Clear Lake

Clear Lake is a private 20-acre body of water located in both North Branford and Guilford just south of Route 80. It has a maximum depth of nine feet and an average depth of six feet. Water is transparent to the bottom in the spring but clarity becomes limited by “tea” coloration in the summer. A small stream feeds it from West Lake to the Northeast and the lake drains via a small stream in a northwesterly direction into the Branford River. A small dam raises the lake level approximately two feet and an outlet board can be pulled to lower the lake one and a half feet. The east and west shores consist of steeply rising unconsolidated bedrock. It is heavily developed with residential homes along the north, south and west shores and sparsely developed along the east shore. Most homeowners have left trees and natural vegetation along the shore. All homes utilize wells and septic systems. Many homes are converted summer cottages and have antiquated septic systems. Street drains empty into the lake at several locations and a significant sand bar has developed at a drain on the southwest shore. Clear Lake has been managed for nuisance aquatic vegetation for decades. Filamentous algae are annual problems require applications of copper sulfate. Lily pads have been controlled in many years with hand pulling, cutting, and herbicides including 2,4-D, fluridone and glyphosate. At approximately five-year intervals nuisance submersed vegetation primarily Potamogeton bicupulatus has been controlled with herbicide applications of diquat dibromide or fluridone. 

No motors of any kind are permitted in the lake.  The lake is open for fishing year round, but no ice fishing is allowed. Clear Lake Improvement Association is a member-supported organization dedicated to protecting the beauty of the neighborhood lake. The Board ensures that there is periodic water testing for bacteria throughout the swimming season and the lab reports are shared with the Board. The beach is accessible to members from 8a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Members may use the small area of CLIA property on Olson Road for picnicking, fishing or to put a small boat in the lake.