Mantrap Lake
About Mantrap Lake
Mantrap Lake is a 1,618-acre lake near Emmaville in Hubbard County, Minnesota. It reaches 68 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 17 feet, and has roughly 26.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.2 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth 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. Special fishing regulations apply to black and white crappie and northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Mantrap Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 25, based on 18 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Mantrap Lake
- 1,618 acres, up to 68 feet deep, near Emmaville
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 12.2 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Mantrap Lake Campground
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,618 acres
- Max depth
- 68 ft
- Average depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 26.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 849 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping: Mantrap Lake Campground
Best For
- Northern Pike fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Black and White Crappie: Daily limit five.
- Northern Pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 25
- Years of record
- 18
- Earliest
- March 17, 2024
- Latest
- May 7, 2022
- Most recent
- April 22, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Mantrap Lake Campground is mapped on or near Mantrap 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 Mantrap Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Bad Axe Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Emmaville303 acres
1.7 miles away
Upper Bottle Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset459 acres
2.2 miles away
Stocking Lake
9 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids102 acres
2.4 miles away
West Crooked Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Nevis270 acres
3.1 miles away
Dead Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset131 acres
3.2 miles away
Lower Bottle Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset641 acres
3.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mantrap Lake?
Mantrap Lake is in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Emmaville. It covers 1,618 acres and reaches 68 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Mantrap Lake?
Mantrap Lake covers 1,618 acres with about 26.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 68 feet and its average depth is about 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Mantrap Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Mantrap Lake?
Yes. Mantrap Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Mantrap Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Mantrap 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 Mantrap Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Mantrap Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Mantrap Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
When does the ice go out on Mantrap Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 25, from 18 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 17, 2024 and the latest is May 7, 2022.
Can you camp at Mantrap Lake?
Yes. Mantrap Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Mantrap Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Mantrap 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.