West Fox Lake
About West Fox Lake
West Fox Lake is a 449-acre lake near Fifty Lakes in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 55 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 20, based on 5 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to West Fox Lake
- 449 acres, up to 55 feet deep, near Fifty Lakes
- 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
- Average water clarity around 14.3 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 449 acres
- Max depth
- 55 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 138 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 20
- Years of record
- 5
- Earliest
- March 15, 2024
- Latest
- May 6, 2022
- Most recent
- April 20, 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 West Fox Lake
Compare West Fox Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how West Fox Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
East Fox Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Fifty Lakes241 acres
0.8 miles away
Kego Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Fifty Lakes296 acres
1.9 miles away
Eagle Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Fifty Lakes350 acres
2.2 miles away
Ox Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Manhattan Beach241 acres
2.5 miles away
Island Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake232 acres
3.1 miles away
Little Pine Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake330 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is West Fox Lake?
West Fox Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Fifty Lakes. It covers 449 acres and reaches 55 feet deep.
How big and how deep is West Fox Lake?
West Fox Lake covers 449 acres with about 5.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 55 feet.
What fish can you catch at West Fox 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 West Fox Lake?
Yes. West Fox Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at West Fox Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at West Fox 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 West Fox Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for West Fox Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on West Fox Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 20, from 5 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 15, 2024 and the latest is May 6, 2022.