Mitchell Lake
About Mitchell Lake
Mitchell Lake is a 429-acre lake near Emily in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 78 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
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. Ice typically goes out around April 19, based on 10 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Mitchell Lake
- 429 acres, up to 78 feet deep, near Emily
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 8.4 feet
- 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
- 429 acres
- Max depth
- 78 ft
- Shoreline
- 5 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 118 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)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 20
- Game fish
- 12
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. One over 36" allowed in possession. Possession limit three.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 19
- Years of record
- 10
- Earliest
- April 7, 2017
- Latest
- May 6, 2022
- Most recent
- April 22, 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 Mitchell Lake
Compare Mitchell Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Mitchell Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Mitchell Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Mitchell Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Mitchell Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Eagle Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Fifty Lakes350 acres
1.5 miles away
Kego Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Fifty Lakes296 acres
1.8 miles away
Butterfield Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Fifty Lakes194 acres
2.2 miles away
Blue Lake
14 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Emily177 acres
2.4 miles away
East Fox Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Fifty Lakes241 acres
2.6 miles away
Anna Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Emily112 acres
3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mitchell Lake?
Mitchell Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Emily. It covers 429 acres and reaches 78 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Mitchell Lake?
Mitchell Lake covers 429 acres with about 5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 78 feet.
What fish can you catch at Mitchell Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 Mitchell Lake?
Yes. Mitchell Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Mitchell Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Mitchell 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 Mitchell Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Mitchell Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Mitchell Lake?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. One over 36" allowed in possession. Possession limit three.
When does the ice go out on Mitchell Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 19, from 10 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 7, 2017 and the latest is May 6, 2022.
Does Mitchell Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Mitchell 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.