Johnson Lake
About Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake is a 63-acre lake near Clearbrook in Clearwater County, Minnesota. It reaches 70 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county.
Plan Your Visit to Johnson Lake
- 63 acres, up to 70 feet deep, near Clearbrook
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 7.8 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 63 acres
- Max depth
- 70 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 16 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 (gravel or earth)
Best For
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 9
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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 Johnson Lake
Compare Johnson Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
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Clearwater Lake
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Sylvia Lake
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Myrtle Lake
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8.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake is in Clearwater County, Minnesota, near Clearbrook. It covers 63 acres and reaches 70 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake covers 63 acres with about 2.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 70 feet.
What fish can you catch at Johnson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Johnson Lake?
Yes. Johnson Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Johnson Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Johnson 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 Johnson Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Johnson Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.