Emma Lake
About Emma Lake
Emma Lake is a 78-acre lake near Dorset in Hubbard County, Minnesota. It reaches 50 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.7 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2020.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county. Ice typically goes out around April 13, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Emma Lake
- 78 acres, up to 50 feet deep, near Dorset
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 12.7 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 78 acres
- Max depth
- 50 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 31 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 (gravel or earth)
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
- 11
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 13
- Years of record
- 7
- Earliest
- March 17, 2024
- Latest
- May 8, 2022
- Most recent
- March 17, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Emma Lake
Compare Emma Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Lower Bottle Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset641 acres
0.8 miles away
Ojibway Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Deer Lane184 acres
1.5 miles away
Big Sand Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset1,639 acres
1.6 miles away
Upper Bottle Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset459 acres
2 miles away
Little Sand Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset410 acres
2 miles away
Stocking Lake
9 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids102 acres
2.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Emma Lake?
Emma Lake is in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Dorset. It covers 78 acres and reaches 50 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Emma Lake?
Emma Lake covers 78 acres with about 1.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 50 feet.
What fish can you catch at Emma 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 Emma Lake?
Yes. Emma Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Emma Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Emma 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 Emma Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Emma Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Emma Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 13, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 17, 2024 and the latest is May 8, 2022.