Clearwater Lake

About Clearwater Lake

Clearwater Lake, located in the southeastern part of Missouri, is a Corps of Engineers Lake that was built in 1948 for flood control. With the terrain in the area being made up of hills and bluffs, the 1,630 acre lake is deep and clear. With its steep banks and flood control use, Clearwater can be raised almost 70 feet, and increase in surface acres by 6 times.

Because of the lakes age and changing water levels, Clearwater is void of trees at normal level. When the lake is raised though, the shoreline brush and trees become flooded, which can provide some excellent fishing spots. (Note of Caution: Because the lake can hold back a large amount of water, Clearwater Lake can rise quickly during heavy and extended periods of rain.)

Clearwater Lake has a lot to offer in the way of recreation. Activities include boating, fishing, water skiing, sailing, camping, hunting, and hiking. Primitive and modern camping facilities are available along with lodging facilities, shops, and restaurants around the lake. For water sports, there are plenty of boat ramps around the lake along with three marinas, Webb Creek Boat Dock, Piedmont Park, and Bluff View Boat Dock. All three are full service marinas and provide fuel, boat rentals, tackle, and groceries.

Clearwater Lake is made up of a main lake with three main arms, Black River, Logan Creek, and Webb Creek. The lake is fed by the Black River, which enters from the north. Available fish in Clearwater Lake are black bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, white bass, and carp.

Detailed Lake Information:

Type of Lake: Hilland

Average Depth of Lake: 35 feet

Average Water Temperature:
Spring:
Summer:
Fall:
Winter:		 65
85
70
35

Spring Thaw: February
Fall Turnover: October
* Clearwater Lake does freeze over during the Winter months.

Heavy Rains: Affects the entire lake, and takes about 30 days to clear up.

Winds:
Spring:
Summer:
Fall:
Winter:		 Mild
Mild
Mild
Mild

Detailed Lake Characteristics:

This information describes the makeup of the bottom, shoreline, structure, and water color for various parts of Clearwater Lake.

Main Lake Area:
Bottom:
Shoreline:
Structure:
Water Color:		 Mud
Gravel
Trees
Clear

Black River Arm:
Bottom:
Shoreline:
Structure:
Water Color:		 Mud
Gravel
Trees
Clear

Webb Creek Arm:
Bottom:
Shoreline:
Structure:
Water Color:		 Mud
Gravel
Trees
Clear

Logan Creek Arm:
Bottom:
Shoreline:
Structure:
Water Color:		 Mud
Gravel
Trees
Clear

Detailed Fishing Information:

Main Forage: Shad

Average time of year when fish spawn:

Bass:
Crappie:
Bluegill:
White Bass:
Catfish:
Carp:		 May
April
June
March
June-July
April

Best baits to use during seasons:

Bass:
Spring:
Summer:
Fall:
Winter:		 Crankbaits
Plastic Worms
Spinnerbaits
Crankbaits

Crappie:
Spring:
Summer:
Fall:
Winter:		 Minnows, Jigs
Minnows
Minnows, Jigs
Minnows

Bluegill:
Spring:
Summer:
Fall:
Winter:		 Worms
Crickets, Worms
Worms
Worms

White Bass:
Spring:
Summer:
Fall:
Winter:		 Jigs, Spoons
Spoons
Spoons
Spoons

Catfish:
Spring:
Summer:
Fall:
Winter:		 Cut & Live Bait
Cut & Live Bait
Cut & Live Bait
Worms

Carp:
Spring:
Summer:
Fall:
Winter:		 Worms
Cotton Seed, Corn
Worms
Worms

Night Fishing Conditions:
Spring:
Summer:
Fall:
Winter:		 Good
Good
Good
N/A

Back to Missouri Lakes