Clear Lake
About Clear Lake
Clear Lake is a 267-acre lake near Ceylon in Martin County, Minnesota. It reaches 7 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 0.9 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and channel catfish. 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 are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. Ice typically goes out around March 21, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Clear Lake
- 267 acres, up to 7 feet deep, near Ceylon
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and channel catfish
- Average water clarity around 0.9 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 267 acres
- Max depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 0.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 267 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 6
- 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
- March 21
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- March 9, 2026
- Latest
- April 11, 2023
- Most recent
- March 9, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
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
Okamanpeedan Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Ceylon2,268 acres
3.6 miles away
Bright Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Ceylon639 acres
4.2 miles away
Willmert Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont335 acres
8.7 miles away
South Silver Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont252 acres
9.1 miles away
Temperance Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Sherburn166 acres
9.6 miles away
Iowa Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont705 acres
9.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is in Martin County, Minnesota, near Ceylon. It covers 267 acres and reaches 7 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake covers 267 acres with about 2.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at Clear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Black Crappie, White 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.
When does the ice go out on Clear Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 21, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 9, 2026 and the latest is April 11, 2023.