The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Clear Lake
Hamlin County, South Dakota · about 2,250 acres (3.5 sq mi)
40°F water, calm this morning.
About Clear Lake
Clear Lake spreads over about 2,250 acres in Hamlin County, South Dakota.
From end to end it runs about 4 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 19 miles. At about 1,700 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The nearest town, Hayti, is about 7 miles south.
- Size
- About 2,250 acres (3.5 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 19 miles
- End to end
- About 4 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,700 ft
- County
- Hamlin County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise
- 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 8 mph
Saturday Fair
- 6:45 am – 8:00 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 14 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual South Dakota mix for a lake this size: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 40°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:23 am · sunset 5:01 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Clear Lake
- Haytiabout 7 mi south
- Watertownabout 7.6 mi north
- Clear Lakeabout 21 mi east
- Clarkabout 28 mi west
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Questions about Clear Lake
What fish are in Clear Lake?
Lakes like Clear Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Clear Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Clear Lake?
About 2,250 acres, with about 19 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Clear Lake?
Hayti is about 7 miles south; Watertown is about 7.6 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Clear Lake today?
The surface was about 40°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Clear Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
