Knife Lake
About Knife Lake
Knife Lake is a 1,259-acre lake near Mora in Kanabec County, Minnesota. It reaches 15 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 9 feet, and has roughly 18.2 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Kanabec County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.4 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth 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. Special fishing regulations apply to northern pike and walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and faucet snail — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 12, based on 45 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Knife Lake
- 1,259 acres, up to 15 feet deep, near Mora
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 2.4 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and faucet snail — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,259 acres
- Max depth
- 15 ft
- Average depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 18.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,259 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- 1 carry-in access
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
- 19
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
- Walleye: All from 18-24" must be immediately released.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 12
- Years of record
- 45
- Earliest
- March 21, 2012
- Latest
- May 7, 2013
- Most recent
- April 12, 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 Knife Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lake Ann
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreKanabec · Ogilvie653 acres
6.4 miles away
Pomroy Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreKanabec · Quamba412 acres
6.5 miles away
Quamba Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreKanabec · Quamba226 acres
8.1 miles away
Fish Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreKanabec · Mora506 acres
9.7 miles away
Pennington Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreKanabec · Brunswick128 acres
13.5 miles away
Five Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreKanabec · Giese44 acres
14.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Knife Lake?
Knife Lake is in Kanabec County, Minnesota, near Mora. It covers 1,259 acres and reaches 15 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Knife Lake?
Knife Lake covers 1,259 acres with about 18.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 15 feet and its average depth is about 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Knife Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Knife Lake?
Yes. Knife Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Knife Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Knife 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 Knife Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Knife Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Knife Lake?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36". All from 18-24" must be immediately released.
When does the ice go out on Knife Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 12, from 45 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 21, 2012 and the latest is May 7, 2013.
Does Knife Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Knife Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and faucet snail. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.