Clear Lake
A popular northern Iowa lake near Mason City, known for walleye, yellow bass and muskie.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Walleye
Points, flats and reefs at low light. Jigs and live bait early, crankbaits and crawler harnesses in summer.
Muskellunge
Big baits along weed edges and rock bars, best in fall.
Crappie
Brush piles, docks and standing timber. Minnows or small jigs.
Channel Catfish
Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths in the evening.
Boat launches
1 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- More public accessPublicSee the Iowa DNR or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye Only one over 22 in | 17-22 in slot released | 3 / day |
| Muskellunge Muskie/tiger muskie combined | 40 in | 1 / day |
| Crappie Black and white combined | See Iowa rules book ↗ | 25 / day |
| Channel Catfish Combined with blue/flathead | See Iowa rules book ↗ | 8 / day |
| Largemouth Bass | 15 in | 3 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Iowa Department of Natural Resources ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Clear Lake Bait & TackleNearby524 Hwy 18 E, Clear Lake(641) 231-8028Directions ↗
- Crazy Minnow CompanyNearby1124 S 8th St, Clear LakeDirections ↗
Local tips
- Yellow bass are abundant and fun on light tackle.
- Clear Lake State Park has a launch and campground.
- Ice fishing is popular for yellow bass and walleye.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.
More Iowa lakes
Saylorville Lake Big Spirit Lake Coralville Lake West Okoboji Lake Storm Lake Lake Odessa East Okoboji Lake Lost Island Lake All Iowa lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.