Clear Lake vs Dark Lake
Two of the top-scoring lakes in Koochiching County, Minnesota, side by side.
Dark Lake is the larger of the two at 120 acres against 89 for Clear Lake. On our rankings, Dark Lake comes out ahead for fishing, Clear Lake comes out ahead for swimming, Dark Lake comes out ahead for boating, Clear Lake comes out ahead for paddling, and Dark Lake comes out ahead for ice fishing.
| Measure | Clear Lake | Dark Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Score | 67 / 100 | 56 / 100 |
| Nearest town | Gemmell | Gemmell |
| Surface area | 89 acres | 120 acres |
| Max depth | 30 ft | 50 ft |
| Shoreline | 2.4 mi | 3 mi |
| Water clarity | 13.4 ft | 7.6 ft |
| Public access | 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) | 1 public boat launch (concrete) |
| Fish species | 7 | 10 |
| Game fish | Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill | Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill |
| Stocked | Yes | Yes |
| Special regulations | No | No |
| Swim beach | Yes | No |
| Camping | No | No |
| Invasive species | None listed | None listed |
Which lake is better for…
- FishingDark Lake
- SwimmingClear Lake
- BoatingDark Lake
- PaddlingClear Lake
- Ice FishingDark Lake
The lakes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Clear Lake or Dark Lake?
Dark Lake is bigger at 120 acres; Clear Lake covers 89 acres.
Which is deeper, Clear Lake or Dark Lake?
Dark Lake is deeper, with a maximum depth of 50 feet against 30 feet.
Is Clear Lake or Dark Lake better for fishing?
Dark Lake ranks higher for fishing in this directory, based on game species, lake size, access and stocking. Clear Lake lists 7 species and Dark Lake lists 10.