Placid Lake
About Placid Lake
Placid Lake is a 537-acre lake near Pillager in Morrison County, Minnesota. It reaches 25 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 15 feet, and has roughly 10.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Placid Lake
- 537 acres, up to 25 feet deep, near Pillager
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 5 feet
- Listed as infested with faucet snail and 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
- 537 acres
- Max depth
- 25 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 340 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
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 19
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Placid Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Stanchfield Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Pillager116 acres
3.2 miles away
Round Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Pillager104 acres
4.2 miles away
Pillager Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Pillager205 acres
4.4 miles away
Lake Shamineau
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Motley1,434 acres
5.7 miles away
Sylvan Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Sylvan321 acres
6 miles away
Crookneck Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Lincoln191 acres
6.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Placid Lake?
Placid Lake is in Morrison County, Minnesota, near Pillager. It covers 537 acres and reaches 25 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Placid Lake?
Placid Lake covers 537 acres with about 10.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 25 feet and its average depth is about 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Placid Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Placid Lake?
Yes. Placid Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Placid Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Placid 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 Placid Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Placid Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Does Placid Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Placid Lake as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.