Clear Lake
About Clear Lake
Clear Lake is a 252-acre lake near New Ulm in Brown County, Minnesota. It reaches 8 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 5 feet, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.8 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county.
Plan Your Visit to Clear Lake
- 252 acres, up to 8 feet deep, near New Ulm
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 1.8 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 252 acres
- Max depth
- 8 ft
- Average depth
- 5 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 252 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 12
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Clear Lake
Compare Clear Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Clear Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Clear Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Clear Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Clear Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Lake Hanska
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreBrown · Hanska1,795 acres
9.8 miles away
Sleepy Eye Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreBrown · Sleepy Eye241 acres
10.8 miles away
Clear Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreSibley · Saint George505 acres
13.6 miles away
Fedji Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreWatonwan · Perth172 acres
14.3 miles away
Wood Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreWatonwan · Sveadahl559 acres
16.6 miles away
Lake Crystal
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreBlue Earth · Lake Crystal379 acres
18.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is in Brown County, Minnesota, near New Ulm. It covers 252 acres and reaches 8 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake covers 252 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 8 feet and its average depth is about 5 feet.
What fish can you catch at Clear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Clear Lake?
Yes. Clear Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Clear Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Clear Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Clear Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Clear Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.