Nelson Lake
About Nelson Lake
Nelson Lake is a 40-acre lake near Laporte in Hubbard County, Minnesota. It reaches 20 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.3 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2015.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Gulch Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Nelson Lake
- 40 acres, up to 20 feet deep, near Laporte
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 16.3 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Gulch Lake Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 40 acres
- Max depth
- 20 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 32 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)
- Camping: Gulch Lake Campground
- Picnic area
Best For
- 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
- 6
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2015
- 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
Gulch Lake Campground is mapped on or near Nelson 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 Nelson Lake
Compare Nelson Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Nelson Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Kabekona Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Laporte2,433 acres
4.1 miles away
Garfield Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Laporte972 acres
6.6 miles away
Mantrap Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Emmaville1,618 acres
6.7 miles away
George Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Lake George826 acres
6.7 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Laporte264 acres
6.8 miles away
Waboose Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Nevis175 acres
6.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Nelson Lake?
Nelson Lake is in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Laporte. It covers 40 acres and reaches 20 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Nelson Lake?
Nelson Lake covers 40 acres with about 1.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 20 feet.
What fish can you catch at Nelson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Nelson Lake?
Yes. Nelson Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Nelson Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Nelson 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 Nelson Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Nelson Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Nelson Lake?
Yes. Gulch Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.