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Mille Lacs Lake vs Shakopee Lake

Two of the top-scoring lakes in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, side by side.

Mille Lacs Lake is the larger of the two at 128,250 acres against 584 for Shakopee Lake. On our rankings, Mille Lacs Lake comes out ahead for fishing, Mille Lacs Lake comes out ahead for swimming, Mille Lacs Lake comes out ahead for boating, Mille Lacs Lake comes out ahead for camping, Mille Lacs Lake comes out ahead for paddling, and Mille Lacs Lake comes out ahead for ice fishing.

MeasureMille Lacs LakeShakopee Lake
Lake Score81 / 10054 / 100
Nearest townGarrisonOnamia
Surface area128,250 acres584 acres
Max depth42 ft15 ft
Shoreline105.5 mi4.6 mi
Water clarity11 ft7.1 ft
Public access11 public boat launches (concrete)1 public boat launch (concrete)
Fish species2118
Game fishWalleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth BassWalleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie
StockedYesYes
Special regulationsYesYes
Swim beachYesNo
CampingYesNo
Invasive speciesEurasian watermilfoil, spiny waterflea, zebra musselzebra mussel

Which lake is better for…

  • Fishing
    Mille Lacs Lake
  • Swimming
    Mille Lacs Lake
  • Boating
    Mille Lacs Lake
  • Camping
    Mille Lacs Lake
  • Paddling
    Mille Lacs Lake
  • Ice Fishing
    Mille Lacs Lake

The lakes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, Mille Lacs Lake or Shakopee Lake?

Mille Lacs Lake is bigger at 128,250 acres; Shakopee Lake covers 584 acres.

Which is deeper, Mille Lacs Lake or Shakopee Lake?

Mille Lacs Lake is deeper, with a maximum depth of 42 feet against 15 feet.

Is Mille Lacs Lake or Shakopee Lake better for fishing?

Mille Lacs Lake ranks higher for fishing in this directory, based on game species, lake size, access and stocking. Mille Lacs Lake lists 21 species and Shakopee Lake lists 18.