Clear Lake

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How deep is Clear Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Clear Lake?

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Clear Lake

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Clear Lake is a 268-acre lake located in Le Sueur County near the city of Lexington. A DNR owned public access is located on the west side of the lake. Clear Lake has a maximum depth of 18 feet and is classified as lake class 24, based on limnological variables (e.g., basin morphometry, depth, substrate type, water clarity, etc.).

A standard survey was conducted the week of June 5, 2018 as part of a regular DNR monitoring program. A standard survey is used for sampling a wide range of fish species during the summer months using standard methods (i.e. standard time of year, set sampling stations, taking water clarity readings and oxygen/temperature profiles, etc.) and gears (i.e. lake survey gillnets, trap nets, and spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass). This survey consisted of deploying trap and gill nets as well as electrofishing to assess the fish community.

Clear lake has historically produced a high density Black Crappie fishery. Relative abundance of Black Crappie in 2018 was 16.6/trap net, which was an increase from 2013 (0.8/trap net). Black Crappie were also sampled very effectively with gill nets, and were captured at a rate of 26.7/gill net. Black Crappie ranged from 3.6 to 11.1 inches and averaged 9.8 inches in trap nets. Gill nets sampled slightly smaller Black Crappie that ranged from 3.7 to 10.7 inches and averaged 7.1 inches.

Bluegill historic relative abundance has been moderate to high in Clear Lake. Bluegill were sampled at a rate of 24.0/trap net in 2018, which was slightly higher than in 2013 (23.1/trap net). Bluegills ranged from 2.7 to 9.1 inches in length and averaged 6.1 inches in 2018. Six year classes of Bluegill were sampled in 2018 (2010, 2012, 2014-2017). The majority of Bluegill aged (94%) were from the 2014-2017 year classes (age 1-4).

Walleye have historically been in low abundance in Clear Lake, other than 1989 (33/gill net) the average relative abundance of Walleye is 2.0/gill net. Relative abundance increased slightly from the 2013 survey, increasing from 0.3/gill net to 0.8/gill net in 2018. One year class of Walleye was present (2014). Although sample size was small, Walleye size structure was good. Walleyes ranged from 15.4 to 21.6 inches and averaged 18.1 inches in gill nets.

Largemouth Bass were assessed using day-time electrofishing. Relative abundance of Largemouth Bass was 1.82/hour run-time, many more fish were seen avoiding the boat as the water was very clear and shallow. Average length of Largemouth Bass sampled in 2018 was 13.6 inches and ranged from 12.4 to 14.9 inches.

Northern Pike have historically been moderately abundant in Clear Lake and the trend continued in 2018 with a relative abundance of 5.7/gill net. Northern Pike sampled with gill nets ranged from 16.2 to 34.8 inches in length and averaged 24.3 inches. Five year classes were sampled in 2018 (2013-2017). Southern Zone Northern Pike regulations are in effect at Clear Lake. Anglers are allowed two fish per day. All Northern Pike under 24 inches must be immediately released.

The 2018 Yellow Perch relative abundance (24.8/gill net) increased from 2013 (14.8/gill net). Yellow Perch exhibited small size structure, with no fish exceeding 10.0 inches. Yellow Perch ranged in length from 4.7 to 9.8 inches and averaged 7.2 inches.
Black Bullhead have historically had a high relative abundance in Clear Lake (average 105/gillnet), but were on a downward trend until 2018 when gillnet numbers were 118.3 per gillnet, or nearly ten times the amount in 2013. These fish ranged from 4.3 to 13.5 inches and averaged 8.7 inches. Many (37%) Black Bullheads were over 10 inches in length and may appeal to commercial fishermen.

Freshwater Drum, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, hybrid Sunfish and Golden Shiners were also present, but occurred in low numbers.

-Tyler Fellows, specialist

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