Dora Lake
About Dora Lake
Dora Lake is a 423-acre lake near Wirt in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. 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 2019.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. The lake is listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 20, based on 8 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Dora Lake
- 423 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Wirt
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 8.4 feet
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 423 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 422 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
- 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2019
- 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 20
- Years of record
- 8
- Earliest
- March 31, 2012
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 4, 2021
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Dora Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Clear Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Wirt140 acres
3.6 miles away
Noma Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Wirt60 acres
3.9 miles away
Bass Lake
12 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Wirt210 acres
4.6 miles away
Rice Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Oslund791 acres
5.2 miles away
Whitefish Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Wirt564 acres
5.5 miles away
Little Whitefish Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Oslund160 acres
5.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dora Lake?
Dora Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Wirt. It covers 423 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Dora Lake?
Dora Lake covers 423 acres with about 6.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet.
What fish can you catch at Dora Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Dora Lake?
Yes. Dora Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Dora Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Dora 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 Dora Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Dora Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Dora Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 20, from 8 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 31, 2012 and the latest is May 11, 2013.
Does Dora Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Dora Lake as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.