Clearwater Lake
About Clearwater Lake
Clearwater Lake is a 3,187-acre lake near Annandale in Wright County, Minnesota. It reaches 73 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 19 feet, and has roughly 22.3 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Wright County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 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 crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Camp Friendship is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, 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 Clearwater Lake
- 3,187 acres, up to 73 feet deep, near Annandale
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- 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 6 feet
- Camping close to the water at Camp Friendship
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, 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
- 3,187 acres
- Max depth
- 73 ft
- Average depth
- 19 ft
- Shoreline
- 22.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,596 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)
- Camping: Camp Friendship
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie: Daily limit five.
- Sunfish: Daily limit ten.
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 19, 2017
- Latest
- April 26, 2014
- Most recent
- March 19, 2017
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Camp Friendship is mapped on or near Clearwater 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 Clearwater Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Bass Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Annandale222 acres
1.4 miles away
Pleasant Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Annandale597 acres
2.1 miles away
Lake Augusta
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Fairhaven187 acres
2.4 miles away
Cedar Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Annandale790 acres
3.7 miles away
Caroline Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Fairhaven137 acres
3.9 miles away
John Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Annandale397 acres
3.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clearwater Lake?
Clearwater Lake is in Wright County, Minnesota, near Annandale. It covers 3,187 acres and reaches 73 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Clearwater Lake?
Clearwater Lake covers 3,187 acres with about 22.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 73 feet and its average depth is about 19 feet.
What fish can you catch at Clearwater Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Clearwater Lake?
Yes. Clearwater Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Clearwater Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Clearwater 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 Clearwater Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Clearwater Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Clearwater Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five. Daily limit ten.
When does the ice go out on Clearwater Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 11, from 11 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 19, 2017 and the latest is April 26, 2014.
Can you camp at Clearwater Lake?
Yes. Camp Friendship is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Clearwater Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Clearwater Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.