Snaptail Lake
About Snaptail Lake
Snaptail Lake is a 175-acre lake near Taconite in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 70 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface). Ice typically goes out around April 14, based on 36 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Snaptail Lake
- 175 acres, up to 70 feet deep, near Taconite
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 13 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 175 acres
- Max depth
- 70 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 13 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 57 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 (gravel or earth)
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
- 8
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 14
- Years of record
- 36
- Earliest
- March 24, 2012
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- May 5, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Snaptail Lake
Compare Snaptail Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Snaptail Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Snaptail Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Snaptail Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Snaptail Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Bass Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marble131 acres
2.1 miles away
Lawrence Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Taconite437 acres
2.3 miles away
Lower Balsam Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Taconite259 acres
2.5 miles away
Crooked Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Marble465 acres
2.7 miles away
Thirty Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Nashwauk121 acres
3.2 miles away
Upper Hanson Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Taconite131 acres
3.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Snaptail Lake?
Snaptail Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Taconite. It covers 175 acres and reaches 70 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Snaptail Lake?
Snaptail Lake covers 175 acres with about 3.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 70 feet.
What fish can you catch at Snaptail Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Snaptail Lake?
Yes. Snaptail Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Snaptail Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Snaptail 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 Snaptail Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Snaptail Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Snaptail Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 14, from 36 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2012 and the latest is May 11, 2013.