Clear Lake
About Clear Lake
Clear Lake is a 434-acre lake near Jackson in Jackson County, Minnesota. It reaches 9 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.6 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
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. Special fishing regulations apply to yellow bass, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. The lake is listed as infested with bighead carp and silver carp — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Clear Lake
- 434 acres, up to 9 feet deep, near Jackson
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- 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 2.6 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with bighead carp and silver carp — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 434 acres
- Max depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 434 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
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- 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
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- yellow bass: daily limit 100, no possession limit, no closed season.
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
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Nearby Lakes
Loon Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Jackson708 acres
6.4 miles away
Rush Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Sioux Valley243 acres
6.6 miles away
Pearl Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Jackson117 acres
7 miles away
Little Spirit Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Jackson624 acres
8.4 miles away
Lake Independence
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Jackson99 acres
9.6 miles away
Heron Lake (South Heron)
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Lakefield2,641 acres
9.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is in Jackson County, Minnesota, near Jackson. It covers 434 acres and reaches 9 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake covers 434 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Clear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish 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 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. 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.
Are there special fishing regulations on Clear Lake?
Yes. daily limit 100, no possession limit, no closed season.
Does Clear Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Clear Lake as infested with bighead carp and silver carp. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.