Upper Bottle Lake
About Upper Bottle Lake
Upper Bottle Lake is a 459-acre lake near Dorset in Hubbard County, Minnesota. It reaches 55 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with faucet snail — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 22, based on 30 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Upper Bottle Lake
- 459 acres, up to 55 feet deep, near Dorset
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 14 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with faucet snail — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 459 acres
- Max depth
- 55 ft
- Shoreline
- 4 mi
- Water clarity
- 14 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 176 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 (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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 22
- Years of record
- 30
- Earliest
- March 19, 2024
- Latest
- May 12, 2013
- Most recent
- April 20, 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 Upper Bottle Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Stocking Lake
9 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids102 acres
1.2 miles away
Lower Bottle Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset641 acres
1.3 miles away
Ojibway Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Deer Lane184 acres
1.4 miles away
Dead Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset131 acres
1.4 miles away
Emma Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Dorset78 acres
2 miles away
Mantrap Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Emmaville1,618 acres
2.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Bottle Lake?
Upper Bottle Lake is in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Dorset. It covers 459 acres and reaches 55 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Upper Bottle Lake?
Upper Bottle Lake covers 459 acres with about 4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 55 feet.
What fish can you catch at Upper Bottle 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 Upper Bottle Lake?
Yes. Upper Bottle Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Upper Bottle Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Upper Bottle 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 Upper Bottle Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Upper Bottle Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Upper Bottle Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 22, from 30 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 19, 2024 and the latest is May 12, 2013.
Does Upper Bottle Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Upper Bottle Lake as infested with faucet snail. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.