South Twin Lake
About South Twin Lake
South Twin Lake is a 1,127-acre lake near Waubun in Mahnomen County, Minnesota. It reaches 29 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.1 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Mahnomen County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 17, based on 10 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to South Twin Lake
- 1,127 acres, up to 29 feet deep, near Waubun
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 9.4 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,127 acres
- Max depth
- 29 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 525 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)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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
- April 17
- Years of record
- 10
- Earliest
- March 25, 2012
- Latest
- May 12, 2013
- Most recent
- April 19, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to South Twin Lake
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Nearby Lakes
North Twin Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Naytahwaush966 acres
1.6 miles away
Snider Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Naytahwaush634 acres
2.6 miles away
Bass Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Waubun735 acres
2.7 miles away
Sargent Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Naytahwaush138 acres
3.1 miles away
Little Elbow Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Elbow Lake Village168 acres
3.8 miles away
McCraney Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Naytahwaush270 acres
5.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South Twin Lake?
South Twin Lake is in Mahnomen County, Minnesota, near Waubun. It covers 1,127 acres and reaches 29 feet deep.
How big and how deep is South Twin Lake?
South Twin Lake covers 1,127 acres with about 5.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 29 feet.
What fish can you catch at South Twin Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on South Twin Lake?
Yes. South Twin Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at South Twin Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is South Twin Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for South Twin Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on South Twin Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 10 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 25, 2012 and the latest is May 12, 2013.
Does South Twin Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists South Twin Lake 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.