Leven Lake
About Leven Lake
Leven Lake is a 282-acre lake near Villard in Pope County, Minnesota. It reaches 33 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 13 feet, and has roughly 2.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Knapp Memorial Park is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Leven Lake
- 282 acres, up to 33 feet deep, near Villard
- 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 9.3 feet
- Camping close to the water at Knapp Memorial Park
- 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
- 282 acres
- Max depth
- 33 ft
- Average depth
- 13 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 159 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)
- Camping: Knapp Memorial Park
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
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Knapp Memorial Park is mapped on or near Leven 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 Leven Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Villard Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Villard544 acres
1.3 miles away
Amelia Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Villard934 acres
3.1 miles away
Westport Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Westport203 acres
4.4 miles away
Maple Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Forada831 acres
5.3 miles away
Turtle Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Forada218 acres
6.5 miles away
Lake Reno
58 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Forada3,809 acres
6.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Leven Lake?
Leven Lake is in Pope County, Minnesota, near Villard. It covers 282 acres and reaches 33 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Leven Lake?
Leven Lake covers 282 acres with about 2.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 33 feet and its average depth is about 13 feet.
What fish can you catch at Leven Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, 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 Leven Lake?
Yes. Leven Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Leven Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Leven 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 Leven Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Leven Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Leven Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
Can you camp at Leven Lake?
Yes. Knapp Memorial Park is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Leven Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Leven 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.