Lake Melissa
About Lake Melissa
Lake Melissa is a 1,850-acre lake near Detroit Lakes in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 37 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 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 northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and township. 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 16, based on 8 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Melissa
- 1,850 acres, up to 37 feet deep, near Detroit Lakes
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and township
- 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 12.5 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with flowering rush and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,850 acres
- Max depth
- 37 ft
- Shoreline
- 7 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 934 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
- 2 public boat launches (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
- 16
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
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
- 8
- Earliest
- April 12, 2015
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 12, 2015
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Melissa
Compare Lake Melissa against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lake Melissa ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lake Melissa ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Melissa ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Melissa ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Mill Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes155 acres
1.3 miles away
Meadow Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes71 acres
1.5 miles away
Lake Sallie
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes1,280 acres
2 miles away
Sauer Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes193 acres
2 miles away
Fox Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes143 acres
2.6 miles away
Johnson Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Shoreham183 acres
2.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Melissa?
Lake Melissa is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. It covers 1,850 acres and reaches 37 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Melissa?
Lake Melissa covers 1,850 acres with about 7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 37 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Melissa?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Melissa?
Yes. Lake Melissa has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Melissa?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Melissa. 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 Lake Melissa stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Melissa; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Melissa?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
When does the ice go out on Lake Melissa?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 8 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 12, 2015 and the latest is May 11, 2013.
Does Lake Melissa have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Melissa 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.