Fishing Clear Lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Clear Lake is a Crow Wing County water, in Minnesota. The country here is pine and birch. Around 202 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Roughly 3.1 miles of bank means you can walk to a fresh area when one goes quiet. The nearest town is Breezy Point, 3.9 miles away. Then Pequot Lakes, 4.7 miles, and Crosslake, 5.7 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Clear Lake

  The basin has been measured to about 72 feet. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Species logged across Crow Wing County include largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, northern pike and pumpkinseed. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Read Clear Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 69°F, the coldest about 8°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Winter locks it down, and mid April brings it back. Climate averages put the opening at about mid April and the closing near late November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Clear Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Mapping shows an empty shoreline: no ramp, no jetty, no marked entry. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Should this one be busy, Grass Lake is 0.8 miles off. Rules at Clear Lake are worth checking on the day.