Fishing Clear Lake in Washington County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Clear Lake stands in Washington County, Minnesota. The surroundings are rolling bush. The water covers around 422 acres, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. There is roughly 3.8 miles of bank, more than one visit can cover properly. On our Washington County list it sits near the top for size. Forest Lake is the closest place, 1.5 miles off. Further out sit Columbus (2.4 miles) and Wyoming (5.3 miles). A county boundary sits nearby, which can matter for local access rules.

• Where to Fish on Clear Lake

  Surveys put the deepest water at about 32 feet. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Across Washington County, recorded fish include bluegill, largemouth bass, brown trout, northern pike and black crappie. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Work Clear Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 11°F to 71°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Break-up comes around early April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early April until roughly late November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. Clear Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Launching is possible: a slipway lies half a mile off. The car has to stay half a mile away, which shapes how much tackle you bring. Toilets are half a mile away, which matters on a long session. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Mud Lake at 0.9 miles is the sensible second choice. Ask locally about Clear Lake if anything is unclear.