Johnson Lake
About Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake is a 434-acre lake near Grand Rapids in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 88 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 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 is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Johnson Lake
- 434 acres, up to 88 feet deep, near Grand Rapids
- 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 14.5 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 434 acres
- Max depth
- 88 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 146 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 9
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Johnson Lake
Compare Johnson Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Hill Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids46 acres
0.8 miles away
Orange Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marcell104 acres
1.4 miles away
Pughole Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids158 acres
1.5 miles away
Long Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi46 acres
1.8 miles away
Amen Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi215 acres
1.8 miles away
Little Long Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids305 acres
2.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Grand Rapids. It covers 434 acres and reaches 88 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake covers 434 acres with about 7.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 88 feet.
What fish can you catch at Johnson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, 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 Johnson Lake?
Yes. Johnson Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Johnson Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Johnson 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 Johnson Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Johnson Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.