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Devilfish Lake

lakeCook County, Minnesota · near Hovland405 acres45 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Devilfish Lake

Devilfish Lake is a 405-acre lake near Hovland in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 40 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 13 feet, and has roughly 7.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9 feet.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 3 fish species here, including walleye and smallmouth bass. 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 2020.

There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.

Plan Your Visit to Devilfish Lake

What to Know Before You Go
  • 405 acres, up to 40 feet deep, near Hovland
  • 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
  • Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye and smallmouth bass
  • Average water clarity around 9 feet
  • Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — 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
405 acres
Max depth
40 ft
Average depth
13 ft
Shoreline
7.8 mi
Water clarity
9 ft
Shallows (under 15 ft)
228 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)
Know Before You Go
  • Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake

Angler's Report

Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Species on survey
3
Game fish
2
Stocked
Yes
Last DNR survey
2020
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

FishingIce FishingBoatingPaddling

Amenities

Boat Ramp

Fish Species

WalleyeSmallmouth BassWhite Sucker

Plan your trip to Devilfish Lake

Compare Devilfish Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Devilfish Lake?

Devilfish Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Hovland. It covers 405 acres and reaches 40 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Devilfish Lake?

Devilfish Lake covers 405 acres with about 7.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 40 feet and its average depth is about 13 feet.

What fish can you catch at Devilfish Lake?

Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye and Smallmouth Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Is there a public boat launch on Devilfish Lake?

Yes. Devilfish Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.

Can you swim at Devilfish Lake?

There is no mapped public swim beach at Devilfish 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 Devilfish Lake stocked?

Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Devilfish Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.

Does Devilfish Lake have invasive species?

Yes. The DNR lists Devilfish Lake as infested with spiny waterflea. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.