Spring Lake
About Spring Lake
Spring Lake is a 1,494-acre lake near Hastings in Dakota County, Minnesota. It reaches 17 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 18.4 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Dakota County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 21 fish species here, including walleye, sauger, northern pike, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2001.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Cardinal and goldfinch are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, bighead carp, flowering rush, grass carp, silver carp, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Spring Lake
- 1,494 acres, up to 17 feet deep, near Hastings
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, sauger, northern pike, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Camping close to the water at Cardinal and goldfinch
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, bighead carp, flowering rush, grass carp, silver carp, and 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
- 1,494 acres
- Max depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 18.4 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,494 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)
- Camping: Cardinal, goldfinch, and bluebird
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 21
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2001
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Cardinal, goldfinch, bluebird, and chickadee are mapped on or near Spring Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Spring Lake
Compare Spring Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Spring Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Lake Rebecca
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Hastings82 acres
5.3 miles away
Thomas Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Eagan41 acres
10 miles away
Pigs Eye Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Highwood674 acres
10.7 miles away
Rogers Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Mendota Heights102 acres
11.2 miles away
Battle Creek
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Landfall106 acres
12.6 miles away
Pickerel Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Lilydale114 acres
13 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Spring Lake?
Spring Lake is in Dakota County, Minnesota, near Hastings. It covers 1,494 acres and reaches 17 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Spring Lake?
Spring Lake covers 1,494 acres with about 18.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Spring Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, and White Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Spring Lake?
Yes. Spring Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Spring Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Spring 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 Spring Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Spring Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Spring Lake?
Yes. Cardinal, goldfinch, and bluebird are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Spring Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Spring Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, bighead carp, flowering rush, grass carp, silver carp, and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.