Little Spirit Lake
About Little Spirit Lake
Little Spirit Lake is a 624-acre lake near Jackson in Jackson County, Minnesota. It reaches 8 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer. The lake is a border water shared with Iowa, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 22 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth 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 2024.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface). The lake is listed as infested with bighead carp and silver carp — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Little Spirit Lake
- 624 acres, up to 8 feet deep, near Jackson
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 2.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Border water with Iowa — know which side of the line you are fishing on
- Listed as infested with bighead carp and silver carp — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 624 acres
- Max depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 419 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
- Border-water seasons and limits with Iowa differ from Minnesota inland rules
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 22
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 Little Spirit Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Pearl Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Jackson117 acres
1.5 miles away
Rush Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Sioux Valley243 acres
2 miles away
Loon Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Jackson708 acres
2.3 miles away
Clear Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Jackson434 acres
8.4 miles away
Heron Lake (South Heron)
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Lakefield2,641 acres
15.5 miles away
Round Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Round Lake930 acres
15.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little Spirit Lake?
Little Spirit Lake is in Jackson County, Minnesota, near Jackson. It covers 624 acres and reaches 8 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little Spirit Lake?
Little Spirit Lake covers 624 acres with about 10.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little Spirit Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Little Spirit Lake?
Yes. Little Spirit Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Little Spirit Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Little Spirit 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 Little Spirit Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Little Spirit Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Little Spirit Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Little Spirit Lake as infested with bighead carp and silver carp. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.