Pearl Lake
About Pearl Lake
Pearl Lake is an 117-acre lake near Jackson in Jackson County, Minnesota. It reaches 6 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 0.7 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 county. Brown Park South Campground and Anderson County Park Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. 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 Pearl Lake
- 117 acres, up to 6 feet deep, near Jackson
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 0.7 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at Brown Park South Campground and Anderson County Park Campground
- Listed as infested with bighead carp and silver carp — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 117 acres
- Max depth
- 6 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 0.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 117 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)
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping: Brown Park South Campground, Anderson County Park Campground, and Brown Parik
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 7
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Brown Park South Campground, Anderson County Park Campground, and Brown Parik are mapped on or near Pearl 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 Pearl Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Loon Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Jackson708 acres
1 miles away
Rush Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Sioux Valley243 acres
1.1 miles away
Little Spirit Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Jackson624 acres
1.5 miles away
Clear Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Jackson434 acres
7 miles away
Heron Lake (South Heron)
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Lakefield2,641 acres
14.4 miles away
Flahtery Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Lakefield457 acres
15.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pearl Lake?
Pearl Lake is in Jackson County, Minnesota, near Jackson. It covers 117 acres and reaches 6 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pearl Lake?
Pearl Lake covers 117 acres with about 1.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 6 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pearl Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, 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 Pearl Lake?
Yes. Pearl Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pearl Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Pearl 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 Pearl Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Pearl Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Pearl Lake?
Yes. Brown Park South Campground, Anderson County Park Campground, and Brown Parik are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Pearl Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Pearl 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.