White Earth Lake
About White Earth Lake
White Earth Lake is a 1,989-acre lake near White Earth in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 120 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 13.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth 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 county. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 21, based on 16 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to White Earth Lake
- 1,989 acres, up to 120 feet deep, near White Earth
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 11.8 feet
- Listed as infested with 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
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,989 acres
- Max depth
- 120 ft
- Shoreline
- 13.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 599 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
- 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 11
- 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
- 16
- Earliest
- April 7, 2017
- Latest
- May 7, 2008
- Most recent
- April 22, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to White Earth Lake
Compare White Earth Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how White Earth Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Bass Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · White Earth126 acres
1.8 miles away
Net Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · White Earth230 acres
2.1 miles away
McCraney Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Naytahwaush270 acres
3.7 miles away
Strawberry Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · White Earth1,498 acres
4.7 miles away
Big Sugar Bush Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Richwood522 acres
6 miles away
Snider Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Naytahwaush634 acres
6.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is White Earth Lake?
White Earth Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near White Earth. It covers 1,989 acres and reaches 120 feet deep.
How big and how deep is White Earth Lake?
White Earth Lake covers 1,989 acres with about 13.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 120 feet.
What fish can you catch at White Earth Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Lake Sturgeon and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on White Earth Lake?
Yes. White Earth Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at White Earth Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at White Earth 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 White Earth Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for White Earth Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on White Earth Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 21, from 16 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 7, 2017 and the latest is May 7, 2008.
Does White Earth Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists White Earth Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.