Vanduse Lake
About Vanduse Lake
Vanduse Lake is a 240-acre lake near Jacobson in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 27 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 8 feet, and has roughly 5.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 20, based on 22 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Vanduse Lake
- 240 acres, up to 27 feet deep, near Jacobson
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 13.5 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 240 acres
- Max depth
- 27 ft
- Average depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 189 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 (gravel or earth)
Best For
- Northern Pike 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 20
- Years of record
- 22
- Earliest
- March 23, 2012
- Latest
- May 9, 2013
- Most recent
- April 12, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Vanduse Lake
Compare Vanduse Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Vanduse Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Vanduse Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Vanduse Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Vanduse Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Hay Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Jacobson129 acres
2 miles away
Blackface Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Ball Bluff192 acres
3.2 miles away
Ball Bluff Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Jacobson169 acres
3.5 miles away
Cutaway Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Balsam113 acres
8 miles away
Wakefield Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Jacobson164 acres
8.8 miles away
Savanna Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGregor101 acres
9.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Vanduse Lake?
Vanduse Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Jacobson. It covers 240 acres and reaches 27 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Vanduse Lake?
Vanduse Lake covers 240 acres with about 5.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 27 feet and its average depth is about 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Vanduse Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Vanduse Lake?
Yes. Vanduse Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Vanduse Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Vanduse 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 Vanduse Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Vanduse Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Vanduse Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on Vanduse Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 20, from 22 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 23, 2012 and the latest is May 9, 2013.