Larson Lake
About Larson Lake
Larson Lake is a 208-acre lake near Effie in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 177 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 18.7 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and splake. 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 2020.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Larson Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Larson Lake
- 208 acres, up to 177 feet deep, near Effie
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and splake
- Average water clarity around 18.7 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Larson Lake Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 208 acres
- Max depth
- 177 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 18.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 52 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
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Camping: Larson Lake Campground
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 8
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Larson Lake Campground is mapped on or near Larson Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Larson Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Coon Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bigfork345 acres
1.3 miles away
Bass Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo122 acres
1.7 miles away
Wilson Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo92 acres
3.7 miles away
Raddison Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bigfork204 acres
4.1 miles away
Pickerel Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Effie241 acres
4.8 miles away
Napoleon Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo138 acres
5.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Larson Lake?
Larson Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Effie. It covers 208 acres and reaches 177 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Larson Lake?
Larson Lake covers 208 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 177 feet.
What fish can you catch at Larson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Splake. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Larson Lake?
Yes. Larson Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Larson Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Larson 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 Larson Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Larson Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Larson Lake?
Yes. Larson Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.