Clear Lake
About Clear Lake
Clear Lake is a 399-acre lake near Dalton in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 29 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.2 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Clear Lake
- 399 acres, up to 29 feet deep, near Dalton
- 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 7.2 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 399 acres
- Max depth
- 29 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 153 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
- 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
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
Ten Mile Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton1,428 acres
2.9 miles away
Johnson Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton419 acres
3.3 miles away
North Ten Mile Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton654 acres
3.5 miles away
Sewell Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton369 acres
4.1 miles away
Rose Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton108 acres
4.9 miles away
Johannes Lake
13 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton134 acres
4.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Dalton. It covers 399 acres and reaches 29 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake covers 399 acres with about 4.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 29 feet.
What fish can you catch at Clear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black 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 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the 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.