Clear Lake is one of Iowa’s most storied lakes – a 3,600-acre natural lake in north-central Iowa that’s equal parts summer playground and music-history landmark. Its shoreline is home to the legendary Surf Ballroom, the site of Buddy Holly’s final concert, and its waters offer some of the best yellow bass, walleye and muskie fishing in the state. Beaches, a state park and a lively lakeside town make it a classic Iowa getaway.
This guide covers Clear Lake: the music history, the fishing, the state park and beaches, and access. It’s part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Clear Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~3,684 acres – the third-largest natural lake in Iowa
- Location: Cerro Gordo County, north-central Iowa (at Clear Lake, near Mason City)
- Famous for: the Surf Ballroom and “The Day the Music Died” (1959)
- Top fish: walleye, muskie, yellow bass, white bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish
The Surf Ballroom and music history
Clear Lake holds a hallowed place in rock ‘n’ roll history. On February 2, 1959, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson played the historic Surf Ballroom – and died in a plane crash just after takeoff in the early hours, an event immortalized as “The Day the Music Died.” The Surf Ballroom still stands and still hosts concerts, including the annual Winter Dance Party, drawing music pilgrims from around the world. A memorial near the crash site honors the three stars.
Fishing Clear Lake
Clear Lake is a top Iowa fishery with an unusual claim to fame – its yellow bass:
- Yellow bass – Clear Lake is famous for them, providing fast, fun fishing and great eating.
- Walleye and muskie – the lake is managed for both, with muskie offering trophy potential.
- White bass, crappie, bluegill and channel catfish round out a deep species list.
An Iowa fishing license is required. The shallow, fertile lake fishes well from boats and shore, and the winter ice fishery for yellow bass and panfish is hugely popular.
State park, beaches and recreation
Clear Lake State Park anchors the south shore with a campground, a swimming beach and boat ramps, and the city’s City Beach and PM Park add more lakeshore fun. Boating, sailing, paddling and swimming fill the summer, and the lively town of Clear Lake offers dining, festivals and the famous Color the Wind kite festival on the frozen lake in winter. It’s a friendly, all-season lake town.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Clear Lake sits right off I-35 in north-central Iowa, about 10 minutes west of Mason City and 2 hours north of Des Moines. Mason City – the inspiration for “The Music Man” and home to Frank Lloyd Wright architecture – is a worthwhile nearby stop.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required.
- Visit the Surf: the Surf Ballroom and the Buddy Holly memorial are must-sees for music fans.
- Best seasons: summer for beaches and boating; winter for ice fishing and the kite festival.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Clear Lake, Iowa famous?
For the Surf Ballroom, where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper played their last concert before dying in a 1959 plane crash – “The Day the Music Died” – and for its excellent fishing and lake-town summers.
What fish are in Clear Lake?
Walleye, muskie, yellow bass (a local specialty), white bass, crappie, bluegill and channel catfish.
Where is Clear Lake, Iowa?
In Cerro Gordo County, north-central Iowa, right off I-35 about 10 minutes west of Mason City.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.
