Sturgeon Lake
About Sturgeon Lake
Sturgeon Lake is a 1,706-acre lake near Sturgeon Lake in Pine County, Minnesota. It reaches 40 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 22 feet, and has roughly 9.6 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Pine County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Eagle's Nest and Nature Nook are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 25, based on 5 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Sturgeon Lake
- 1,706 acres, up to 40 feet deep, near Sturgeon Lake
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt) — 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 12.3 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Eagle's Nest and Nature Nook
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,706 acres
- Max depth
- 40 ft
- Average depth
- 22 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 495 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 (asphalt)
- Camping: Eagle's Nest and Nature Nook
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 2025
- 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 25
- Years of record
- 5
- Earliest
- April 15, 2003
- Latest
- May 12, 2013
- Most recent
- May 5, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Eagle's Nest and Nature Nook are mapped on or near Sturgeon Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Sturgeon Lake
Compare Sturgeon Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Sturgeon Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Island Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Sturgeon Lake527 acres
1.9 miles away
Dago Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Sturgeon Lake118 acres
2.4 miles away
Eleven Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Sturgeon Lake108 acres
2.6 miles away
Sand Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Moose Lake527 acres
2.7 miles away
Echo Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Moose Lake108 acres
3.6 miles away
Moose Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Moose Lake133 acres
4.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sturgeon Lake?
Sturgeon Lake is in Pine County, Minnesota, near Sturgeon Lake. It covers 1,706 acres and reaches 40 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sturgeon Lake?
Sturgeon Lake covers 1,706 acres with about 9.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 40 feet and its average depth is about 22 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sturgeon 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 Sturgeon Lake?
Yes. Sturgeon Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Sturgeon Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Sturgeon 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 Sturgeon Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Sturgeon Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Sturgeon Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 25, from 5 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 15, 2003 and the latest is May 12, 2013.
Can you camp at Sturgeon Lake?
Yes. Eagle's Nest and Nature Nook are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Sturgeon Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Sturgeon 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.