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Clear Lake

Clear Lake is a lake in Iowa, near Cerro Gordo County.

Live lake forecast

Clear Lake Fishing Weather

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Fish species in Clear Lake

Official stocking history

Stocking records show that the following fish or strains were stocked here. A historical stocking does not by itself prove that a self-sustaining population remains today.

Clear Lake gives you walleye and yellow bass fishing on broad, relatively shallow water. Crappie, bluegill, catfish and muskie add other reasons to bring a rod. With a maximum around 18 feet, useful structure doesn't have to be far below the boat.

Lake facts

  • Size: 3,684 acres
  • Maximum depth: 18.1 feet (2013 depth map)
  • Main fish: Walleye, yellow bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish and muskellunge
  • Boating: None

Where to fish

Use the contour map to choose a bottom change near your launch or public fishing access. A jig or controlled trolling pass gives you a way to search for walleye. Smaller tackle suits yellow bass and panfish once you find a school. Stay with the depth producing bites before making a long move to another part of the lake.

Fishing tips and seasons

The 2026 walleye rule protects fish from 17 through 22 inches. Many catches may fall in that range, so measure carefully and read the complete current rule before keeping fish. If walleye fishing is quiet, yellow bass and other panfish give you a different approach without needing to change lakes.

Around the lake

Clear Lake and McIntosh Woods state parks provide places to check for camping, boating and day use. Fishing jetties and an accessible pier add shore options. A picnic or beach break can fill out a family day. Wind has room to build across the lake, so choose a route that leaves a manageable return to your launch.

Check the evidence

Sources and what they establish

Source dates describe the evidence, not a live catch forecast. Check the managing authority before planning access or keeping fish.

  • Bigmouth Buffalo — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Black Crappie — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Bluegill — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Channel Catfish — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Common Carp — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Flathead Catfish — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Green Sunfish — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Largemouth Bass — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Muskellunge — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Northern Pike — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Pumpkinseed — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Walleye — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • White Bass — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • White Crappie — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • White Sucker — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Yellow Bass — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Yellow Perch — supporting source

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Fish Iowa

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

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