Spectacle Lake
About Spectacle Lake
Spectacle Lake is a 246-acre lake near Cambridge in Isanti County, Minnesota. It reaches 52 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 9 feet, and has roughly 3.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.4 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Spectacle Lake
- 246 acres, up to 52 feet deep, near Cambridge
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 15.4 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and 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
- 246 acres
- Max depth
- 52 ft
- Average depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 15.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 157 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
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Spectacle Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Green Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreIsanti · Princeton833 acres
1.7 miles away
South Stanchfield Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreIsanti · Carmody411 acres
5.6 miles away
Lake Francis
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreIsanti · Isanti269 acres
5.9 miles away
North Stanchfield Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreIsanti · Dalbo157 acres
6.1 miles away
Long Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreIsanti · Isanti387 acres
7.3 miles away
Blue Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreIsanti · Princeton296 acres
8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Spectacle Lake?
Spectacle Lake is in Isanti County, Minnesota, near Cambridge. It covers 246 acres and reaches 52 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Spectacle Lake?
Spectacle Lake covers 246 acres with about 3.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 52 feet and its average depth is about 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Spectacle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Spectacle Lake?
Yes. Spectacle 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 Spectacle Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Spectacle 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 Spectacle Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Spectacle Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Does Spectacle Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Spectacle Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.