The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Clinton Lake
Douglas County, Kansas · 7,000 acres (10.9 sq mi)
59°F water, level steady, calm this morning.
About Clinton Lake
In Douglas County, Kansas, Clinton Lake covers 7,000 acres; it is a reservoir. Clinton Dam holds it back on the Wakarusa River. Clinton Lake dams the Wakarusa River just west of Lawrence, Kansas.
It stretches about 6.3 miles end to end with roughly 33 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 870 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 55 ft. Lawrence is about 5.9 miles northeast.
- Size
- 7,000 acres (10.9 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 55 ft
- Shoreline
- About 33 miles
- End to end
- About 6.3 miles
- Elevation
- About 870 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Clinton Dam, Wakarusa River
- County
- Douglas County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Clinton Lake
Anglers come to Clinton Lake for catfish and smallmouth bass. With the surface at 59°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 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 7:02 am · sunset 5:08 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Clinton Lake
- Lawrenceabout 5.9 mi northeast
- Overbrookabout 10 mi southwest
- Baldwin Cityabout 12 mi southeast
- Eudoraabout 13 mi east
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Questions about Clinton Lake
What fish are in Clinton Lake?
Clinton Lake holds catfish and smallmouth bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Clinton Lake?
About 55 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Clinton Lake?
7,000 acres, with about 33 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Clinton Lake?
Lawrence is about 5.9 miles northeast; Overbrook is about 10 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Clinton Lake today?
The surface was about 59°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Clinton Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
