Clearwater Lake
About Clearwater Lake
Clearwater Lake is a 905-acre lake near Deerwood (Crow Wing) in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 54 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 24 feet, and has roughly 8.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 12, based on 17 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Clearwater Lake
- 905 acres, up to 54 feet deep, near Deerwood (Crow Wing)
- 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 13 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — 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
- 905 acres
- Max depth
- 54 ft
- Average depth
- 24 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 13 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
- 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 10
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 12
- Years of record
- 17
- Earliest
- April 3, 2017
- Latest
- May 12, 2013
- Most recent
- April 3, 2017
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Clearwater Lake
Compare Clearwater Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Clearwater Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Clearwater Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Clearwater Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Clearwater Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Crooked Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison463 acres
1.8 miles away
Loon Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Crosby60 acres
2.6 miles away
Nokay Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd704 acres
2.6 miles away
Placid Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Bay Lake183 acres
2.6 miles away
Hanks Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison165 acres
2.7 miles away
Portage Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison287 acres
3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clearwater Lake?
Clearwater Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Deerwood (Crow Wing). It covers 905 acres and reaches 54 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Clearwater Lake?
Clearwater Lake covers 905 acres with about 8.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 54 feet and its average depth is about 24 feet.
What fish can you catch at Clearwater 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 Clearwater Lake?
Yes. Clearwater Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Clearwater Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Clearwater 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 Clearwater Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Clearwater Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Clearwater Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 12, from 17 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 3, 2017 and the latest is May 12, 2013.
Does Clearwater Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Clearwater Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.