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Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake

lakeCrow Wing County, Minnesota · near Armour Number Two Mine272 acres65 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake

Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake is a 272-acre lake near Armour Number Two Mine in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 525 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 32.3 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to lake trout, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.

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

Plan Your Visit to Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake

What to Know Before You Go
  • 272 acres, up to 525 feet deep, near Armour Number Two Mine
  • 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
  • Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
  • Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
  • Average water clarity around 32.3 feet — very clear
  • Listed as infested with zebra mussel — 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
272 acres
Max depth
525 ft
Shoreline
8.1 mi
Water clarity
32.3 ft
Shallows (under 15 ft)
53 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 (concrete)

Best For

  • Walleye fishing
  • Quiet paddling
  • Ice fishing
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
16
Game fish
12
Stocked
No
Last DNR survey
2022
Special regulations
Yes
Fishing pier
No
Ice fishing
Yes
Boat launch
Yes

Special regulations on this lake

  • Lake Trout: All less than 20" must be immediately released, possession limit one.

Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.

Activities

FishingIce FishingBoatingPaddling

Amenities

Boat Ramp

Fish Species

WalleyeNorthern PikeLargemouth BassSmallmouth BassBlack CrappieBluegillPumpkinseedYellow PerchRainbow TroutBurbotTullibee (Cisco)Rock BassBlack BullheadHybrid SunfishWhite SuckerYellow Bullhead

Plan your trip to Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake

Compare Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake?

Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Armour Number Two Mine. It covers 272 acres and reaches 525 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake?

Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake covers 272 acres with about 8.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 525 feet.

What fish can you catch at Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake?

Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rainbow Trout and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Is there a public boat launch on Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake?

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

Can you swim at Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake?

There is no mapped public swim beach at Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco 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 Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake stocked?

The DNR has no stocking report on file for Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.

Are there special fishing regulations on Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake?

Yes. All less than 20" must be immediately released, possession limit one.

Does Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake have invasive species?

Yes. The DNR lists Mahnomen, Alstead & Arco Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.