Dumbbell Lake
About Dumbbell Lake
Dumbbell Lake is a 406-acre lake near Isabella in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 40 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including walleye, muskellunge, 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. Ice typically goes out around May 1, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Dumbbell Lake
- 406 acres, up to 40 feet deep, near Isabella
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and rock bass
- Average water clarity around 12 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 406 acres
- Max depth
- 40 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 12 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 202 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 (concrete)
- 1 carry-in access
Best For
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 2023
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- May 1
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- April 23, 1998
- Latest
- May 5, 2004
- Most recent
- May 4, 2020
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Dumbbell Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Divide Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella61 acres
1.3 miles away
Delay Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella102 acres
1.5 miles away
Memegwesi Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella43 acres
2 miles away
Eighteen Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella102 acres
3.7 miles away
Hogback Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella40 acres
6.5 miles away
Balsam Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Finland221 acres
6.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dumbbell Lake?
Dumbbell Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Isabella. It covers 406 acres and reaches 40 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Dumbbell Lake?
Dumbbell Lake covers 406 acres with about 8.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 40 feet.
What fish can you catch at Dumbbell Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Muskellunge, 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 Dumbbell Lake?
Yes. Dumbbell Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Dumbbell Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Dumbbell Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Dumbbell Lake?
The median ice-out date is May 1, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 23, 1998 and the latest is May 5, 2004.