---
type: lake
name: "Clear Lake"
county: "Lake"
nearest_town: "Ely"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 248
max_depth_ft: 17
latitude: 47.90109
longitude: -91.63305
lake_score: 50
dnr_lake_id: "38072200"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/clear-lake
---

# Clear Lake

Lake in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely

- **Surface Area**: 248 acres
- **Max Depth**: 17 ft
- **Shoreline**: 6.3 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 5.5 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 50/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Clear Lake is a 248-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 17 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.5 feet. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 2018.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 5 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 7
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2018
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Pickerel Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/pickerel-lake) - 2 miles, 182 acres
- [Greenstone Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/greenstone-lake) - 2.3 miles, 332 acres
- [South Farm Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/south-farm-lake) - 2.8 miles, 564 acres
- [Little Gabbro Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/little-gabbro-lake) - 3.1 miles, 148 acres
- [Gabbro Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/gabbro-lake) - 3.7 miles, 977 acres
- [Farm Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/farm-lake) - 4.4 miles, 1,292 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.90109,-91.63305)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=38072200)
- [All lakes in Lake County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/clear-lake)*