Silver Lake
About Silver Lake
Silver Lake is an 115-acre lake near Hawley in Clay County, Minnesota. It reaches 39 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Silver Lake
- 115 acres, up to 39 feet deep, near Hawley
- 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 yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 8.5 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 115 acres
- Max depth
- 39 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 36 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Silver Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lee Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreClay · Hawley158 acres
4.4 miles away
Fifteen Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreClay · Hawley154 acres
6.6 miles away
Sand Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park311 acres
7.9 miles away
Turtle Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park196 acres
8.3 miles away
Bijou Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park225 acres
8.9 miles away
Upper Cormorant Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park974 acres
10.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Silver Lake?
Silver Lake is in Clay County, Minnesota, near Hawley. It covers 115 acres and reaches 39 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Silver Lake?
Silver Lake covers 115 acres with about 1.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 39 feet.
What fish can you catch at Silver Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Silver Lake?
Yes. Silver Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Silver Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Silver 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 Silver Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Silver Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.