South Oscar Lake
About South Oscar Lake
South Oscar Lake is a 997-acre lake in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 25 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 13 feet, and has roughly 11.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to South Oscar Lake
- 997 acres, up to 25 feet deep
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 6.5 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and 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
- 997 acres
- Max depth
- 25 ft
- Average depth
- 13 ft
- Shoreline
- 11.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 473 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
- 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to South Oscar Lake
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Crooked Lake
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Rachel Lake
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Round Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South Oscar Lake?
South Oscar Lake is in Douglas County, Minnesota. It covers 997 acres and reaches 25 feet deep.
How big and how deep is South Oscar Lake?
South Oscar Lake covers 997 acres with about 11.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 25 feet and its average depth is about 13 feet.
What fish can you catch at South Oscar Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, 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 South Oscar Lake?
Yes. South Oscar Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at South Oscar Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at South Oscar 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 South Oscar Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for South Oscar Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does South Oscar Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists South Oscar Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.