Snelling Lake
About Snelling Lake
Snelling Lake is a 103-acre lake near Saint Paul in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 10 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. 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 2017.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in. OpenStreetMap shows Snelling Beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Snelling Lake
- 103 acres, up to 10 feet deep, near Saint Paul
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 7.5 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Snelling Beach)
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 103 acres
- Max depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 101 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
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- Swim beach: Snelling Beach
- Fishing pier
Best For
- Swimming and beach days
- Shore fishing from a pier
- 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
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2017
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- Yes
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Snelling Lake
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Thomas Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Snelling Lake?
Snelling Lake is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Saint Paul. It covers 103 acres and reaches 10 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Snelling Lake?
Snelling Lake covers 103 acres with about 1.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Snelling Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list 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 Snelling Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Snelling Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Snelling Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Snelling Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Snelling Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Snelling Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Snelling Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.