Clear

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Clear Lake was conducted beginning on June 24, 2024, by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all 10 sampling stations, and a 50-foot seine was used to sample 9 stations. Sampling was difficult at 1 station, which was not seined because site conditions prevented wading. Nearshore sampling captured 12 species of fish, including 3 species that are intolerant of disturbance (Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, and Iowa Darter) and 1 species that is tolerant of disturbance (Fathead Minnow). A concurrent summer trap net survey was also conducted by IBI Program staff. Nine trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Trap net sampling captured 10 species of fish, including 1 species that is intolerant of disturbance (Smallmouth Bass). Bluegill and Northern Pike comprised a majority of the catch by number, whereas Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Walleye comprised a majority by biomass. The nearshore and trap net data were combined with gill net data from a survey conducted in August of 2023 to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, and Iowa Darter), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Fathead Minnow and Common Carp). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Pomme de Terre River Watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. Clear Lake supports several game fish species, especially Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. Additionally, the sunfish size structure in Clear Lake is impressive. However, the low numbers of shiners and darters collected in the nearshore survey are cause for concern. You can help conserve the fishery in Clear Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

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.

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Clear Lake was conducted on June 20, 2019 by Fergus Falls Area Fisheries staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at 10 sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample three stations, a 15-foot seine was used at four stations, and site conditions prevented the use of seines at three stations. Nearshore sampling captured 15 species of fish including three species that are intolerant of disturbance (Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, and Iowa Darter) and two that are tolerant of disturbance (Black Bullhead and Fathead Minnow). The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from an August 14, 2017 survey to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, and Iowa Darter), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead and Fathead Minnow). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Pomme de Terre Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Bluegill, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Black Crappie 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 29 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.