North Center Lake
About North Center Lake
North Center Lake is a 749-acre lake near Center City in Chisago County, Minnesota. It reaches 46 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 7 feet, and has roughly 12.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.8 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 northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Allemanstratt Wilderness 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.
Plan Your Visit to North Center Lake
- 749 acres, up to 46 feet deep, near Center City
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- 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 5.8 feet
- Camping close to the water at Allemanstratt Wilderness Park
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 749 acres
- Max depth
- 46 ft
- Average depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 608 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 (asphalt)
- Camping: Allemanstratt Wilderness Park
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 2025
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Allemanstratt Wilderness Park is mapped on or near North Center 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 North Center Lake
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Nearby Lakes
North Lindstrom Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom142 acres
1.3 miles away
Little Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Center City168 acres
1.7 miles away
South Center Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom910 acres
2.1 miles away
South Lindstrom Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom455 acres
2.2 miles away
Sunrise Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom796 acres
2.2 miles away
Linn Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom177 acres
3.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is North Center Lake?
North Center Lake is in Chisago County, Minnesota, near Center City. It covers 749 acres and reaches 46 feet deep.
How big and how deep is North Center Lake?
North Center Lake covers 749 acres with about 12.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 46 feet and its average depth is about 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at North Center 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 North Center Lake?
Yes. North Center Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at North Center Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at North Center 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 North Center Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for North Center Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on North Center Lake?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
Can you camp at North Center Lake?
Yes. Allemanstratt Wilderness Park is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does North Center Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists North Center 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.