Lac qui Parle
About Lac qui Parle
Lac qui Parle is a 5,741-acre reservoir near Milan in Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota. It reaches 15 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 53.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 27 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and white 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 crappie and walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 10 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Lac qui Parle State Park and Upper Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Lac qui Parle
- 5,741 acres, up to 15 feet deep, near Milan
- 10 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 1.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at Lac qui Parle State Park and Upper Campground
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 10 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 5,741 acres
- Max depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 53.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 5,741 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
- 10 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping: Lac qui Parle State Park and Upper Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- 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
- 27
- 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
- Crappie: Daily limit five.
- Walleye: Possession limit four.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Lac qui Parle State Park and Upper Campground are mapped on or near Lac qui Parle. 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 Lac qui Parle
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lac qui Parle?
Lac qui Parle is in Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota, near Milan. It covers 5,741 acres and reaches 15 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lac qui Parle?
Lac qui Parle covers 5,741 acres with about 53.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lac qui Parle?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, White 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 Lac qui Parle?
Yes. Lac qui Parle has 10 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lac qui Parle?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lac qui Parle. 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 Lac qui Parle stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lac qui Parle; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lac qui Parle?
Yes. Daily limit five. Possession limit four.
Can you camp at Lac qui Parle?
Yes. Lac qui Parle State Park and Upper Campground are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lac qui Parle have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lac qui Parle 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.