Pickerel Lake
About Pickerel Lake
Pickerel Lake is a 361-acre lake near Detroit Lakes in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 74 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17.7 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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 24, based on 15 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Pickerel Lake
- 361 acres, up to 74 feet deep, near Detroit Lakes
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 17.7 feet — very clear
- 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
Conditions
- Surface area
- 361 acres
- Max depth
- 74 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 17.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 123 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)
Best For
- Walleye 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- 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 24
- Years of record
- 15
- Earliest
- March 29, 2016
- Latest
- May 7, 2022
- Most recent
- April 22, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Pickerel Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Cotton Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Rochert1,763 acres
1.5 miles away
Perch Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes48 acres
2.1 miles away
Rock Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes1,196 acres
3.7 miles away
North Tamarack Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Rochert1,442 acres
4.6 miles away
Little Floyd Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes215 acres
5 miles away
Rice Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Richwood231 acres
5.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. It covers 361 acres and reaches 74 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake covers 361 acres with about 7.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 74 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pickerel Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, 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 Pickerel Lake?
Yes. Pickerel Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pickerel Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Pickerel 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 Pickerel Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Pickerel Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Pickerel Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 24, from 15 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 29, 2016 and the latest is May 7, 2022.
Does Pickerel Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Pickerel 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.