Upper Mission Lake
About Upper Mission Lake
Upper Mission Lake is an 882-acre lake near Merrifield in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 36 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.7 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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 northern pike, crappie, and sunfish, 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 Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 18, based on 41 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Upper Mission Lake
- 882 acres, up to 36 feet deep, near Merrifield
- 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 12.7 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — 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
- 882 acres
- Max depth
- 36 ft
- Shoreline
- 6 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 256 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
- 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 18
- Years of record
- 41
- Earliest
- March 24, 2012
- Latest
- May 13, 2013
- Most recent
- April 12, 2020
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Upper Mission Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Bass Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield285 acres
1.7 miles away
Lower Mission Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield732 acres
1.9 miles away
Miller Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Trommald105 acres
2.5 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake922 acres
2.8 miles away
Black Bear Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Trommald218 acres
3.2 miles away
Lougee Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Mission212 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Mission Lake?
Upper Mission Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Merrifield. It covers 882 acres and reaches 36 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Upper Mission Lake?
Upper Mission Lake covers 882 acres with about 6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 36 feet.
What fish can you catch at Upper Mission Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Upper Mission Lake?
Yes. Upper Mission Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Upper Mission Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Upper Mission 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 Upper Mission Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Upper Mission Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Upper Mission Lake?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36". Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Upper Mission Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 18, from 41 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2012 and the latest is May 13, 2013.
Does Upper Mission Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Upper Mission Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.