Whitefish Lake
About Whitefish Lake
Whitefish Lake is a 243-acre lake near Fosston in Polk County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.7 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Whitefish Lake
- 243 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Fosston
- 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
- Average water clarity around 3.7 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 243 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 183 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
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- 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
- 8
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Whitefish Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Turtle Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Fosston525 acres
2 miles away
Cross Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Fosston320 acres
2.9 miles away
Spring Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Lengby134 acres
5.4 miles away
Sand Hill Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Fosston479 acres
6.9 miles away
Minnow Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreClearwater · Bagley110 acres
9.1 miles away
Lindberg Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreClearwater · Clearbrook95 acres
9.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Whitefish Lake?
Whitefish Lake is in Polk County, Minnesota, near Fosston. It covers 243 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Whitefish Lake?
Whitefish Lake covers 243 acres with about 2.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet.
What fish can you catch at Whitefish 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 Whitefish Lake?
Yes. Whitefish Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Whitefish Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Whitefish 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 Whitefish Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Whitefish Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.