Nest Lake
About Nest Lake
Nest Lake is a 969-acre lake near Spicer in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. It reaches 40 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 15 feet, and has roughly 10.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. 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 sunfish, 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. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Nest Lake
- 969 acres, up to 40 feet deep, near Spicer
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 5.9 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — 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
Conditions
- Surface area
- 969 acres
- Max depth
- 40 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 525 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)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 20
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Nest Lake
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Nearby Lakes
George Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Spicer228 acres
1.5 miles away
Henderson Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Spicer75 acres
2.5 miles away
Green Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Spicer5,569 acres
3 miles away
Ringo Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Spicer735 acres
3.2 miles away
Elkhorn Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Spicer79 acres
3.5 miles away
Lake Monongalia
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · New London2,290 acres
4.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Nest Lake?
Nest Lake is in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, near Spicer. It covers 969 acres and reaches 40 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Nest Lake?
Nest Lake covers 969 acres with about 10.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 40 feet and its average depth is about 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Nest Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 Nest Lake?
Yes. Nest Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Nest Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Nest 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 Nest Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Nest Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Nest Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
Does Nest Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Nest Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.