---
type: lake
name: "Lac qui Parle"
county: "Lac qui Parle"
nearest_town: "Milan"
lake_type: "reservoir"
acres: 5741
max_depth_ft: 15
latitude: 45.0962
longitude: -95.97939
lake_score: 59
dnr_lake_id: "37004600"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lac-qui-parle-county/lac-qui-parle
---

# Lac qui Parle

Reservoir in Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota, near Milan

- **Surface Area**: 5,741 acres
- **Max Depth**: 15 ft
- **Shoreline**: 53.5 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 1.5 ft
- **Lake Type**: reservoir
- **Public Access**: 10 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 59/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 10 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 27
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

### Special Regulations

- **Crappie**: Daily limit five.
- **Walleye**: Possession limit four.

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Campground

### Campgrounds

- Lac qui Parle State Park
- Upper Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, White Bass, Rock Bass, Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Freshwater Drum, Golden Redhorse, Greater Redhorse, Hybrid Sunfish, Orangespotted Sunfish, Quillback, Shorthead Redhorse, Shortnose Gar, Silver Redhorse, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Invasive Species

zebra mussel. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Nearby Lakes

- [Marsh](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/big-stone-county/marsh) - 10.9 miles, 4,462 acres
- [Shible Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/swift-county/shible-lake) - 11.4 miles, 340 acres
- [Oliver Lake (East Portion)](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/swift-county/oliver-lake-east-portion) - 16.6 miles, 467 acres
- [Oliver Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/swift-county/oliver-lake) - 16.8 miles, 686 acres
- [Oliver Lake (West Portion)](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/swift-county/oliver-lake-west-portion) - 17.6 miles, 218 acres
- [Big Stone NWR East Pool](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lac-qui-parle-county/big-stone-nwr-east-pool) - 18.6 miles, 1,286 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=45.0962,-95.97939)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=37004600)
- [All lakes in Lac qui Parle County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lac-qui-parle-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lac-qui-parle-county/lac-qui-parle)*