Little Lake
About Little Lake
Little Lake is a 168-acre lake near Center City in Chisago County, Minnesota. It reaches 23 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 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. 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 Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around March 31, based on 9 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Little Lake
- 168 acres, up to 23 feet deep, near Center City
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 4.1 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — 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
- 168 acres
- Max depth
- 23 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 124 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- 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
- March 31
- Years of record
- 9
- Earliest
- March 2, 2024
- Latest
- April 21, 2008
- Most recent
- March 31, 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 Little Lake
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Nearby Lakes
North Center Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Center City749 acres
1.7 miles away
South Center Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom910 acres
2.7 miles away
North Lindstrom Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom142 acres
3 miles away
Sunrise Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom796 acres
3.6 miles away
South Lindstrom Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom455 acres
3.6 miles away
Linn Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom177 acres
4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little Lake?
Little Lake is in Chisago County, Minnesota, near Center City. It covers 168 acres and reaches 23 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little Lake?
Little Lake covers 168 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 23 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little 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 Little Lake?
Yes. Little Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Little Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Little 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 Little Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Little Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Little Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 31, from 9 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 2, 2024 and the latest is April 21, 2008.
Does Little Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Little 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.