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 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Clear Lake
Cerro Gordo County, Iowa · 3,680 acres (5.8 sq mi)
47°F water, level steady, calm this morning.
About Clear Lake
Clear Lake spreads over 3,680 acres in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. Clear Lake is a natural, spring-fed lake in Cerro Gordo County and a popular walleye fishery.
From end to end it runs about 5.8 miles with roughly 15.9 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 1,230 ft above sea level. It reaches about 30 ft at its deepest. Clear Lake is right by the lake.
- Size
- 3,680 acres (5.8 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 30 ft
- Shoreline
- About 15.9 miles
- End to end
- About 5.8 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,230 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Cerro Gordo County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 3:15 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 6 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 2 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Clear Lake
Anglers come to Clear Lake for walleye, white bass and catfish. At 47°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- SlowWhite bass
Cold. Deep schools near the main channel.
- SlowCatfish
Cold. Slow, in the deepest holes. Cut bait works best.
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
4 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
Steady over 7 days.
Latest reading .
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 7:04 am · sunset 4:51 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Clear Lake
- Clear Lakeon the shore
- Garnerabout 5.4 mi west
- Mason Cityabout 9.2 mi east
- Forest Cityabout 12 mi northwest
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Clear Lake
What fish are in Clear Lake?
Clear Lake holds walleye, white bass and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Clear Lake?
About 30 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Clear Lake?
3,680 acres, with about 15.9 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is on the shore; Garner is about 5.4 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Clear Lake today?
The surface was about 47°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.
