Clear Lake
About Clear Lake
Clear Lake is a 529-acre lake near Watkins in Meeker County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 10 feet, and has roughly 6.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white 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 are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the county and 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 7, based on 16 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Clear Lake
- 529 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Watkins
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the county and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 529 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Average depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 480 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
- 8
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 7
- Years of record
- 16
- Earliest
- March 6, 2024
- Latest
- May 1, 2013
- Most recent
- March 6, 2024
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.
See how Clear Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Clear Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Clear Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Clear Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Willow Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Kimball156 acres
5.2 miles away
Vails Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Eden Valley161 acres
6 miles away
Eden Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Eden Valley278 acres
6.5 miles away
Betty Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Kimball154 acres
8 miles away
Richardson Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin119 acres
8.1 miles away
Goodners Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Cold Spring191 acres
8.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is in Meeker County, Minnesota, near Watkins. It covers 529 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake covers 529 acres with about 6.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet and its average depth is about 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Clear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch 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 county and 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.
When does the ice go out on Clear Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 7, from 16 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 6, 2024 and the latest is May 1, 2013.
Does Clear Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Clear 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.