Signalness Lake
About Signalness Lake
Signalness Lake is a 42-acre lake near Starbuck in Pope County, Minnesota. It reaches 14 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 8 feet, and has roughly 1.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.4 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 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 (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Glacial Lakes State Park Campground and Glacial Lakes SP - Hill TC are 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 Signalness Lake
- 42 acres, up to 14 feet deep, near Starbuck
- 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 10.4 feet
- Camping close to the water at Glacial Lakes State Park Campground and Glacial Lakes SP - Hill TC
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 42 acres
- Max depth
- 14 ft
- Average depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 41 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)
- Camping: Glacial Lakes State Park Campground, Glacial Lakes SP - Hill TC, and Glacial Lakes SP - Horse Camp
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 7
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Glacial Lakes State Park Campground, Glacial Lakes SP - Hill TC, Glacial Lakes SP - Horse Camp, and Lower Campground are mapped on or near Signalness 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 Signalness Lake
Compare Signalness Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Pelican Lake
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Linka Lake
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Gilchrist Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Signalness Lake?
Signalness Lake is in Pope County, Minnesota, near Starbuck. It covers 42 acres and reaches 14 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Signalness Lake?
Signalness Lake covers 42 acres with about 1.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 14 feet and its average depth is about 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Signalness Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Signalness Lake?
Yes. Signalness 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 Signalness Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Signalness 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 Signalness Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Signalness Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Signalness Lake?
Yes. Glacial Lakes State Park Campground, Glacial Lakes SP - Hill TC, and Glacial Lakes SP - Horse Camp are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Signalness Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Signalness 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.