Cedar Lake
About Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake is a 1,726-acre lake near Aitkin in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 105 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 28 feet, and has roughly 27.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.9 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 22 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 18, based on 12 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Cedar Lake
- 1,726 acres, up to 105 feet deep, near Aitkin
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Average water clarity around 10.9 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,726 acres
- Max depth
- 105 ft
- Average depth
- 28 ft
- Shoreline
- 27.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 405 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 22
- Game fish
- 12
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 18
- Years of record
- 12
- Earliest
- March 18, 2016
- Latest
- May 10, 2013
- Most recent
- April 5, 2021
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Cedar Lake
Compare Cedar Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Blue Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin54 acres
2.4 miles away
Hammal Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin376 acres
2.9 miles away
Thornton Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Deerwood (Crow Wing)161 acres
3.1 miles away
Townline Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin114 acres
3.2 miles away
Black Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Deerwood (Crow Wing)106 acres
4.2 miles away
Sunset Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin221 acres
4.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cedar Lake?
Cedar Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Aitkin. It covers 1,726 acres and reaches 105 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cedar Lake?
Cedar Lake covers 1,726 acres with about 27.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 105 feet and its average depth is about 28 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cedar Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cedar Lake?
Yes. Cedar Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Cedar Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Cedar Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Cedar Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Cedar Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Cedar Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 18, from 12 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 18, 2016 and the latest is May 10, 2013.
Does Cedar Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Cedar Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.