Lightning Lake
About Lightning Lake
Lightning Lake is a 541-acre lake near Wendell in Grant County, Minnesota. It reaches 11 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 7 feet, and has roughly 4.9 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 10 Grant County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. Lightning Lake Access- DNA is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Lightning Lake
- 541 acres, up to 11 feet deep, near Wendell
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 2.3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at Lightning Lake Access- DNA
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 541 acres
- Max depth
- 11 ft
- Average depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 541 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)
- Camping: Lightning Lake Access- DNA
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Lightning Lake Access- DNA is mapped on or near Lightning Lake. 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 Lightning Lake
Compare Lightning Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lightning Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lightning Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lightning Lake ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how Lightning Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lightning Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Ten Mile Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton1,428 acres
7 miles away
North Ten Mile Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton654 acres
7.6 miles away
Clear Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton399 acres
9.8 miles away
Rose Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Dalton108 acres
10 miles away
Pomme de Terre Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreGrant · Erdahl1,816 acres
10.3 miles away
Swan Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Fergus Falls749 acres
10.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lightning Lake?
Lightning Lake is in Grant County, Minnesota, near Wendell. It covers 541 acres and reaches 11 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lightning Lake?
Lightning Lake covers 541 acres with about 4.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 11 feet and its average depth is about 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lightning 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 Lightning Lake?
Yes. Lightning Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lightning Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lightning 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 Lightning Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lightning Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Lightning Lake?
Yes. Lightning Lake Access- DNA is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.