Lake Darling
About Lake Darling
Lake Darling is a 1,050-acre lake near Alexandria in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 62 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.4 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 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 is one public boat launch (concrete surface). OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. 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 17, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Darling
- 1,050 acres, up to 62 feet deep, near Alexandria
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 13.4 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- 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
- 1,050 acres
- Max depth
- 62 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 554 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)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 19
- 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 17
- Years of record
- 7
- Earliest
- March 31, 2017
- Latest
- May 1, 2008
- Most recent
- March 31, 2017
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Darling
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Nearby Lakes
Lake Louise
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Garfield214 acres
1.3 miles away
Lake Henry
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria152 acres
1.5 miles away
North Union Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria118 acres
1.6 miles away
Cowdry Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria243 acres
1.7 miles away
Lake Agnes
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria137 acres
2 miles away
Lake Le Homme Dieu
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria1,801 acres
2.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Darling?
Lake Darling is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Alexandria. It covers 1,050 acres and reaches 62 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Darling?
Lake Darling covers 1,050 acres with about 6.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 62 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Darling?
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 Darling?
Yes. Lake Darling has 1 public boat launch (concrete). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Darling?
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 Darling stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Darling; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Darling?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 31, 2017 and the latest is May 1, 2008.
Does Lake Darling have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Darling 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.