Cedar Lake
About Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake is a 1,860-acre lake near Cedar Mills in McLeod County, Minnesota. It reaches 8 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 22.9 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in McLeod County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.1 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2018.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Cedar Lake
- 1,860 acres, up to 8 feet deep, near Cedar Mills
- 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 3.1 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — 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
- 1,860 acres
- Max depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 22.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,860 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)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2018
- 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 Cedar Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Belle Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Hutchinson864 acres
1.7 miles away
Stahl's Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreMcLeod · Hutchinson141 acres
2.4 miles away
Hoff Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Cedar Mills139 acres
2.6 miles away
Greenleaf Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield238 acres
2.7 miles away
Willie Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield192 acres
2.8 miles away
Erie Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin190 acres
3.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cedar Lake?
Cedar Lake is in McLeod County, Minnesota, near Cedar Mills. It covers 1,860 acres and reaches 8 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cedar Lake?
Cedar Lake covers 1,860 acres with about 22.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cedar Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cedar Lake?
Yes. Cedar Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Cedar Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Cedar 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 Cedar Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Cedar Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Does Cedar Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Cedar Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.