Nisswa Lake
About Nisswa Lake
Nisswa Lake is a 219-acre lake near Nisswa in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 23 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.7 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface). OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Nisswa Lake
- 219 acres, up to 23 feet deep, near Nisswa
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- 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 14.7 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- 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
Conditions
- Surface area
- 219 acres
- Max depth
- 23 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 121 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)
- Swim beach
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 30-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit two, only one over 40".
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Nisswa Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Roy Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa320 acres
1.2 miles away
Edna Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa156 acres
1.3 miles away
Lower Cullen Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa560 acres
1.4 miles away
Clark Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa305 acres
1.6 miles away
Ray Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Nisswa143 acres
1.6 miles away
Upper Gull Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Nisswa422 acres
2.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Nisswa Lake?
Nisswa Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. It covers 219 acres and reaches 23 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Nisswa Lake?
Nisswa Lake covers 219 acres with about 2.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 23 feet.
What fish can you catch at Nisswa Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Nisswa Lake?
Yes. Nisswa Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Nisswa Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Nisswa Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Nisswa Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Nisswa Lake?
Yes. All from 30-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit two, only one over 40".
Does Nisswa Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Nisswa 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.