Clear Lake
About Clear Lake
Clear Lake is a 429-acre lake near Forest Lake in Washington County, Minnesota. It reaches 28 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, largemouth 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. Special fishing regulations apply to muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, 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 Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 11, based on 11 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Clear Lake
- 429 acres, up to 28 feet deep, near Forest Lake
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 5.8 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 429 acres
- Max depth
- 28 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.8 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
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge: Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 11
- Years of record
- 11
- Earliest
- March 16, 2016
- Latest
- May 1, 2018
- Most recent
- April 12, 2022
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
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Nearby Lakes
Forest Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Forest Lake2,271 acres
2.9 miles away
Comfort Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Wyoming218 acres
4.9 miles away
Peltier Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreAnoka · Centerville (Anoka)552 acres
6.1 miles away
Bone Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Forest Lake221 acres
7.1 miles away
Centerville Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreAnoka · Centerville (Anoka)474 acres
7.5 miles away
Green Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Chisago City1,809 acres
7.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is in Washington County, Minnesota, near Forest Lake. It covers 429 acres and reaches 28 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake covers 429 acres with about 4.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 28 feet.
What fish can you catch at Clear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Tiger Muskellunge, 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 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.
Are there special fishing regulations on Clear Lake?
Yes. Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
When does the ice go out on Clear Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 11, from 11 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 16, 2016 and the latest is May 1, 2018.
Does Clear Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Clear Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.