Lake Sallie
About Lake Sallie
Lake Sallie is a 1,280-acre lake near Detroit Lakes in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 50 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 17 feet, and has roughly 5.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.6 feet.
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 is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and township. Lake Sallie Campground and WE Fest VIP & Platinum Camping 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 18, based on 60 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Sallie
- 1,280 acres, up to 50 feet deep, near Detroit Lakes
- 1 public boat launch (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 8.6 feet
- Camping close to the water at Lake Sallie Campground and WE Fest VIP & Platinum Camping
- Listed as infested with flowering rush and 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, township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,280 acres
- Max depth
- 50 ft
- Average depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 577 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)
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping: Lake Sallie Campground, WE Fest VIP & Platinum Camping, and Viking Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 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 18
- Years of record
- 60
- Earliest
- April 2, 2010
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- May 8, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Lake Sallie Campground, WE Fest VIP & Platinum Camping, and Viking Campground are mapped on or near Lake Sallie. 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 Lake Sallie
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Nearby Lakes
Fox Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes143 acres
0.8 miles away
Munson Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes134 acres
1.4 miles away
Meadow Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes71 acres
1.7 miles away
Lake Melissa
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes1,850 acres
2 miles away
Curfman Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Shoreham121 acres
2.1 miles away
Pearl Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes280 acres
2.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Sallie?
Lake Sallie is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. It covers 1,280 acres and reaches 50 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Sallie?
Lake Sallie covers 1,280 acres with about 5.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 50 feet and its average depth is about 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Sallie?
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 Sallie?
Yes. Lake Sallie has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Sallie?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Sallie. 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 Sallie stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Sallie; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Sallie?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
When does the ice go out on Lake Sallie?
The median ice-out date is April 18, from 60 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 2, 2010 and the latest is May 11, 2013.
Can you camp at Lake Sallie?
Yes. Lake Sallie Campground, WE Fest VIP & Platinum Camping, and Viking Campground are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake Sallie have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Sallie 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.