Jail Lake
About Jail Lake
Jail Lake is an 183-acre lake near Pine River in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 22 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.3 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 1998.
No public water access is on record with the DNR, so getting on the water generally depends on a resort, private landing or permission from a shoreline owner. Ice typically goes out around April 15, based on 12 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Jail Lake
- 183 acres, up to 22 feet deep, near Pine River
- No public access on record — access is through resorts, private landings or shoreline owners
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
Access & Fees
- Public access
- No public access on record
- Launch fee
- —
Conditions
- Surface area
- 183 acres
- Max depth
- 22 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.3 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 114 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
- 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
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 1998
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 15
- Years of record
- 12
- Earliest
- March 31, 2016
- Latest
- May 6, 2022
- Most recent
- April 17, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Jail Lake
Compare Jail Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
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1.2 miles away
Ada Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus963 acres
2.9 miles away
Hand Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus289 acres
3.7 miles away
Stewart Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Swanburg234 acres
4 miles away
Hattie Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus588 acres
4.4 miles away
Sylvan Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus113 acres
4.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Jail Lake?
Jail Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Pine River. It covers 183 acres and reaches 22 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Jail Lake?
Jail Lake covers 183 acres with about 2.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 22 feet.
What fish can you catch at Jail Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list 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 Jail Lake?
No. The DNR lists no public water access on Jail Lake.
Can you swim at Jail Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Jail 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 Jail Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Jail Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Jail Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 15, from 12 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 31, 2016 and the latest is May 6, 2022.