Upper Pine Lake
About Upper Pine Lake
Upper Pine Lake is a 233-acre lake near Finlayson in Pine County, Minnesota. It reaches 15 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 9 feet, and has roughly 3.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. 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 2024.
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. Ice typically goes out around April 15, based on 20 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Upper Pine Lake
- 233 acres, up to 15 feet deep, near Finlayson
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 4.3 feet
- 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
- 233 acres
- Max depth
- 15 ft
- Average depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 233 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
- Northern Pike 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 15
- Years of record
- 20
- Earliest
- March 7, 2024
- Latest
- May 7, 2013
- Most recent
- April 15, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Upper Pine Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Big Pine Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Finlayson399 acres
2.1 miles away
Grass Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Groningen125 acres
2.6 miles away
Bass Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Finlayson228 acres
3 miles away
Pine Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Finlayson378 acres
3.1 miles away
Fish Lake
9 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Finlayson185 acres
3.4 miles away
Rhine Lake
23 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Finlayson116 acres
4.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Pine Lake?
Upper Pine Lake is in Pine County, Minnesota, near Finlayson. It covers 233 acres and reaches 15 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Upper Pine Lake?
Upper Pine Lake covers 233 acres with about 3.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 15 feet and its average depth is about 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Upper Pine Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list 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 Upper Pine Lake?
Yes. Upper Pine Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Upper Pine Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Upper Pine 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 Upper Pine Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Upper Pine Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Upper Pine Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 15, from 20 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2024 and the latest is May 7, 2013.
Does Upper Pine Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Upper Pine 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.