Jessie Lake
About Jessie Lake
Jessie Lake is an 110-acre lake near Nelson in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 26 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 11 feet, and has roughly 3.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.5 feet.
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 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface). 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 11, based on 13 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Jessie Lake
- 110 acres, up to 26 feet deep, near Nelson
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 4.5 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
Conditions
- Surface area
- 110 acres
- Max depth
- 26 ft
- Average depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 69 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
- 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
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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 11
- Years of record
- 13
- Earliest
- April 1, 2017
- Latest
- April 30, 2018
- Most recent
- April 25, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Jessie Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lake Victoria
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria417 acres
1.4 miles away
Burgen Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria174 acres
2 miles away
Lake Geneva
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria640 acres
2.8 miles away
Smith Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Nelson666 acres
3 miles away
Union Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Forada107 acres
3.6 miles away
Lake Agnes
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria137 acres
3.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Jessie Lake?
Jessie Lake is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Nelson. It covers 110 acres and reaches 26 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Jessie Lake?
Jessie Lake covers 110 acres with about 3.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 26 feet and its average depth is about 11 feet.
What fish can you catch at Jessie Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Jessie Lake?
Yes. Jessie Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Jessie Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Jessie 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 Jessie Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Jessie Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Jessie Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 11, from 13 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 1, 2017 and the latest is April 30, 2018.
Does Jessie Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Jessie 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.