---
type: lake
name: "Detroit Lake"
county: "Becker"
nearest_town: "Detroit Lakes"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 3067
max_depth_ft: 89
latitude: 46.7884
longitude: -95.83431
lake_score: 85
dnr_lake_id: "03038100"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/becker-county/detroit-lake
---

# Detroit Lake

Lake in Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes

- **Surface Area**: 3,067 acres
- **Max Depth**: 89 ft
- **Average Depth**: 15 ft
- **Shoreline**: 12.9 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 9.9 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 4 public boat launches (asphalt)
- **Lake Score**: 85/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 4 public boat launches (asphalt)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR, city
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 19
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Swimming, Camping, Picnicking

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Swim Beach, Campground, Picnic Area, Marina

### Campgrounds

- American Legion Campground
- Northwoods Campground
- Blue Ox Campground
- Eagle Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Lake Sturgeon, Tullibee (Cisco), Rock Bass, Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Invasive Species

flowering rush, zebra mussel. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Ice-Out

- **Median ice-out**: April 21
- **Years of record**: 266
- **Earliest**: 1910-03-23
- **Latest**: 1950-05-17

## Nearby Lakes

- [Curfman Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/becker-county/curfman-lake) - 1.1 miles, 121 acres
- [Munson Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/becker-county/munson-lake) - 2.9 miles, 134 acres
- [Meadow Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/becker-county/meadow-lake) - 3 miles, 71 acres
- [Lake Sallie](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/becker-county/lake-sallie) - 3.1 miles, 1,280 acres
- [Fox Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/becker-county/fox-lake) - 3.5 miles, 143 acres
- [Long Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/becker-county/long-lake) - 3.6 miles, 415 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=46.7884,-95.83431)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=03038100)
- [All lakes in Becker County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/becker-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/becker-county/detroit-lake)*