What You'll Find at Clearwater Lake

Clearwater Lake sits about 15 miles south of Ely and holds a solid walleye and northern pike fishery in a setting that feels genuinely remote. The lake runs roughly 1,200 acres, with clear water that gives it its name and a shoreline broken by rocky points, shallow bays, and stands of pine and birch. It's the kind of place where you can fish hard all day and see maybe one other boat—or none at all, depending on the season.

The walleye here run decent size, with plenty in the 15- to 18-inch range and a real shot at fish pushing 20 inches if you're working the deeper structure. Northern pike are abundant and aggressive, especially in spring and early fall. The lake also holds largemouth bass and bluegill, though most anglers come for the walleye and pike.

Access is straightforward: a public boat launch sits on the north shore, with parking and a small facility. The lake has no resorts or commercial lodging directly on it, so you're looking at day trips from Ely or camping at one of the nearby Forest Service sites.

Key Takeaways

  • Clearwater Lake holds walleye in the 15- to 20-inch range, with the best fishing on rocky points and deeper structure during summer.
  • Northern pike are aggressive and plentiful, especially in spring and fall, and respond well to live bait and larger lures.
  • The public boat launch on the north shore is the only motorized access; the lake is otherwise quiet and lightly fished.
  • Summer walleye fishing requires moving between structure; winter ice fishing focuses on the deeper basins and points.
  • Clearwater is a day-trip destination from Ely with no on-lake lodging, though Forest Service campsites are nearby.

Summer Walleye Fishing on Structure

Summer walleye on Clearwater respond to classic structure fishing. The lake has a series of rocky points on the west and north shores that drop into 25 to 35 feet of water—these are your primary targets from June through August. Work the break line where rock transitions to sand, using live shiners or crawlers on a slip sinker rig, or cast jigs tipped with minnow heads.

Early morning and evening produce the most consistent action, but don't ignore the midday bite on deeper structure. The walleye here will suspend 15 to 20 feet down on a hot day, so vertical jigging with a Northland Tackle buck-shot or Rapala Jigging Rap can be deadly. Troll slowly along the points if you want to cover water, but most anglers do better by anchoring and working the structure methodically.

The lake's clarity means walleye can see your line and lure from a distance, so use 6- to 8-pound fluorocarbon on your main line and keep your presentation subtle. A slow, steady retrieve beats aggressive jigging on clear water.

Northern Pike in Spring and Fall

Pike fishing at Clearwater peaks in May and again in September and October, when the water cools and pike move into the shallower bays to hunt. The northern bay and the eastern shoreline have weed growth and submerged timber that hold pike year-round, but they're most aggressive when the water temperature drops below 65 degrees.

Live bait—shiners, chubs, or small sunfish—works well, but pike here also respond to large swimbaits and topwater lures. Cast along the weed edges and let the lure work slowly; pike will chase, but they're not always in a hurry. Expect fish in the 24- to 30-inch range regularly, with occasional larger specimens.

Fall pike fishing is particularly good because the water is cool, the days are shorter, and pike feed heavily before winter. Bring heavier tackle—20- to 30-pound braid and a steel or heavy fluorocarbon leader—because pike teeth will cut through lighter line.

Winter Ice Fishing

Clearwater freezes solid by mid-December and stays fishable through early March. The deeper basins—30 to 40 feet—hold walleye all winter, and you can find them by drilling holes along the main structure you fished in summer. The points that hold summer walleye also hold winter fish, though they're often deeper on the basin side of the break.

Jigging with small spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) and live minnows is the standard approach. Drop to the bottom, then work the lure up 2 to 3 feet and let it fall on a slack line—walleye often bite on the drop. Pike are also present under the ice and will hit larger jigging spoons and live bait.

The lake can be windy and exposed in places, so scout your spot before you set up. The north shore near the boat launch is more protected than the open water to the south.

How to Get There and What to Bring

From Ely, take Highway 169 south toward Tower, then turn east on Forest Road 429. Follow signs to the Clearwater Lake public access. The drive is about 20 to 25 minutes. The boat launch has a paved ramp, parking for roughly 20 vehicles, and a vault toilet. There's no fuel, food, or lodging at the lake itself.

Bring everything you need from Ely: gas, groceries, and any tackle you might forget. The nearest services are back in town. If you're camping, the Forest Service has sites at nearby lakes—check the Superior National Forest website for current availability and reservations.

A Minnesota fishing license is required. You can purchase one online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website or at any sporting goods store in Ely before you head out.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April to May) brings pike into the shallows and walleye onto the points as the water warms. The fishing is fast, but the weather is unpredictable—bring rain gear and dress in layers.

Summer (June to August) is peak season for walleye on structure. The lake is warmest and clearest, and the days are long. Midges and mosquitoes can be intense, so bring bug spray and a head net if you're sensitive.

Fall (September to October) offers excellent pike fishing and a return to strong walleye action as the water cools. The weather is stable, and the shoreline colors are worth the trip alone.

Winter (December to March) is for ice fishing. The lake is quiet, and you'll often have the ice to yourself. Bring a shelter, a heater, and warm clothes—it gets cold out there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Clearwater Lake?

A boat makes the fishing much easier and lets you reach the deeper structure and points where walleye hold. However, the northern bay and eastern shoreline have weed beds and pike habitat that are accessible from shore if you're willing to wade or fish from a kayak.

What's the best time of year to fish Clearwater?

Summer and fall are most popular—summer for consistent walleye on structure, fall for pike and cooling water. Spring pike fishing is also excellent but weather-dependent. Winter ice fishing is productive but requires specialized gear and experience.

Are there size or bag limits on walleye and pike at Clearwater?

Minnesota has statewide regulations, but some lakes have special rules. Check the current Minnesota DNR fishing regulations before you go, or call the Ely area office to confirm what applies to Clearwater.

Can I rent a boat in Ely if I don't have my own?

Yes, several outfitters in Ely rent boats by the day or half-day. Call ahead to reserve, especially in summer. Rental rates and availability vary by season.

Is Clearwater Lake good for beginners?

The structure is clear and well-defined, which makes it easier to find fish than on some other lakes. However, the water is deep and the points are rocky, so you'll want to fish with someone experienced or hire a guide for your first trip.