Lake Emily
About Lake Emily
Lake Emily is a 2,316-acre lake near Hancock in Pope County, Minnesota. It reaches 6 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 5 feet, and has roughly 12 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 18 Pope County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 24 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white 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 (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Emily
- 2,316 acres, up to 6 feet deep, near Hancock
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 2.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil 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
- 2,316 acres
- Max depth
- 6 ft
- Average depth
- 5 ft
- Shoreline
- 12 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,311 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
- 24
- Game fish
- 11
- 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 Lake Emily
Compare Lake Emily against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lake Emily ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lake Emily ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Emily ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Emily ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Signalness Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Starbuck42 acres
5.9 miles away
Page Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreStevens · Hancock375 acres
7.4 miles away
Long Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreStevens · Cyrus620 acres
8.9 miles away
Nelson Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Terrace293 acres
9.6 miles away
Lake Charlotte
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreStevens · Cyrus468 acres
9.7 miles away
Lake Minnewaska
74 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Long Beach8,050 acres
11.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Emily?
Lake Emily is in Pope County, Minnesota, near Hancock. It covers 2,316 acres and reaches 6 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Emily?
Lake Emily covers 2,316 acres with about 12 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 6 feet and its average depth is about 5 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Emily?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Emily?
Yes. Lake Emily has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Emily?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Emily. 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 Lake Emily stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Emily; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Lake Emily have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Emily as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.