Clear Lake’s Silver Rush: Chasing Trophy Black Crappie

By Craig Nelson January 25, 2026

Clear Lake has long been the crown jewel of California’s bass fishing scene, but while the largemouth often steal the spotlight, a "silver rush" is quietly taking over. The Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) population has seen an explosion in both numbers and size over the last five years. Local buzz is reaching a fever pitch, with many suggesting the state record already held by a Clear Lake local might be shattered again any day now.

Black Crappie aren't actually native to these waters; they were introduced in 1908, arriving by rail from Meredosia, Illinois. In the century since, they have done ...