Church Lake
About Church Lake
Church Lake is a 173-acre lake near Mahnomen in Mahnomen County, Minnesota. It reaches 19 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 8 feet, and has roughly 2.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.8 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 3 fish species here, including yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2010.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Church Lake
- 173 acres, up to 19 feet deep, near Mahnomen
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 3.8 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 173 acres
- Max depth
- 19 ft
- Average depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 161 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)
- 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
- 3
- Game fish
- 1
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2010
- 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 Church Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Sargent Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Naytahwaush138 acres
5.6 miles away
North Twin Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Naytahwaush966 acres
7.7 miles away
South Twin Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Waubun1,127 acres
8.5 miles away
Little Vanose Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Bejou143 acres
8.9 miles away
Snider Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Naytahwaush634 acres
9.1 miles away
McCraney Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Naytahwaush270 acres
10 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Church Lake?
Church Lake is in Mahnomen County, Minnesota, near Mahnomen. It covers 173 acres and reaches 19 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Church Lake?
Church Lake covers 173 acres with about 2.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 19 feet and its average depth is about 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Church Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Church Lake?
Yes. Church Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Church Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Church 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 Church Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Church Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.