Lake Carlos
About Lake Carlos
Lake Carlos is a 2,605-acre lake near Carlos in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 163 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 50 feet, and has roughly 12.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17.1 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 2024.
There are 4 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and township. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Luther Crest Bible Camp and Lake Carlos Sate Park - Horse Camp are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 16, based on 17 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Carlos
- 2,605 acres, up to 163 feet deep, near Carlos
- 4 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and township
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 17.1 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Luther Crest Bible Camp and Lake Carlos Sate Park - Horse Camp
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,605 acres
- Max depth
- 163 ft
- Average depth
- 50 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 17.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 922 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
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Luther Crest Bible Camp, Lake Carlos Sate Park - Horse Camp, and Lake Carlos State Park - Upper Campground
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 20
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 16
- Years of record
- 17
- Earliest
- March 12, 2024
- Latest
- May 13, 2013
- Most recent
- April 14, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Luther Crest Bible Camp, Lake Carlos Sate Park - Horse Camp, Lake Carlos State Park - Upper Campground, and Pioneer Group Camp are mapped on or near Lake Carlos. 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 Lake Carlos
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Carlos?
Lake Carlos is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Carlos. It covers 2,605 acres and reaches 163 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Carlos?
Lake Carlos covers 2,605 acres with about 12.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 163 feet and its average depth is about 50 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Carlos?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Carlos?
Yes. Lake Carlos has 4 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Carlos?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Carlos stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Carlos; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Carlos?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 17 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 12, 2024 and the latest is May 13, 2013.
Can you camp at Lake Carlos?
Yes. Luther Crest Bible Camp, Lake Carlos Sate Park - Horse Camp, and Lake Carlos State Park - Upper Campground are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake Carlos have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Carlos as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.