Clara Lake
About Clara Lake
Clara Lake is a 388-acre lake near Lutsen in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 15 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service. Clara Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Clara Lake
- 388 acres, up to 15 feet deep, near Lutsen
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 6.1 feet
- Camping close to the water at Clara Lake Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 388 acres
- Max depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 388 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)
- Camping: Clara Lake Campground
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 6
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Clara Lake Campground is mapped on or near Clara Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Clara Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Rice Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen223 acres
1.9 miles away
Mistletoe Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen145 acres
2 miles away
Holly Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen76 acres
2 miles away
White Pine Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen346 acres
2.2 miles away
Christine Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen184 acres
3.1 miles away
Crescent Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais755 acres
3.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clara Lake?
Clara Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Lutsen. It covers 388 acres and reaches 15 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Clara Lake?
Clara Lake covers 388 acres with about 4.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Clara Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Clara Lake?
Yes. Clara Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Clara Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Clara 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 Clara Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Clara Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Clara Lake?
Yes. Clara Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.