Lake Ida
About Lake Ida
Lake Ida is a 4,445-acre lake near Leaf Valley in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 106 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 28 feet, and has roughly 22.6 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 53 Douglas County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.9 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. 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 2023.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and township. 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 16, based on 48 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Ida
- 4,445 acres, up to 106 feet deep, near Leaf Valley
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and township
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Average water clarity around 12.9 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 4,445 acres
- Max depth
- 106 ft
- Average depth
- 28 ft
- Shoreline
- 22.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,751 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- 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
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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
- 48
- Earliest
- March 24, 2012
- Latest
- May 3, 2008
- Most recent
- April 27, 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 Lake Ida
Compare Lake Ida against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lake Ida ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lake Ida ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Ida ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Ida ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Lake Carlos
87 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Carlos2,605 acres
3.5 miles away
Indian Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Leaf Valley99 acres
3.7 miles away
Lake Louise
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Garfield214 acres
4.1 miles away
Lake Miltona
83 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Leaf Valley5,731 acres
4.2 miles away
Lake Darling
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria1,050 acres
4.9 miles away
North Union Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria118 acres
4.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Ida?
Lake Ida is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Leaf Valley. It covers 4,445 acres and reaches 106 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Ida?
Lake Ida covers 4,445 acres with about 22.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 106 feet and its average depth is about 28 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Ida?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Ida?
Yes. Lake Ida has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Ida?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Ida. 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 Lake Ida stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Ida; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Ida?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 48 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2012 and the latest is May 3, 2008.
Does Lake Ida have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Ida 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.