Mill Lake
About Mill Lake
Mill Lake is a 451-acre lake near Alexandria in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 40 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 20 feet, and has roughly 5.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (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 11, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Mill Lake
- 451 acres, up to 40 feet deep, near Alexandria
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 13.6 feet — very clear
- 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
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 451 acres
- Max depth
- 40 ft
- Average depth
- 20 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 196 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)
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
- 15
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 11
- Years of record
- 7
- Earliest
- March 21, 2016
- Latest
- April 25, 2022
- Most recent
- April 25, 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 Mill Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Round Lake
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1.3 miles away
Crooked Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City284 acres
1.5 miles away
Grants Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City177 acres
1.8 miles away
Lobster Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City1,334 acres
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Blackwell Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City307 acres
2.2 miles away
Cook Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City101 acres
2.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mill Lake?
Mill Lake is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Alexandria. It covers 451 acres and reaches 40 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Mill Lake?
Mill Lake covers 451 acres with about 5.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 40 feet and its average depth is about 20 feet.
What fish can you catch at Mill Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 Mill Lake?
Yes. Mill Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Mill Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Mill 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 Mill Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Mill Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Mill Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on Mill Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 11, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 21, 2016 and the latest is April 25, 2022.
Does Mill Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Mill 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.