Navigation Home - AA-Fishing Lakes Fish

Fishing Clear Lake

Pick A LakePick A SpeciesPick A State

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Clear Lake, IA

Popular Fish Species Clear Lake, IA


Clear Lake Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to plenty of cover, a significant baitfish population, and presence of numerous small sunfish in the lake, walleye are thriving in Clear Lake. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.


Clear Lake Popular Fish - Crappie

Crappie Fishing

Clear Lake has healthy populations of both black crappie and white crappie and has long been a pretty good crappie fishing lake for the better part of a decade. These two species generally school by with their own, but once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a quick limit of crappie. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.


Clear Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Fishing for largemouth bass at Clear Lake continues to deliver some really nice catches, as it has for several years now. Careful fisheries management by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has maintained a thriving bass fishery, providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been very rewarding lately. Also, there is the potential for catching a monster. Big mouth bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Clear Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round. In winter when the lake freezes over and the ice is safe, bass can be caught while ice fishing.


Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, white bass, yellow bass, yellow perch, muskie and northern pike at Clear Lake in Iowa.

Clear Lake Fishing Video

Known as a great water-activity destination in summer, Clear Lake is a favorite of anglers for great fishing. Over 25 miles of shoreline wrap around this 3,700-acre lake in north-central Iowa at the town of Clear Lake.

Clear Lake in Iowa is a renowned fishing destination, offering anglers exceptional opportunities to reel in a variety of popular fish species. As Iowa's third-largest natural lake, Clear Lake boasts a thriving ecosystem that supports a diverse range of fish, making it a paradise for anglers of all skill levels.

Walleye fishing is particularly excellent in Clear Lake, with the lake's fertile waters providing an ideal habitat for this prized game fish. Anglers can target walleye using various techniques, including trolling with crankbaits or live bait rigs. The lake is known for producing trophy-sized walleye, attracting anglers in pursuit of a thrilling catch and the chance to land a personal best.

Yellow bass, a smaller cousin of the walleye, are another popular species in Clear Lake. These feisty fish are known for their aggressive strikes and abundance, making them a favorite among anglers. Yellow bass can be caught using small jigs, spinners, or live bait near submerged structures or drop-offs. They provide excellent action and are ideal for anglers of all ages, including beginners and families.

Clear Lake also offers opportunities to catch other species such as black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, and northern pike. Anglers can target black crappie and bluegill using small jigs or live bait near vegetation or submerged brush piles. Largemouth bass can be found around weed beds, structure, and docks, providing thrilling fishing experiences. Northern pike, known for their aggressive nature and impressive size, can be targeted using larger baits and fishing near areas with good cover.

In summary, Clear Lake in Iowa is a prime fishing destination, offering anglers the chance to catch walleye, yellow bass, crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, and northern pike. With its excellent fishing opportunities, boating possibilities, and nearby camping facilities, Clear Lake provides a complete outdoor experience for those seeking both relaxation and thrilling angling adventures in the heart of Iowa.

The lake has generous populations of bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch, muskie and northern pike, most of which can be caught year round. In winter, once there is safe ice, excellent ice fishing for yellow bass, perch and sunfish draws local fishing enthusiasts. The town of Clear Lake encircles most of the lake and offers easy access to camping, restaurants, convenience stores, bait and tackle, lodging and public areas for fishing from the bank. Boat ramps, marinas and boat rentals are also convenient to visitors. Kayaks, canoes, fishing boats, pontoons and pleasure boats are all ideal watercraft here. Come for a quick fishing trip or an extended vacation, both the town and lake will show you a great time.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Iowa

Primary fish species residing in Clear Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Bluegill Green Sunfish Pumpkinseed Sunfish White Bass Yellow Bass Yellow Perch Muskie Northern pike

Clear Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Clear Lake, with boat ramps available for easy access to the water. Anglers can explore different areas of the lake, search for productive fishing spots, and take advantage of the lake's vast expanse. Boaters can enjoy water skiing, tubing, or simply cruising along the picturesque shoreline.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Clear Lake Boats - Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
641 357-0961

Movement Solutions
Rentals: Fishing vessels and pontoon boats
641 357-3535

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Downtown Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Main Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with street parking.

South Shore Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Nelson Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with street parking.

South Shore/17th Avenue Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off 17th Avenue S, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with street parking.

Ventura Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off E Lake Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Marinas

Clear Lake Boats Marina
15296 Raney Dr
Clear Lake, IA 50428
641 357-0961

Fishing Guides On Clear Lake

Kevan Pauls Guide Service - walleye, crappie, muskie

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Iowa Fishing License.

Camping facilities near Clear Lake provide anglers and outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, picnic areas, and walking trails, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Clear Lake State Park Campground - 641 357-4212

Twin Oaks Campground - 641 357-3337

Oakwood RV Park - 641 357-4019

McIntosh Woods State Park Campground - 641 829-3847

Clear Lake IA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Clear Lake
Clear Lake State Park
6490 S Shore Ct
Clear Lake, IA 50428
641 357-4212

 

Fishing lakes in each state.

AL Fishing Lakes AR Fishing Lakes AZ Fishing Lakes CA Fishing Lakes CO Fishing Lakes CT Fishing Lakes DC Fishing Lakes DE Fishing Lakes FL Fishing Lakes GA Fishing Lakes HI Fishing Lakes IA Fishing Lakes ID Fishing Lakes
IL Fishing Lakes IN Fishing Lakes KS Fishing Lakes KY Fishing Lakes LA Fishing Lakes MA Fishing Lakes MD Fishing Lakes ME Fishing Lakes MI Fishing Lakes MN Fishing Lakes MO Fishing Lakes MS Fishing Lakes MT Fishing Lakes
NC Fishing Lakes ND Fishing Lakes NE Fishing Lakes NH Fishing Lakes NJ Fishing Lakes NM Fishing Lakes NV Fishing Lakes NY Fishing Lakes OH Fishing Lakes OK Fishing Lakes OR Fishing Lakes PA Fishing Lakes
RI Fishing Lakes SC Fishing Lakes SD Fishing Lakes TN Fishing Lakes TX Fishing Lakes UT Fishing Lakes VA Fishing Lakes VT Fishing Lakes WA Fishing Lakes WI Fishing Lakes WV Fishing Lakes WY Fishing Lakes

071824