Perch Lake
About Perch Lake
Perch Lake is a 266-acre lake near Baxter in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 40 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
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 14, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Perch Lake
- 266 acres, up to 40 feet deep, near Baxter
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 17 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
- 266 acres
- Max depth
- 40 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 17 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 (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 14
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- April 9, 2020
- Latest
- April 30, 2022
- Most recent
- April 30, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Perch Lake
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Nearby Lakes
White Sand Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Baxter415 acres
1.3 miles away
Red Sand Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd521 acres
2.6 miles away
Whipple Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Baxter301 acres
2.6 miles away
Hardy Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Brainerd105 acres
4.2 miles away
Wise Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Legionville135 acres
4.5 miles away
Gilbert Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd357 acres
4.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Perch Lake?
Perch Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Baxter. It covers 266 acres and reaches 40 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Perch Lake?
Perch Lake covers 266 acres with about 3.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 40 feet.
What fish can you catch at Perch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Perch Lake?
Yes. Perch Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Perch Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Perch 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 Perch Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Perch Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Perch Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Perch Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 14, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 9, 2020 and the latest is April 30, 2022.
Does Perch Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Perch 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.