Clear Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Jenkins. DNR lake ID 18036400.
Clear Lake is a 225.9-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Jenkins. Its deepest point reaches 63 ft, and about 26% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 16.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18036400 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Jenkins |
| Surface area | 225.9 acres |
| Maximum depth | 63 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 26% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 16.7 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 8.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.3 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 16.7 ft, phosphorus 8.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.3 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Clear Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Clear Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 2.17 | 1.0 to 5.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 9.83 | 2.2 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.17 | 1.5 to 13.8 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.22 | 0.5 to 2.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 17.56 | 7.7 to 43.4 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.83 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.44 | 0.4 to 1.5 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 10.67 | 1.3 to 10.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.22 | 1.4 to 5.9 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.5 | 0.7 to 4.4 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.56 | 0.8 to 3.7 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.67 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 11.22 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 28.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2022), Northern pike 28.0 in (2022), Smallmouth bass 12.0 in (2004).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Yellow bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2022).
Public boat access
- Clear Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 4 trailer spaces. 4.5 miles East of Jenkins on Crow Wing Co. Rd. #16, then 0.5 mile East on Ideal Township Road. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Grass Lake 0.9 mi, Crow Wing County
- Strawberry Lake 1.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Kimball Lake 1.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Bertha Lake 1.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Clamshell Lake 1.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Ossawinnamakee Lake 1.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Island Lake 1.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Bass Lake 2.3 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Clear Lake
How deep is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake reaches a maximum depth of 63 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 26% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake covers about 225.9 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Clear Lake?
Summer water clarity on Clear Lake averages 16.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Clear Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Clear Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Clear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Clear Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Clear Lake?
Clear Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Clear Lake.
How is the walleye population on Clear Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2022, walleye numbers on Clear Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Clear Lake?
Homes on Clear Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Clear Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Clear Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 26% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 16.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Clear Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Clear Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Clear Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Crow Wing County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2022), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.