Clear Lake has unbelievable fertility, and an unbelievable forage base. However, it doesnt have trout, and trout are higher in protein than any other forage. What that translates into is much more rapid growth rates. Eating trout, aka protein pills, is what enables bass to reach 20 plus before they reach their maximum age, without trout, and especially in a cooler region, its very unlikely that a bass would grow to over 20. This is what I meant by I doubt Clear lake could produce a 20 plus in the absence of trout. Hitch and all those other bait fish just dont have the growth potential for bass that trout do.

Couple this with the fact that very few fish over 15, well actually 13, are caught from Clear Lake, and its even more unbelievable a 20 plus is in Clear Lake (there was a 16.5 caught cranking there about a year ago though, I saw pics and my buddy weighed it).

Sure a freak is always possible, but IMHO its highly unlikely at Clear Lake.

And until I see a pic of a carp netter or DFG hoisting a 25 pounder from Clear Lake, theres no way I would ever believe a 25 pounder swims in Clear Lake. However, I would love to eat my words!