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Chippewa Lake

lakeDouglas County, Minnesota · near Brandon1,186 acres66 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Chippewa Lake

Chippewa Lake is a 1,186-acre lake near Brandon in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 95 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 24 feet, and has roughly 14.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.4 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 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. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.

Plan Your Visit to Chippewa Lake

What to Know Before You Go
  • 1,186 acres, up to 95 feet deep, near Brandon
  • 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 11.4 feet
  • 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
1,186 acres
Max depth
95 ft
Average depth
24 ft
Shoreline
14.2 mi
Water clarity
11.4 ft
Shallows (under 15 ft)
551 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
Know Before You Go
  • Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake

Angler's Report

Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Species on survey
19
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.

Activities

FishingIce FishingBoatingPaddling

Amenities

Boat Ramp

Fish Species

WalleyeNorthern PikeLargemouth BassBlack CrappieBluegillPumpkinseedYellow PerchTullibee (Cisco)Rock BassBigmouth BuffaloBlack BullheadBowfinBrown BullheadCommon CarpFreshwater DrumGreen SunfishHybrid SunfishWhite SuckerYellow Bullhead

Plan your trip to Chippewa Lake

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Chippewa Lake?

Chippewa Lake is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Brandon. It covers 1,186 acres and reaches 95 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Chippewa Lake?

Chippewa Lake covers 1,186 acres with about 14.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 95 feet and its average depth is about 24 feet.

What fish can you catch at Chippewa 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 Chippewa Lake?

Yes. Chippewa Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.

Can you swim at Chippewa Lake?

There is no mapped public swim beach at Chippewa 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 Chippewa Lake stocked?

Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Chippewa Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.

Does Chippewa Lake have invasive species?

Yes. The DNR lists Chippewa 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.