How deep is Clear Lake?

Clear Lake is more than 50 feet deep. The deepest contour in the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey is the 50 foot line, and the lake continues deeper inside it, with 10 depth bands mapped in total.

Where is the deepest part of Clear Lake?

The deepest surveyed water on Clear Lake sits toward the western side of the lake, inside the 50 ft contour. The interactive depth map above shows the full basin outline and the breaks leading into it.

How accurate is this Clear Lake depth map?

The contours come from the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Depths change over time with water levels and sediment, so treat this map as a planning guide for fishing, and never use it for navigation.

Michigan lake depth maps

Clear Lake depth map

Clear Lake in Schoolcraft County, Michigan reaches a depth of more than 50 feet at its deepest surveyed contour. The official Michigan survey maps 10 depth bands across 12 contour lines. This free map of Clear Lake shows every surveyed contour as an interactive depth chart you can use to plan a session before you travel.

Clear Lake depth chart: 10 depth bands to 50+ ft

Data: Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours (public record), retrieved August 2026 · depths change over time · not for navigation

Clear Lake depth chart data
Depth contour	Share of mapped area inside it
5 ft	about 100%
10 ft	about 42%
15 ft	about 37%
20 ft	about 32%
25 ft	about 25%
30 ft	about 18%
35 ft	about 8%
40 ft	about 4%
45 ft	about 2%
50 ft	under 1%

Share of the surveyed surface area enclosed by each depth contour, computed from the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours data.

How to fish Clear Lake: mid-depth structure water

With 50 feet at its deepest, the fish-holding structure is the mid-depth contour: drop-offs, points and inside turns between the shallows and the basin. Use the 10 mapped depth bands to find where contour lines pinch together, which marks the sharpest breaks, and work those edges first, especially early season and again in the fall as fish follow bait between depths.

Ice fishing on Clear Lake

Clear Lake is a classic ice-fishing depth: enough water to hold fish all winter without the long freeze-up of a deep basin. Start on the deepest mapped hole at first light, then work the breaks where contour lines tighten. Mid-depth flats near the basin edge produce through midday. Always verify ice thickness locally before walking out.

Clear Lake depth map FAQs

How deep is Clear Lake?: Clear Lake is more than 50 feet deep. The deepest contour in the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey is the 50 foot line, and the lake continues deeper inside it, with 10 depth bands mapped in total.
Where is the deepest part of Clear Lake?: The deepest surveyed water on Clear Lake sits toward the western side of the lake, inside the 50 ft contour. The interactive depth map above shows the full basin outline and the breaks leading into it.
How accurate is this Clear Lake depth map?: The contours come from the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Depths change over time with water levels and sediment, so treat this map as a planning guide for fishing, and never use it for navigation.

Depth maps for lakes near Clear Lake

Steuben Lake depth map · 55+ ft max · 3 mi away
McKeever Lake depth map · 65 ft max · 8 mi away
Island Lake depth map · 60+ ft max · 11 mi away
Dodge Lake depth map · 55+ ft max · 12 mi away
Round Lake depth map · 55+ ft max · 17 mi away

Mapped fishing venues near Clear Lake

Clear Lake in the venue directory covers access and fishing details for this water.

Steuben Lake · 3 mi away
McKeever Lake · 8 mi away
Island Lake · 11 mi away

Fishing in Michigan needs a state license: Michigan fishing license guide · all Michigan venues