Potato Lake
About Potato Lake
Potato Lake is a 2,096-acre lake near Park Rapids in Hubbard County, Minnesota. It reaches 87 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.8 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 81 Hubbard County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 24, based on 31 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Potato Lake
- 2,096 acres, up to 87 feet deep, near Park Rapids
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 8.4 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — 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, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,096 acres
- Max depth
- 87 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 426 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)
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
- 15
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 24
- Years of record
- 31
- Earliest
- March 26, 2012
- Latest
- May 13, 2013
- Most recent
- April 21, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Potato Lake
Compare Potato Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Potato Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Potato Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Potato Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Potato Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Blue Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids336 acres
2.5 miles away
Fish Hook Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids1,643 acres
3 miles away
Eagle Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids424 acres
3.1 miles away
Pickerel Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids310 acres
3.8 miles away
Big Sand Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset1,639 acres
3.9 miles away
Sweitzer Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids114 acres
3.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Potato Lake?
Potato Lake is in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Park Rapids. It covers 2,096 acres and reaches 87 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Potato Lake?
Potato Lake covers 2,096 acres with about 14.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 87 feet.
What fish can you catch at Potato Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, 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 Potato Lake?
Yes. Potato Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Potato Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Potato 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 Potato Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Potato Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Potato Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 24, from 31 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 26, 2012 and the latest is May 13, 2013.
Does Potato Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Potato Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.