---
type: lake
name: "Lake Carlos"
county: "Douglas"
nearest_town: "Carlos"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 2605
max_depth_ft: 163
latitude: 45.96429
longitude: -95.35687
lake_score: 87
dnr_lake_id: "21005700"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/lake-carlos
---

# Lake Carlos

Lake in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Carlos

- **Surface Area**: 2,605 acres
- **Max Depth**: 163 ft
- **Average Depth**: 50 ft
- **Shoreline**: 12.8 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 17.1 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 87/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR, township
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 20
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Swimming, Camping, Picnicking

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Swim Beach, Campground, Picnic Area

### Campgrounds

- Luther Crest Bible Camp
- Lake Carlos Sate Park - Horse Camp
- Lake Carlos State Park - Upper Campground
- Pioneer Group Camp

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), Rock Bass, Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Greater Redhorse, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Shorthead Redhorse, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Invasive Species

Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Ice-Out

- **Median ice-out**: April 16
- **Years of record**: 17
- **Earliest**: 2024-03-12
- **Latest**: 2013-05-13

## Nearby Lakes

- [Lake Le Homme Dieu](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/lake-le-homme-dieu) - 2.5 miles, 1,801 acres
- [Lake Ida](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/lake-ida) - 3.5 miles, 4,445 acres
- [Lake Darling](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/lake-darling) - 3.6 miles, 1,050 acres
- [Lake Louise](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/lake-louise) - 3.9 miles, 214 acres
- [Lake Henry](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/lake-henry) - 4.4 miles, 152 acres
- [Lake Geneva](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/lake-geneva) - 4.6 miles, 640 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=45.96429,-95.35687)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=21005700)
- [All lakes in Douglas County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/lake-carlos)*