Boating

Important Boating Numbers:

• Lake Patrol 641-357-5000
• Iowa Department of Natural Resources (641) 357-3517

Boat Launches:

• Main Avenue near City Park
• Tourist Park area off South Shore Dr.in the 1600 block
• Bayside area just off South Shore Drive near PM Park
• McIntosh Woods State Park in Ventura
• Lynn Lorenzen Park in Ventura (the best launch when water level is low)

Boating Regulations

Boat Rentals & Marina

• Clear Lake Boats
  Showroom & Sales Office: 1604 South Shore Drive, 641-357-5571
  Marina: 15296 Raney Drive 641-357-0961
  Clear Lake Boats rents several types of boats for summertime enjoyment. Ski boats, pontoons and personal watercraft are all available. It is recommended to call early to reserve equipment, especially for weekend use.

Boat Slips:

There are ten boat slips on the City Dock located at the end of Main Avenue for guests to tie up their boats for a limited time to enjoy downtown Clear Lake.

• Clear Lake Boats
  15296 Raney Drive
  641-357-0961
  Over 80 We have over 80 slip rentals available at our marina on the south side of Clear Lake. Our Slip Service Includes 110 Volt Power Access, average depth of the water is between 6 and 12 feet., Re-Fueling Dock , On-site service techs 7 days a week. , Large Parking Lot , Restroom Facilities open 24 hours a day. Ice, beer, & soft drinks now available!
  
  
• Sunset Bay Marina
  2721 Lakeview Drive
  641-357-3170
  
  
• Clear Lake Parks & Recreation Department
  Public Access Docks
  641-357-7010

Swimming

Clear Lake Beaches

• Clear Lake City Beach
  Clear Lake Parks and Recreation Department
  641-357-7010
  Clear Lake's City Beach, located near the downtown water tower, is maintained by the Clear Lake Parks and Recreation Department and offers unsupervised swimming. The area includes a splash pad, bath house, and a park with playground equipment.
  
  
• Clear Lake State Park Beach
  2730 South Lakeview Drive
  641-357-4242
  A 900-foot sandy beach is located close to picnic area and shelters. The beach offers unsupervised swimming and a concrete path runs the length of the beach for the mobility impaired. Maintained by the Iowa DNR.
  
  
• McIntosh Woods State Park
  1200 East Lake Street (Ventura)
  641-829-3847
  The park has a peninsula of land jutting out into the lake which includes an unsupervised beach which is popular for swimming. Maintained by the Iowa DNR.

Clear Lake Public Accesses

There are a number of public accesses (most with docks) to the lake. All docks at public accesses are public docks which are privately maintained and constructed. Please use them as a guest. Street signs appear at the entrance to each access.

• 16th Avenue South & South Shore Drive
• Behind 1513 South Shore Drive
• 15th Avenue South
• 14th Avenue South
• 13th Avenue South
• 8th Avenue South
• 7th Avenue South
• 6th Avenue South
• 5th Avenue South
• 12 docks are located on North Lakeview Drive (North of Sea Wall)
• 5th Avenue North
• Beach Drive
• Mars Hill Drive
• North 9th Street
• Highland Drive

Indoor & Outdoor Pools

• Clear Lake Aquatic Center
  1420 2nd Avenue South, Clear Lake
  641-357-2007
  The Clear Lake Aquatic Center includes a 7,800 square foot outdoor pool and bathhouse facility. It features zero depth entry, eight competition swimming lanes, floatables, geysers and spray fixtures, one and three-meter diving boards, a 42-inch open flume slide and a 32-inch closed tube slide. The pool is operated by the City's Parks & Recreation Department and is open Memorial Day through mid-August.

• Boyer Pool
  Opportunity Village
  1200 N. 9th St. W., Clear Lake
  641-355-1240
  Opportunity Village operates a heated, indoor, Olympic-length pool, which is open to the general public. Pool proceeds go to support the Village's services for people with disabilities. The length is 25 yards, and the depth inclines from three feet on each end to five feet in the middle. Lap lanes are available. The pool is accessible with shallow stairs and an electric lift. Air and water temperature is kept at approximately 85 degrees for comfort. For therapy, exercise, or recreation, Boyer Pool offers a great year-round facility for the community and those served by Opportunity Village
  
  Public swimming hours:
• Early morning lap swim from 6 to 7 a.m. weekdays
• Open swimming from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 1 to 5 p.m.
  Saturday and Sunday; and 7 to 9 p.m. weeknights (excluding Tuesday)
• Aqua exercise classes weekday mornings and afternoons

Fishing (Year 'Round!)

Clear Lake is a 3684 acre natural lake. The average depth is 10 feet. Fishing Clear Lake has never been better. Thanks to a $9 dredging project completed in 2009 on the west end of the lake, the general health of the lake has improved and that has been evidenced by spectacular fishing. The dredging dramatically improved water depth in that area, making the “little lake” a favorite for fishermen.  

Weekly Fishing Report

Clear Lake Maps

• Clear Lake
• Little Lake

Clear Lake Species

• Walleye
• Yellow Bass
• Channel Catfish
• Bullhead
• Crappies
• White Bass
• Muskies
• Bluegills
• Northern Pike
• Flathead Catfish
• Perch

Fishing Regulations

Licensing Information

Bait Shops/Supplies:

You may purchase bait, licenses, and supplies at these locations.

• The Crazy Minnow
  504 Hwy 18 East
  641-357-BAIT (2248)
  
  
• Kramer-Ace Hardware
  580 Hwy 18 East
  641-357-7080

Fishing Guides:

• Clear Lake Fishing Guides
  Kevan Paul, 641-529-1259 www.paulsguideservice.com
  Jeff Becker 641-357-3117
  Joel Becker 641-357-4986
  

Fishing Locations

• There is a "First Class" cleaning station at McIntosh Woods State Park, supported in part by donations by the Clear Lake Fishing Club.
• Fishing Jetty/Ventura Grade
  Located at the west end of Clear Lake, the new jetty is a popular spot to fish the newly dredged little lake.

Public Accesses
There are a number of public accesses (most with docks) to the lake. All docks at public accesses are public docks which are privately maintained and constructed. Please use them as a guest. Street signs appear at the entrance to each access.

• 16th Avenue South & South Shore Drive
• Behind 1513 South Shore Drive
• 15th Avenue South
• 14th Avenue South
• 13th Avenue South
• 8th Avenue South
• 7th Avenue South
• 6th Avenue South
• 5th Avenue South
• 12 docks are located on North Lakeview Drive (North of Sea Wall)
• 5th Avenue North
• Beach Drive
• Mars Hill Drive
• North 9th Street
• State Dock (Highland Drive, across from the Harbourage Condos)
• 10th Avenue & Lynn Lorenzen Park (Ventura)

Clear Lake Fishing Club
www.clearlakefishingclub.com

The Clear Lake Fishing Club was formed as a non-profit organization to promote the enjoyment and art of fishing in North Central Iowa. The club maintains high standards of fishing ethics and insists its members comply with all state and local fishing regulations. The club is also dedicated to service in the community and supports several fishing related projects thereby enhancing the quality of fishing in Clear Lake for all.

Annual Walleye Classic
Catch & release tournaments held each May & September, the Classic consistently draws 100 fishing teams and several hundred spectators. For tournament details, visit www.clearlakefishingclub.com

Annual Take a Kid Fishing tournament
Held each June on Iowa’s free fishing weekend, this is a great time for young people to learn about fishing and compete for prizes.

Providing increased public access
The club helps with installation and removal costs of several public docks in popular fishing areas.

Prize Fish
Walleyes are tagged with a number, one fish is worth $1000 and 25 additional walleye are worth $100each!  For complete details, visit www.clearlakefishingclub.com or contact the Crazy Minnow Co 641-357-2248.
Keep track of the tagged walleye caught here.

For more information, visit the DNR Fisheries website.​

Sailing

Clear Lake is considered to be one of the top sailing lakes in the Midwest. With an elevation nearly 100-feet above the surrounding countryside, winds are typically present on even the calmest of days. The 3,685 acre lake measures approximately 7 miles long and 2 1/2 miles wide.

• Clear Lake Yacht Club
  The Clear Lake Yacht Club was founded in 1935 to promote pleasure & competitive sailing for all ages. The Club organizes several sailing fleets, Optomists, X, MC, M17, C, E, Cougars and Hobie Cats each season, giving sailors ample opportunities to compete and test their skills. The also offer Sailing School each year. Scheduled races occur every weekend, Memorial Day to Labor Day, Saturday at 10am and 1:30pm and Sunday at 10am. The CLYC also participates at the regional and national level in regattas throughout the summer, both on Clear Lake and on other lakes.
  
  
• Wind Venture
  4497 190th Street, Clear Lake, 641-357-3528
  Wind Venture Captain Gary Thomsen, 1992 Hobie 21 National Champion, offers Catamaran rides (up to 12 people) on beautiful Clear Lake. Lessons and sailboat rentals also available.

A bike trail is accessible between Clear Lake and Mason City on County Road B-35. This 7.5 mile trail extends into Mason City, where the trail is clearly marked.

• Public Track
  North 8th Street & 10th Avenue North
  The public is permitted to use the all weather track located at the Lions Field complex when not in use by Clear Lake schools. Joggers and runners are encouraged to use the outside lanes of the 400 meter track. Rollerblades, bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the track.
  
  
• Recreation Area (Coming in 2012)
  12th Avenue South
  Walking & running trails will be included in the new Recreation Area underway by the City of Clear Lake’s Parks & Recreation Department.

Winter Sports

Ice Skating

• Marian Park Ice Rink
  2nd Ave. North and 2nd Ave. NE.
  As soon as the weather permits (approximately Dec. 1), Clear Lake's Marian Park is transformed into a public ice rink. The rink features a designated area for hockey play. Warming house hours are: 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sundays, and all
  evenings from 6:30-9 p.m.

Snowmobiling

Trails

Ice Boating

Ice Fishing

Cross Country Skiing

Hunting & Trapshooting

Iowa hosts more than 250,000 hunters annually. These hunters make 3.5
million visits to Iowa's 340 public hunting areas. Deer and pheasants are
a popular draw, but plenty of opportunities exist to pursue waterfowl and
other small game.

Regulations

Non-Resident Hunting Information

Public Wildlife Management Areas around Clear Lake that are available for
public recreational use every day of the year. These areas are managed
to provide food, winter cover and secure nesting habitat for resident and
migratory wildlife species, and to provide public hunting opportunities.
Although hunting and trapping are the primary recreational activities
available on these areas, bird watching, hiking, mushrooming and nature
study are allowed, preferably when hunting and trapping seasons are
closed.

• Bailey Creek
  P,W 159 acres; 1/5 Wetland, 4/5Upland
  1 mile W of Thornton on Hwy 107, 0.5 mile N on Eagle Ave, 1 mile W on 130th St
• Beaverdam
  P,W 151 acres; 1/4 Marsh, 3/4 Upland
  3 miles N of Thornton on Hwy 107
• Clear Lake Pond
  P,D 41 acres; 3/4 Marsh, 1/4 Upland
  1 mile N of Clear Lake on S28, 0.5 mile E on 275th St
• Lekwa Marsh
  P,W 48 acres; 1/4 Forest, 1/4 Upland, 1/2 Marsh
  S side of Clear Lake
• McIntosh
  P,W 217 acres; 1/10 Timber, 2/10 Marsh, 7/10 Upland
  NE corner of Ventura on Hwy 18
• Sandpiper Hills
  P,W 124 acres; 1/10 Marsh, 9/10 Upland
  8 miles N of Ventura on S14, 0.25 mile W on B14
• Teal Basins
  P,W 151 acres; 1/5 Marsh, 4/5 Upland
  6 miles N of Clear Lake on S14, 2 miles E on B20
• Union Hills
  P,W 2,125 acres; 1/5 Marsh, 4/5 Upland
  4 miles N of Thornton on Hwy 107, 2 miles W on B55
• VenturaMarsh
  P,W 156 acres; 1/3 Marsh, 2/3 Upland
  S edge of Ventura on S14
• Wild GooseMarsh
  P,W 991 acres; 1/2 Marsh, 1/2 Upland
  4 miles N of Ventura on S14, 0.25 mile E on 290th St

Deer Hunting

Turkey Hunting

Upland Game Hunting (pheasants, quail, cottontail rabbits, & squirrels)

Waterfowl Hunting

Hunting Licenses

• The Crazy Minnow
  504 Highway 18 East
  (641) 357-BAIT
  
  
• Kramer-Ace Hardware
  580 Highway 18 East
  (641) 357-7080
  
  
• Department of Natural Resources
  1203 North Shore Drive
  (641) 357-3517

Hunting Guides & Retreats

• Pheasant Country Inn
  4497 190th Street
  (641) 357-3528
  The Pheasant Country Inn, owned by Gary Thomsen, offers guided hunting trips for wild upland game and waterfowl on private and public lands in the Clear Lake area. Dogs are available, or hunters may provide their own. Year-round
  lodging includes a pheasant dinner one night during the stay and pheasant hors' d’oeuvres nightly. Game cleaning shed/freezer is available, as well as accommodations for dogs. Hunters must purchase their own hunting licenses.

Trapshooting

• Ventura Gun Club
  Hwy. 18 West, Ventura
  (641) 829-3364
  The Ventura Gun Club offers hunters a place to practice their sport April 1 (weather permitting) through September 15. The club is open Thursday evenings for the public to shoot trap and alternating Tuesdays for skeet or five stand.
  Interested persons only need to bring their own gun. Ammunition is available on site, although shooters may bring their own. Membership is not required to shoot. An adult league of trap shooters is open to men and women. In addition, a young shooters league helps those ages eight and up develop their skills while having fun. Memberships (which entitle holders to a reduced price on rounds of clay birds) are available.

Parks & Recreations Dept.
Youth & Adult Programs Day Camps, Lessons, and more!

• CL PARKS & REC DEPARTMENT
  15 North 6th Street
  (641) 357-7010
  The Clear Lake’s Parks & Recreation Department organizes youth day camps, sports & activities, as well as adult athletic leagues, lessons, & exercise programs.
  
  
• Girl Scout Camp Tanglefoot
  14948 Dogwood Avenue
  (641) 357-2481
  Camp Tanglefoot is situated on 50 acres along the Tanglefoot Bay of Clear Lake, and includes woodlands, reconstructed prairie, lake access and large game field. There are five summer camp living areas (three platform tent units, and two cabin units). The camp also boasts a warm, traditional dining Lodge (1950), two year-round fully-equipped retreat buildings (Oaks and Meadowview), Craft House, 2 large shower buildings with soft water, and a fleet of 32 boats at our waterfront complex.
  

Public Courts, Fields, & Tracks

Basketball

• Outdoor Lighted Courts
  220 North 20th Street
  
  
• Lions Field Courts
  North 8th Street & 10th Avenue North

Both areas are maintained by Clear Lake Community School District (641) 357-5253

Baseball/Softball Diamonds

• Lions Field
  1000 North 8th Street
  Description of complex. Public Use?

Running/Walking:

• Public Track
  North 8th Street & 10th Avenue North
  The public is permitted to use the all weather track located at the Lions Field complex
  when not in use by Clear Lake schools. Joggers and runners are encouraged to use the
  outside lanes of the 400 meter track. Rollerblades, bicycles and motorized vehicles are
  not permitted on the track.
  
  
• Recreation Area (Coming in 2012)
  12th Avenue South
  Walking & running trails will be included in the new Recreation Area underway by the
  City of Clear Lake’s Parks & Recreation Department.

Tennis

• 220 North 20th Street
  Six lighted courts available for use when not in use by CL Schools or Parks & Recreation programs.

Soccer

• High School Field
  1st Avenue North (south of CLHS)
  
  
• Recreation Area (Coming in 2012)
  12th Avenue South
  Upon completion, the new city Recreation Area will include 5 regulation soccer fields and 3 youth soccer fields.

Sand Volleyball

• Pine Tree Park
• Tourist Park
• Recreation Area (coming in 2012!)
  12th Avenue South
  Upon completion, the new city Recreation Area will include sand volleyball courts.

The Sand Volleyball courts are all managed by CLPR.

City of Clear Lake Recreation Center (coming in 2012)
Upon completion, the recreation area will include many recreational opportunities, as well as natural prairie areas.

• Disc Golf Course
• Dog Park (enclosed area and a large off-leash area)
• Indoor Recreation Center
• Playground
• Running & Walking Trails
• Sand Volleyball Courts
• Soccer Fields (regulation and youth fields)
• Skate Park
• Shelters & Concessions