Clear Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Dalton. DNR lake ID 56055900.
Clear Lake is a 398.8-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Dalton. Its deepest point reaches 29 ft, and about 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 8.2 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56055900 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Dalton |
| Surface area | 398.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 29 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 38% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 8.2 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 42.3 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 9.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 8.2 ft, phosphorus 42.3 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 9.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Clear Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Clear Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2017 (9 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 | 4.44 | 0.5 to 2.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.78 | 0.3 to 0.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 2.56 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 17.0 | 1.0 to 10.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.11 | 1.0 to 3.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.78 | 0.8 to 4.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.56 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 49.78 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.4 to 1.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.11 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.89 | 0.5 to 3.1 |
| Smallmouth bass | trap | 0.22 | 0.8 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 8.78 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 29.0 in (2017), Smallmouth bass 18.0 in (2017), Northern pike 31.0 in (2017), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2017).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Shorthead redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black 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
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Clear Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 5 trailer spaces. 2.5 mi S of Dalton to W shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Hansel Lake 1.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Vinge Lake 1.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Ten Mile Lake 2.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Johnson Lake 3.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- North Ten Mile Lake 3.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Sewell Lake 4.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Steenerson Lake 4.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Rose Lake 4.9 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Clear Lake
How deep is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake reaches a maximum depth of 29 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake covers about 398.8 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Clear Lake?
Summer water clarity on Clear Lake averages 8.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Clear Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Clear Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
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, shorthead redhorse in Clear Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2017.
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 1991 to 2017, walleye numbers on Clear Lake ran mostly above 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?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 38% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 8.2 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 Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2017), 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.