Esther Lake
About Esther Lake
Esther Lake is a 78-acre lake near Hovland in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 35 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 16 feet, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 3 fish species here, including rainbow trout and splake. 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 (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Esther Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Esther Lake
- 78 acres, up to 35 feet deep, near Hovland
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: rainbow trout and splake
- Average water clarity around 8.4 feet
- Camping close to the water at Esther Lake Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 78 acres
- Max depth
- 35 ft
- Average depth
- 16 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 35 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
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Camping: Esther Lake Campground
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Esther Lake Campground is mapped on or near Esther 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 Esther Lake
Compare Esther Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Esther Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how Esther Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Chester Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland52 acres
1.3 miles away
Devilfish Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland405 acres
1.4 miles away
Greenwood Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais2,043 acres
3.2 miles away
Stump Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland254 acres
4.6 miles away
Tom Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland404 acres
4.7 miles away
Otter Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland75 acres
5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Esther Lake?
Esther Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Hovland. It covers 78 acres and reaches 35 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Esther Lake?
Esther Lake covers 78 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 35 feet and its average depth is about 16 feet.
What fish can you catch at Esther Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Rainbow Trout and Splake. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Esther Lake?
Yes. Esther Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Esther Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Esther 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 Esther Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Esther Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Esther Lake?
Yes. Esther Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.