Chisago Lake
About Chisago Lake
Chisago Lake is a 944-acre lake near Chisago City in Chisago County, Minnesota. It reaches 34 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 13.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 largemouth bass, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. OpenStreetMap shows Ojiketa Beach Area on or beside the lake. Ojiketa Regional Park is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 1, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Chisago Lake
- 944 acres, up to 34 feet deep, near Chisago City
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and city
- 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 4.3 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Ojiketa Beach Area)
- Camping close to the water at Ojiketa Regional Park
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — 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, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 944 acres
- Max depth
- 34 ft
- Shoreline
- 13.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 695 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)
- Swim beach: Ojiketa Beach Area
- Camping: Ojiketa Regional Park
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Largemouth Bass: All 12" and larger must be immediately released.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 1
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- March 16, 2016
- Latest
- April 12, 2003
- Most recent
- March 31, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Ojiketa Regional Park is mapped on or near Chisago Lake. 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 Chisago Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Kroon Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom193 acres
1.4 miles away
South Lindstrom Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom455 acres
1.8 miles away
Green Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Chisago City1,809 acres
1.9 miles away
Linn Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom177 acres
2.3 miles away
North Lindstrom Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom142 acres
2.7 miles away
South Center Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom910 acres
2.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Chisago Lake?
Chisago Lake is in Chisago County, Minnesota, near Chisago City. It covers 944 acres and reaches 34 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Chisago Lake?
Chisago Lake covers 944 acres with about 13.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 34 feet.
What fish can you catch at Chisago Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Chisago Lake?
Yes. Chisago Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Chisago Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Ojiketa Beach Area). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Chisago Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Chisago Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Chisago Lake?
Yes. All 12" and larger must be immediately released.
When does the ice go out on Chisago Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 1, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 16, 2016 and the latest is April 12, 2003.
Can you camp at Chisago Lake?
Yes. Ojiketa Regional Park is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Chisago Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Chisago Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.