Clear Lake
About Clear Lake
Clear Lake is a 649-acre lake near Waseca in Waseca County, Minnesota. It reaches 34 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.4 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 7 Waseca County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.9 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, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to largemouth and smallmouth bass, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Kiesler's Campground & RV Resort is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. 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 2, based on 136 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Clear Lake
- 649 acres, up to 34 feet deep, near Waseca
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 2.9 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Kiesler's Campground & RV Resort
- 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
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 649 acres
- Max depth
- 34 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 448 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)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Kiesler's Campground & RV Resort
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Catch-and-release only.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 2
- Years of record
- 136
- Earliest
- March 1, 2024
- Latest
- April 29, 2018
- Most recent
- March 22, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Kiesler's Campground & RV Resort is mapped on or near Clear Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
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
Loon Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreWaseca · Waseca125 acres
1.7 miles away
Toner's Lake
14 out of 100 Lake ScoreWaseca · Palmer130 acres
7.9 miles away
Reeds Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreWaseca · Elysian195 acres
9.5 miles away
Upper Sakatah Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Waterville892 acres
10.2 miles away
Lower Sakatah Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Morristown372 acres
10.5 miles away
Lily Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreWaseca · Elysian114 acres
10.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is in Waseca County, Minnesota, near Waseca. It covers 649 acres and reaches 34 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake covers 649 acres with about 4.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 34 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 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Clear Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
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.
Are there special fishing regulations on Clear Lake?
Yes. Catch-and-release only.
When does the ice go out on Clear Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 2, from 136 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 1, 2024 and the latest is April 29, 2018.
Can you camp at Clear Lake?
Yes. Kiesler's Campground & RV Resort is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
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.