Delay Lake
About Delay Lake
Delay Lake is a 102-acre lake near Isabella in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and rock bass. 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 (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to Delay Lake
- 102 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Isabella
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and rock bass
- Average water clarity around 9.5 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 102 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 100 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 (gravel or earth)
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 6
- Game fish
- 5
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Delay Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Memegwesi Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella43 acres
0.9 miles away
Dumbbell Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella406 acres
1.5 miles away
Eighteen Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella102 acres
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Divide Lake
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Sylvania Lake
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Mitawan Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Delay Lake?
Delay Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Isabella. It covers 102 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Delay Lake?
Delay Lake covers 102 acres with about 2.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet.
What fish can you catch at Delay Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Delay Lake?
Yes. Delay Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Delay Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Delay 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 Delay Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Delay Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.