Dam Lake
About Dam Lake
Dam Lake is a 598-acre lake near Aitkin in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 48 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 19 feet, and has roughly 4.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 16, based on 9 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Dam Lake
- 598 acres, up to 48 feet deep, near Aitkin
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 8.8 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 598 acres
- Max depth
- 48 ft
- Average depth
- 19 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 256 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 16
- Years of record
- 9
- Earliest
- April 1, 2016
- Latest
- April 26, 2008
- Most recent
- April 16, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Dam Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Long Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Glen435 acres
2 miles away
Rice Lake
22 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Thor3,684 acres
4.4 miles away
Rabbit Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Glen212 acres
4.8 miles away
Swamp Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Glen272 acres
4.8 miles away
Portage Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Kimberly372 acres
5.7 miles away
Clear Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Glen574 acres
5.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dam Lake?
Dam Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Aitkin. It covers 598 acres and reaches 48 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Dam Lake?
Dam Lake covers 598 acres with about 4.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 48 feet and its average depth is about 19 feet.
What fish can you catch at Dam Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Dam Lake?
Yes. Dam Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Dam Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Dam 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 Dam Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Dam Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Dam Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on Dam Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 9 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 1, 2016 and the latest is April 26, 2008.