Maple Lake
About Maple Lake
Maple Lake is an 831-acre lake near Forada in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 78 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 16 feet, and has roughly 9.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 19.2 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 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. Special fishing regulations apply to black and white crappie, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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 19, based on 18 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Maple Lake
- 831 acres, up to 78 feet deep, near Forada
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 19.2 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 831 acres
- Max depth
- 78 ft
- Average depth
- 16 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 19.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 405 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Black and White Crappie: Minimum size limit 10". Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 19
- Years of record
- 18
- Earliest
- March 24, 2016
- Latest
- May 26, 2022
- Most recent
- May 26, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Maple Lake
Compare Maple Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Maple Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Turtle Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Forada218 acres
1.5 miles away
Union Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Forada107 acres
3.1 miles away
Lake Reno
58 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Forada3,809 acres
3.3 miles away
Lake Andrew
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Forada923 acres
3.7 miles away
Burgen Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria174 acres
5.1 miles away
Leven Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Villard282 acres
5.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Maple Lake?
Maple Lake is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Forada. It covers 831 acres and reaches 78 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Maple Lake?
Maple Lake covers 831 acres with about 9.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 78 feet and its average depth is about 16 feet.
What fish can you catch at Maple Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Maple Lake?
Yes. Maple Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Maple Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Maple Lake. 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 Maple Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Maple Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Maple Lake?
Yes. Minimum size limit 10". Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Maple Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 19, from 18 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2016 and the latest is May 26, 2022.
Does Maple Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Maple Lake 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.