Clear Lake
About Clear Lake
Clear Lake is an 118-acre lake near Cold Spring in Stearns County, Minnesota. It reaches 40 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 19 feet, and has roughly 2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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
- 118 acres, up to 40 feet deep, near Cold Spring
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 7.1 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 118 acres
- Max depth
- 40 ft
- Average depth
- 19 ft
- Shoreline
- 2 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 49 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
- 7
- 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
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Nearby Lakes
Long Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Jacobs Prairie153 acres
2.8 miles away
Pitts Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon114 acres
3.1 miles away
Big Fish Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Cold Spring557 acres
3.3 miles away
Kalla Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon106 acres
3.8 miles away
Big Watab Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon246 acres
4.4 miles away
Kreigle Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Avon102 acres
4.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Cold Spring. It covers 118 acres and reaches 40 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake covers 118 acres with about 2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 40 feet and its average depth is about 19 feet.
What fish can you catch at Clear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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.