Clear Lake
About Clear Lake
Clear Lake is a 226-acre lake near Jenkins in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 63 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17.5 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Clear Lake
- 226 acres, up to 63 feet deep, near Jenkins
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 17.5 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 226 acres
- Max depth
- 63 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 17.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 59 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
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 10
- 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 Clear Lake
Compare Clear Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Clear Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Grass Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Breezy Point45 acres
0.9 miles away
Kimball Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins190 acres
1.6 miles away
Bertha Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins337 acres
1.6 miles away
Clamshell Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins211 acres
1.6 miles away
Ossawinnamakee Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Ideal Corners711 acres
1.8 miles away
Bass Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins121 acres
2.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Jenkins. It covers 226 acres and reaches 63 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake covers 226 acres with about 3.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 63 feet.
What fish can you catch at Clear 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 Clear Lake?
Yes. Clear Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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.
Does Clear Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Clear 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.