What to Bring

Redbud Park is a bare-bones access point. There is a single-lane concrete boat ramp, a small parking area, and picnic tables, but no fuel dock, no bait shop, no restrooms, and no drinking water. You need to arrive fully prepared: bring your own water, snacks, sunscreen, and any bait or tackle you'll need. The nearest services are in Clearlake City, about 15 miles away, so plan accordingly.

The ramp itself is in decent condition but can get slippery when wet, and the parking area is tight — if the lot is full, you'll need to find another launch point. The park is open during daylight hours, though some anglers fish at dawn and dusk from the shore if they don't have a boat. There is no overnight camping at Redbud Park itself.

Getting There and Regulations

From Bakersfield, take Highway 178 northeast toward Lake Isabella, then follow signs for Clearlake Reservoir. Redbud Park is on the north shore, accessible via a short dirt road off the main highway. The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. GPS coordinates are approximately 35.6°N, 119.0°W if you want to plug them into your phone.

You'll need a valid California fishing license to fish Clearlake, available online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or at most sporting goods stores. The daily bag limit for largemouth bass is five fish per person, and there is no size restriction, though most anglers practice catch-and-release for smaller fish. Channel catfish have no daily limit. The reservoir is open year-round, but water levels and access can change seasonally — call ahead if you're making a long drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Redbud Park without a boat?

Yes. The shoreline near the park has tules and structure that hold bass and catfish, and you can cast from the bank or wade in shallow water. You won't reach the deeper productive zones, but early morning and evening shore fishing can be productive for catfish and smaller bass.

What's the water temperature like in different seasons?

Spring ranges from 60 to 75 degrees, summer peaks in the high 80s, fall drops from 85 to 60 degrees, and winter stays in the 50s. Cooler water (spring and fall) produces the most active bass fishing. Catfish bite regardless of temperature.

Is there a size limit for catfish at Clearlake?

No. Channel catfish have no minimum or maximum size limit and no daily bag limit. You can keep as many as you catch, though most anglers keep only what they plan to eat.

What's the best bait for catfish at Redbud Park?

Chicken liver, cut mackerel, and prepared stink baits all work well. Fresh shrimp is also effective. Use a three-way rig with a circle hook and let the bait sit on the bottom — catfish hunt by smell, so scent matters more than presentation.

How far can I cast from the ramp area?

The ramp itself is shallow and suitable for small to medium boats with shallow-draft hulls. If you have a larger boat with a deep draft, you may need to use a trolling motor or wade to deeper water. The ramp can get crowded on weekends, so arrive early.