Swamp River Reservoir
About Swamp River Reservoir
Swamp River Reservoir is a 165-acre reservoir near Hovland in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 10 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 24.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 4 fish species here, including northern pike, yellow perch, and burbot. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2013.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Swamp River Reservoir
- 165 acres, up to 10 feet deep, near Hovland
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, yellow perch, and burbot
- Average water clarity around 5.1 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 165 acres
- Max depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 24.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 165 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 (gravel or earth)
- 2 carry-in accesses
Best For
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 4
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2013
- 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 Swamp River Reservoir
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Nearby Lakes
Otter Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland75 acres
3.6 miles away
Moosehorn Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland66 acres
4.4 miles away
Tom Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland404 acres
5.3 miles away
Chester Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland52 acres
6.5 miles away
South Fowl Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland1,586 acres
7.3 miles away
Esther Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland78 acres
7.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Swamp River Reservoir?
Swamp River Reservoir is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Hovland. It covers 165 acres and reaches 10 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Swamp River Reservoir?
Swamp River Reservoir covers 165 acres with about 24.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Swamp River Reservoir?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Burbot. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Swamp River Reservoir?
Yes. Swamp River Reservoir 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 Swamp River Reservoir?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Swamp River Reservoir. 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 Swamp River Reservoir stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Swamp River Reservoir; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.