Stuart Lake
About Stuart Lake
Stuart Lake is a 740-acre lake near Vining in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 49 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 17 feet, and has roughly 8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.1 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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. Special fishing regulations apply to black crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. 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 zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 10, based on 9 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Stuart Lake
- 740 acres, up to 49 feet deep, near Vining
- 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
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 14.1 feet — very clear
- 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
- 740 acres
- Max depth
- 49 ft
- Average depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 8 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 405 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Black Crappie: Minimum size limit 10".
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 10
- Years of record
- 9
- Earliest
- March 19, 2012
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 5, 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 Stuart Lake
Compare Stuart Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
East Battle Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Henning1,978 acres
2 miles away
Ellingson Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vining151 acres
2.1 miles away
Siverson Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vining138 acres
2.8 miles away
West Battle Lake
81 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake5,615 acres
3.7 miles away
Clitherall Lake
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Clitherall2,540 acres
4.5 miles away
Molly Stark Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Battle Lake152 acres
5.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Stuart Lake?
Stuart Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Vining. It covers 740 acres and reaches 49 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Stuart Lake?
Stuart Lake covers 740 acres with about 8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 49 feet and its average depth is about 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Stuart Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 Stuart Lake?
Yes. Stuart Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Stuart Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Stuart 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 Stuart Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Stuart Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Stuart Lake?
Yes. Minimum size limit 10". Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on Stuart Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 10, from 9 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 19, 2012 and the latest is May 11, 2013.
Does Stuart Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Stuart 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.