McKinney Lake
About McKinney Lake
McKinney Lake is a 106-acre lake near Grand Rapids in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 34 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 9 feet, and has roughly 1.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 19, based on 43 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to McKinney Lake
- 106 acres, up to 34 feet deep, near Grand Rapids
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 6 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 106 acres
- Max depth
- 34 ft
- Average depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 99 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 carry-in access
- 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
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 19
- Years of record
- 43
- Earliest
- March 31, 2000
- Latest
- May 6, 1996
- Most recent
- April 22, 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 McKinney Lake
Compare McKinney Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Hale Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids130 acres
0.9 miles away
Blandin Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids490 acres
1.7 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids142 acres
3.3 miles away
Shoal Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset676 acres
3.7 miles away
Little Jay Gould Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset150 acres
3.8 miles away
Prairie Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids1,331 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is McKinney Lake?
McKinney Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Grand Rapids. It covers 106 acres and reaches 34 feet deep.
How big and how deep is McKinney Lake?
McKinney Lake covers 106 acres with about 1.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 34 feet and its average depth is about 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at McKinney Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list 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 McKinney Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at McKinney Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at McKinney 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 McKinney Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for McKinney Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on McKinney Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 19, from 43 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 31, 2000 and the latest is May 6, 1996.
Does McKinney Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists McKinney Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.