Fish Trap Lake
About Fish Trap Lake
Fish Trap Lake is a 1,164-acre lake near Lincoln in Morrison County, Minnesota. It reaches 42 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 21 feet, and has roughly 13.1 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 19 Morrison County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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 58 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Fish Trap Lake
- 1,164 acres, up to 42 feet deep, near Lincoln
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 11.5 feet
- 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
- 1,164 acres
- Max depth
- 42 ft
- Average depth
- 21 ft
- Shoreline
- 13.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 404 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
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 18
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
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
- 58
- Earliest
- March 13, 2024
- Latest
- May 3, 2008
- Most recent
- March 13, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Fish Trap Lake
Compare Fish Trap Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Fish Trap Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how Fish Trap Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Fish Trap Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Crookneck Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Lincoln191 acres
2.3 miles away
Lake Shamineau
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Motley1,434 acres
3.1 miles away
Lake Alexander
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Randall2,709 acres
3.5 miles away
Round Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Pillager104 acres
4.8 miles away
Stanchfield Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Pillager116 acres
5.5 miles away
Big Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Cushing297 acres
5.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fish Trap Lake?
Fish Trap Lake is in Morrison County, Minnesota, near Lincoln. It covers 1,164 acres and reaches 42 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Fish Trap Lake?
Fish Trap Lake covers 1,164 acres with about 13.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 42 feet and its average depth is about 21 feet.
What fish can you catch at Fish Trap Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 Fish Trap Lake?
Yes. Fish Trap Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Fish Trap Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Fish Trap 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 Fish Trap Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Fish Trap Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Fish Trap Lake?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
When does the ice go out on Fish Trap Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 58 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 13, 2024 and the latest is May 3, 2008.
Does Fish Trap Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Fish Trap 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.