Clear Lake

How big is Clear Lake?

How deep is Clear Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Clear Lake?

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Are there boat launches on Clear Lake?

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Clear Lake is a 352-acre eutrophic (fertile) lake located in southwest Otter Tail County approximately two miles south of Dalton, MN. The immediate watershed consists primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. Clear Lake is part of the Pomme de Terre watershed. The maximum depth is 29 feet; however, 43% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2023 survey was 7.1 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 3.1 to 11.2 feet.
The majority of the shoreline of Clear Lake is undeveloped. Several cabins and a resort are located along the west shoreline of the lake. A DNR owned public access is also located along the west shoreline. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand, gravel, and rubble. Hardstem bulrush is prevalent along shoreline areas and on a mid-lake hump. Emergent aquatic macrophytes such as bulrush provide important fish and wildlife habitat and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms from erosion and can actually absorb and breakdown polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning habitat for fish species like Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological importance, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.
A special gillnetting survey was conducted to analyze the Walleye and Northern Pike populations.
The Walleye population is abundant. Walleyes ranged in length from 8.3 to 27.3 inches with an average length and weight of 15.3 inches and 1.5 pounds. Age data indicate that the 2021 and 2022 year classes are strong and should provide consistently good Walleye angling for several years. Walleyes attain an average length of 13.5 inches at three years of age.
Northern Pike abundance and size structure have historically fluctuated. Northern Pike ranged in length from 15.2 to 29.6 inches with an average length and weight of 22.5 inches and 2.4 pounds. Pike attain an average length of 25.3 inches at four years of age.
Smallmouth Bass abundance continues to expand with an increasing number of year classes present. Smallmouth Bass ranged in length from 11.8 to 19.8 inches with an average length and weight of 14.7 inches and 2.0 pounds. Smallmouth Bass attain an average length of 13.4 inches at three years of age.
Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with an opportunity to catch more large fish in the future.
Clear Lake is not listed as an infested water. Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. The non-native species can potentially harm water quality, water recreation, aquatic habitat, native species, and fish populations. Anglers can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by following watercraft transportation laws.

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