Clear Lake

Clear Lake

Size
3,628ac
Boat Launch
Yes
Carry-in Launch
No
Toilet
No
Boat Dock
No
Species in Clear Lake
Walleye
Walleye
Crappie
Crappie
White bass
White bass
Largemouth bass
Largemouth bass
Muskellunge
Muskellunge
Perch
Perch
Northern pike
Northern pike
Pumpkinseed
Pumpkinseed
Bluegill
Bluegill
Smallmouth bass
Smallmouth bass
Channel catfish
Channel catfish
Flathead catfish
Flathead catfish

Overview

Good numbers of quality walleye available. Numerous catfish provide fast action. Trophy muskie out there too!

Clear Lake Map

Fishing Regulations

Special Fishing Regulations: This lake has special fishing regulations that differ from statewide or border water regulations for those species identified below and take precedence. Regulations listed below are currently in place. Visit the fishing regulations page for links to upcoming regulations for specific lakes.

Special Waterbody Regulations

  • No more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day

Special Species Regulations

  • Walleye: Continuous: Daily Bag Limit: 3 fish. Possession Limit: 6 fish. Length Limit: all 17 to 22-inch walleyes must be immediately released alive.

Features

Boats must be driven with caution near any shallow water. Large boulders are scattered on reefs and in shoreline zones, and many are just below the surface. The state of Iowa has permitted private parties to install docks and piers with the agreement that they may be used by the public. Shore anglers using these docks are reminded to act as guests Recreational boat traffic heavy during summer days.

Forage

Primarily spottail shiner. Bullhead, yellow bass, perch and bluegill also comprise considerable portions of walleye and muskie diets. Juvenile rough fish are also utilized. The food supply for predators is substantial.

Seasonal Movements

Almost all species use the west end of the lake between Clausen’s Cove and McIntosh Bar for spawning. This spring movement appears to be triggered more by the amount of current flow from the inlet than by specific water temperatures. The northwest stretch of shoreline known as “Black Rushes” draws spawning walleye and crappie.
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Fish Species

Bluegill
fish
15-23 in
Length Range
18 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
May
2024
Aug
Channel catfish
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Crappie
fish
15-23 in
Length Range
18 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
May
2024
Aug
Flathead catfish
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Largemouth bass
fish
7-18 in
Length Range
9 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
May
Muskellunge
fish
27-46 in
Length Range
35 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2022
May
2023
Apr
2024
Apr
Northern pike
fish
7-18 in
Length Range
9 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
May
Perch
fish
15-23 in
Length Range
18 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
May
2024
Aug
Pumpkinseed
fish
15-23 in
Length Range
18 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
May
2024
Aug
Smallmouth bass
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Walleye
fish
15-23 in
Length Range
18 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
May
2024
Aug
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized walleye based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
202328
202128
White bass
fish
15-23 in
Length Range
18 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
May
2024
Aug
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized white-bass based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
202417