Clearwater Lake sits 33 miles north of Grand Marais along the scenic Gunflint Trail in Cook County, Minnesota. This pristine lake encompasses 1,344 acres with a maximum depth of approximately 130 feet and features 18.53 miles of shoreline. The lake's exceptional clarity gives it its name and makes it one of the clearest lakes in the region. Partially located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Clearwater serves as Entry Point 62 into the BWCA, offering both excellent fishing opportunities and access to remote wilderness areas. The lake connects to three other BWCA lakes—Caribou, West Pike, and Mountain—providing options for extended paddling adventures.
Learn what type of fish are at Clearwater Lake and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus dolomieu
Esox lucius
Sander vitreus
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Lota lota
Lepomis cyanellus
Salvelinus namaycush
Catostomus commersonii
Perca flavescens
Learn how to get on Clearwater Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Clearwater Lake, and when to apply.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Reservation permit · All boaters · Required year-round
Every visit to the Boundary Waters needs a permit, and overnight and motor trips from May 1 to Sep 30 need a reserved quota permit.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Superior National Forest
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
You need to buy a Minnesota fishing license if you're 16 or older. Annual licenses allow you to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year. Lower-cost licenses are available for shorter time periods. There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon or sturgeon. All non-residents, regardless of age, must buy a fishing license.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
A Minnesota waterway is navigable if it’s capable of travel, recreational or commercial. The state owns navigable streambeds, which are open to public recreation. All surface waters and groundwater, except for surface waters not confined, are waters of the state.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Clearwater Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Clearwater Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
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See the best times to fish Clearwater Lake and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
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onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.
