Round Lake
About Round Lake
Round Lake is a 1,650-acre lake near Nisswa in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 51 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.4 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows Hidden Paradise Resort on or beside the lake. 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 21, based on 39 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Round Lake
- 1,650 acres, up to 51 feet deep, near Nisswa
- 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 14.4 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Hidden Paradise Resort)
- 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
- 1,650 acres
- Max depth
- 51 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 627 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: Hidden Paradise Resort
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 21
- Years of record
- 39
- Earliest
- March 31, 2000
- 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 Round Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Little Hubert Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Lake Hubert194 acres
1.6 miles away
Lake Hubert
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa1,301 acres
2.1 miles away
North Long Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield6,190 acres
2.3 miles away
Gladstone Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa437 acres
2.5 miles away
Hartley Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · East Gull Lake136 acres
2.9 miles away
Gull Lake
90 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Nisswa10,010 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Round Lake?
Round Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. It covers 1,650 acres and reaches 51 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Round Lake?
Round Lake covers 1,650 acres with about 6.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 51 feet.
What fish can you catch at Round 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 Round Lake?
Yes. Round Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Round Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Hidden Paradise Resort). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Round Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Round Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Round Lake?
Yes. All from 30-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit two, only one over 40".
When does the ice go out on Round Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 21, from 39 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 31, 2000 and the latest is May 6, 2022.
Does Round Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Round 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.