Lake Miltona
About Lake Miltona
Lake Miltona is a 5,731-acre lake near Leaf Valley in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 105 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 17.5 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Douglas County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.7 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. OpenStreetMap shows Sandy Beach on or beside the lake. 2 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. 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 14, based on 26 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Miltona
- 5,731 acres, up to 105 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 10.7 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Sandy Beach)
- Camping close to the water
- 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
- 5,731 acres
- Max depth
- 105 ft
- Shoreline
- 17.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,759 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)
- Swim beach: Sandy Beach
- Camping (2 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- 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 14
- Years of record
- 26
- Earliest
- March 17, 2024
- Latest
- May 5, 2018
- Most recent
- April 14, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
2 campgrounds are mapped on or near Lake Miltona. 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 Miltona
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Nearby Lakes
Vermont Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Leaf Valley342 acres
3.1 miles away
Irene Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Miltona639 acres
3.6 miles away
Lake Ida
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Leaf Valley4,445 acres
4.2 miles away
Indian Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Leaf Valley99 acres
5 miles away
Lake Carlos
87 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Carlos2,605 acres
5.2 miles away
Fish Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Parkers Prairie489 acres
6.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Miltona?
Lake Miltona is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Leaf Valley. It covers 5,731 acres and reaches 105 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Miltona?
Lake Miltona covers 5,731 acres with about 17.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 105 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Miltona?
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 Miltona?
Yes. Lake Miltona 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 Miltona?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Sandy Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Miltona stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Miltona; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Miltona?
The median ice-out date is April 14, from 26 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 17, 2024 and the latest is May 5, 2018.
Can you camp at Lake Miltona?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake Miltona have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Miltona 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.