Clear Lake

Clear Lake grades an F: water clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a all rate poorly, placing it among the most stressed lakes monitored in Minnesota. Clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a all rate similarly, so there is no obvious single lever to pull on watershed management.

At a TSI of 70, Clear Lake reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. A maximum depth of 18 ft puts Clear Lake in the middle of Minnesota's depth distribution. Clear Lake covers 529 acres alongside 6.6 miles of shoreline — a mid-sized water that supports a working fishery without being so large that conditions diverge between basins. Within the 23 graded lakes of Meeker County, Clear Lake sits at rank 19, near the bottom of the county list.

Eurasian watermilfoil is established at Clear Lake, which can dampen recreational access and pressure the native plant community. Walleye are documented at Clear Lake, one of 13 fish species on record for the lake. A documented public access point at Clear Lake makes the lake usable for shore fishing, paddle craft, and trailered boats. The lake has a partial ice record — 16 observed ice-outs, centered near Apr 7. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.