Spirit Lake
About Spirit Lake
Spirit Lake is a 523-acre lake near Bennettville in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 49 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 15 feet, and has roughly 5.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 17, based on 20 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Spirit Lake
- 523 acres, up to 49 feet deep, near Bennettville
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 12.8 feet — very clear
- 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
- 523 acres
- Max depth
- 49 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 260 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
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 10
- 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 17
- Years of record
- 20
- Earliest
- March 13, 2024
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 17, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Spirit Lake
Compare Spirit Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Spirit Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how Spirit Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Spirit Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Hickory Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin212 acres
1.4 miles away
Little Pine Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin226 acres
2.1 miles away
Hanging Kettle Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin318 acres
2.1 miles away
Lone Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin433 acres
2.2 miles away
Ripple Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin630 acres
2.2 miles away
Hammal Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin376 acres
3.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Bennettville. It covers 523 acres and reaches 49 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake covers 523 acres with about 5.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 49 feet and its average depth is about 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Spirit Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Spirit Lake?
Yes. Spirit Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Spirit Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Spirit 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 Spirit Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Spirit Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Spirit Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 20 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 13, 2024 and the latest is May 11, 2013.
Does Spirit Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Spirit 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.