Clear Lake, Iowa, is a bucket-list destination for Midwest anglers. This 3,684-acre glacial lake offers exceptional fishing year-round, with public accesses, a fish cleaning station, and tournaments that draw serious anglers and casual fishers alike. Recently, fishing guide & social media influencer Tom Boley caught his first Iowa walleye right here in Clear Lake! Catch all the action in this video:

Whether you’re chasing a trophy muskie or casting for panfish, Clear Lake delivers.

What Makes Clear Lake a Great Fishing Spot?

Clear Lake is the one of the largest natural lakes in Iowa, with a maximum depth of 18 feet and no motor restrictions—meaning easy access by boat, kayak, or shore. Anglers enjoy:

  • Boat ramps and public docks

  • Accessible fishing piers

  • Fish cleaning station at McIntosh Woods State Park

  • Trails, beaches, restrooms, and camping nearby

You’ll find public docks marked with blue Public Access signs around the lake.

McIntosh Woods State Park – 1200 E. Lake St., Ventura
Ventura Jetty & Marsh Access – 309 Park Dr., Ventura

What’s Biting?

Clear Lake is known for a wide variety of fish species, including:

  • Walleye (excellent size and harvest numbers recently)

  • Muskellunge (trophy potential!)

  • Crappie (strong year-round catch rates)

  • Channel Catfish (underrated!)

  • Yellow Bass (lower numbers, but great size)

Other species include largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, pumpkinseed, white bass, and yellow perch.

Regulation Note: Clear Lake has a protected slot limit on Walleye—all fish 17–22 inches must be released immediately. Check current Iowa DNR fishing regulations before you go.

2025 Clear Lake Fishing Tournament Schedule

Here are some of the top tournaments and fishing events happening in Clear Lake:

  • April 26 – Stan Harrison Memorial Muskie Tournament (Heartland Muskies Inc.)

  • May 10–11 – Walleye Classic (Clear Lake Fishing Club)

  • June 6–8 – Iowa Free Fishing Weekend (Iowa residents: no license needed!)

  • June 7 – Take-a-Kid Fishing Tournament (Clear Lake Fishing Club)

  • October 5 – Fall-eye Walleye Tournament (Clear Lake Fishing Club)

  • January 2026 – Frozen Feathers Ice Fishing Tournament (Ducks Unlimited)

Licenses & Local Resources

✔️ Purchase your Iowa fishing license online at license.gooutdoorsiowa.com
Or stop by Clear Lake Bait & Tackle or Brothers Ace Hardware for in-person help.

Looking to learn more or connect with fellow anglers? Join:

Bonus: Cleaner Water, Better Fishing

Thanks to the CLEAR Project (Clear Lake Enhancement and Restoration), our community continues to protect and improve lake water quality. Learn more at clearproject.net.

Whether you’re casting from the shore, trolling with friends, or chasing that prize walleye, Clear Lake is North Iowa’s fishing destination. Start planning your trip—and don’t forget your lucky lure!