Clear

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. Clear Lake was surveyed the week of 3 June 2024 as part of a regular monitoring program conducted by Minnesota DNR. This survey consisted of deploying trap nets and gill nets as well as electrofishing to assess the fish community. Clear Lake has been designated a Tier-2 lake and will be surveyed every 6 years, including spring day electrofishing to assess Largemouth Bass as well as with gill nets and trap nets to assess Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch. Clear lake has historically produced a high density Black Crappie fishery. Black Crappie relative abundance has varied from 0.8/trap net in 2013 to 43.6/trap net in 1997. Relative abundance of Black Crappie in 2024 was 5.9/trap net, which was a decrease from 2018 (16.3/trap net) but was near the average for similar lakes (6.5/trap net). Black Crappie were also sampled very effectively with gill nets being sampled at a rate of 22.8/gill net. Eight year classes of Black Crappie were present with no missing year-classes indicating consistent recruitment. Age-5 (2019 year class) and age-6 (2018 year class) Black Crappie were the most abundant. Black Crappie were small and ranged from 7.1 to 9.5 inches with an average of 7.8 inches in trap nets. Gill nets sampled slightly smaller Black Crappie that ranged from 4.1 to 9.2 inches and averaged 7.4 inches. Bluegill relative abundance has been increasing since 1975 with occasional drops due to winterkill. Bluegill were sampled at a rate of 144.0/trap net in 2024, which was the highest recorded and much greater than in 2018 (24.0/trap net). Bluegills ranged from 4.1 to 7.3 inches in length and averaged 6.3 inches in 2024. Seven year classes of Bluegill were sampled in 2024 (age-1 through age-7). Walleye has historically been in low abundance in Clear Lake, and none were sampled in 2024. Largemouth Bass were assessed using day-time electrofishing. Relative abundance of Largemouth Bass was 5.7/hour. The average length of Largemouth Bass sampled in 2024 was 16.6 inches and ranged from 12.4 to 18.2 inches. Northern pike have historically been moderately abundant in Clear Lake with increasing abundance since 1992. The catch rate of 7.4 per gill net in 2024 was the highest since 1975 and more than double the lake average. Northern Pike sampled with gill nets ranged from 15.6 to 33.4 inches in length and averaged 26.7 inches. Also, 81% of Northern Pike were longer than southern zone regulation of 24 inches. The 2018 Yellow Perch relative abundance (24.6/gill net) was nearly identical to the 2018 catch rate (24.8/gill net). Yellow Perch were small, with no fish exceeding 8.0 inches. Yellow Perch ranged in length from 4.8 to 7.5 inches and averaged 5.7 inches. Black Bullhead have historically had a high relative abundance in Clear Lake (105/gillnet) but were on a downward trend until 2018 when gillnet numbers were 118.3/ gillnet. The 2024 Black Bullhead catch rate was 101.6 per gill net. Black Bullheads ranged from 5.2 to 11.2 inches and averaged 8.5 inches. Freshwater Drum (sheepshead), Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, hybrid Sunfish and Golden Shiner were also present, but occurred in low numbers. -Brandon Eder, assistant area supervisor

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

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 is a shallow basin with a maximum depth of 18 feet. Clear Lake was surveyed the week of June 24, 2013 as part of a regular monitoring program conducted by Minnesota DNR. This survey consisted of deploying trap and gill nets to assess the fish community. Bluegill was the most abundant fish species observed in this survey. Catch rates were 23.0 fish/trap net and 3.0 fish/gill net. Bluegill lengths from both net types ranged from 2.5 to 8.0 inches and averaged over 6.0 inches. The average number of black crappies from gill nets in Clear Lake throughout the last 20 years has been over 25.0 fish/net. However, the 2013 survey yielded only 10.5 black crappies/gill net and less than 1.0 black crappie/trap net. The length of black crappie in gill nets averaged nearly 8.0 inches and ranged from 4.0 to 10.0 inches. Historically, Clear Lake has produced strong populations of yellow perch through natural recruitment. In five of the last seven surveys conducted on Clear Lake, yellow perch catch rates were above average compared to similar lakes in the area. The 2013 survey yielded moderate yellow perch numbers, with gill nets averaging nearly 15.0 fish/net. The average length of yellow perch was nearly 7.0 inches, ranging from 5.0 to 9.5 inches. Northern pike have been stocked in Clear Lake annually since 2007 to sustain the population. The 2013 survey averaged 6.0 fish/gill net, which was the highest northern pike abundance ever recorded at Clear Lake. Northern pike averaged over 23.0 inches and ranged from 19.0 to 28.0 inches. Ages of northern pike ranged from 2- to 5-years old, but most were from the 2010 year class (3-years old). With annual stocking and good forage available, Clear Lake should continue to develop into a quality northern pike fishery. Based on the 2013 survey walleye abundance remained low in Clear Lake, despite stocking every other year. Gill net catch rates had been below average compared to similar lakes in the area for the last 2 survey cycles. Similarly, only 3 walleye were collected among all gill nets during 2013. With that said, the size of walleye sampled was relatively large with an average total length exceeding 19.0 inches. Black bullhead abundance was at a modest level in 2013. Gill nets averaged 12 black bullheads per set, which was the lowest catch rate on record for Clear Lake. The size distribution of black bullheads was good with total length averaging nearly 11.0 inches. Other fish species collected in low numbers included largemouth bass, freshwater drum, white sucker, golden shiner, and pumpkinseed. A near shore survey (Index of Biotic Integrity; IBI) was also conducted in Clear Lake the week of June 24, 2013 to assess the populations of nongame species and young-of-the-year game fish using backpack electrofishing and beach seining. Near shore sampling collected several species of fish including black bullhead (N=23), black crappie (N=31), bluegill (N=325), fathead minnow (N=1), golden shiner (N=6), largemouth bass (N=1), northern pike (N=45). pumpkinseed (N=14), and yellow perch (N=74). Data collected from near shore sampling will be used to develop an IBI score, which is used to gauge the health of Clear Lake. Anglers can play an important role in maintaining or improving a fish population by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest allows for the harvest of smaller fish for consumption, while encouraging the release of medium to large fish that may contribute to natural recruitment. This practice helps maintain balance in the fish community and provides anglers the opportunity to catch more and larger fish in the future. Additionally, smaller fish often taste better and have fewer contaminants than larger, older fish from the same water body. Shoreline property owners also play an important role in the overall health of an aquatic ecosystem, including the fish population. Natural shorelines, including vegetation, woody debris, and bottom substrates, provide valuable habitat for fish and wildlife, help maintain water quality, and reduce bank erosion. By leaving natural shorelines unaltered or restoring them to natural conditions, shoreline property owners are doing their part to maintain or improve a healthy ecosystem in the lake and protect the resource for future generations. -Prepared by: Kip Rounds, Fisheries Specialist

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, Walleye, and Hybrid Sunfish in Clear. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Clear. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Clear has a maximum depth of 18 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Clear is from 2024.

No invasive species are on record for Clear in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.