Detroit Lake
About Detroit Lake
Detroit Lake is a 3,067-acre lake near Detroit Lakes in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 89 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 15 feet, and has roughly 12.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 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 are 4 public boat launches (asphalt surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. American Legion Campground and Northwoods Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with flowering rush and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 21, based on 266 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Detroit Lake
- 3,067 acres, up to 89 feet deep, near Detroit Lakes
- 4 public boat launches (asphalt) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Average water clarity around 9.9 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at American Legion Campground and Northwoods Campground
- Listed as infested with flowering rush and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 4 public boat launches (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 3,067 acres
- Max depth
- 89 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,895 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
- 4 public boat launches (asphalt)
- Swim beach
- Camping: American Legion Campground, Northwoods Campground, and Blue Ox Campground
- Marina: J&K Marina
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 19
- 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 21
- Years of record
- 266
- Earliest
- March 23, 1910
- Latest
- May 17, 1950
- Most recent
- April 12, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
American Legion Campground, Northwoods Campground, Blue Ox Campground, and Eagle Campground are mapped on or near Detroit Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Detroit Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Curfman Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Shoreham121 acres
1.1 miles away
Munson Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes134 acres
2.9 miles away
Meadow Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes71 acres
3 miles away
Lake Sallie
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes1,280 acres
3.1 miles away
Fox Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes143 acres
3.5 miles away
Long Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes415 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Detroit Lake?
Detroit Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. It covers 3,067 acres and reaches 89 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Detroit Lake?
Detroit Lake covers 3,067 acres with about 12.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 89 feet and its average depth is about 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Detroit 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 Detroit Lake?
Yes. Detroit Lake has 4 public boat launches (asphalt), managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Detroit Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Detroit Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Detroit Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Detroit Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 21, from 266 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 23, 1910 and the latest is May 17, 1950.
Can you camp at Detroit Lake?
Yes. American Legion Campground, Northwoods Campground, and Blue Ox Campground are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Detroit Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Detroit Lake as infested with flowering rush and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.