Clamshell Lake
About Clamshell Lake
Clamshell Lake is a 211-acre lake near Jenkins in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 44 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.8 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Clamshell Lake
- 211 acres, up to 44 feet deep, near Jenkins
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 15.8 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Army Corps of Engineers
Conditions
- Surface area
- 211 acres
- Max depth
- 44 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 15.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 142 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 18
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Clamshell Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Grass Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Breezy Point45 acres
0.9 miles away
Bertha Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins337 acres
1.1 miles away
Clear Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins226 acres
1.6 miles away
Kimball Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins190 acres
1.7 miles away
Whitefish Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake7,714 acres
1.8 miles away
Bass Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins121 acres
2.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clamshell Lake?
Clamshell Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Jenkins. It covers 211 acres and reaches 44 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Clamshell Lake?
Clamshell Lake covers 211 acres with about 6.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 44 feet.
What fish can you catch at Clamshell Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Clamshell Lake?
Yes. Clamshell Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Clamshell Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Clamshell 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 Clamshell Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Clamshell Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Clamshell Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
Does Clamshell Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Clamshell Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.