Nelson Lake
About Nelson Lake
Nelson Lake is a 293-acre lake near Terrace in Pope County, Minnesota. It reaches 15 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 11 feet, and has roughly 4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Nelson Lake
- 293 acres, up to 15 feet deep, near Terrace
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — 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 7.8 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 293 acres
- Max depth
- 15 ft
- Average depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 4 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 268 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 (gravel or earth)
Best For
- Walleye 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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 Nelson Lake
Compare Nelson Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Nelson Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Nelson Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Nelson Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Nelson Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Signalness Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Starbuck42 acres
4 miles away
Linka Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Terrace178 acres
4.5 miles away
Gilchrist Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Terrace336 acres
5 miles away
Scandinavian Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Terrace417 acres
6.8 miles away
Lake Minnewaska
74 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Long Beach8,050 acres
6.8 miles away
Goose Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Terrace324 acres
7.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Nelson Lake?
Nelson Lake is in Pope County, Minnesota, near Terrace. It covers 293 acres and reaches 15 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Nelson Lake?
Nelson Lake covers 293 acres with about 4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 15 feet and its average depth is about 11 feet.
What fish can you catch at Nelson 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 Nelson Lake?
Yes. Nelson Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Nelson Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Nelson 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 Nelson Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Nelson Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.