Hunt Lake
About Hunt Lake
Hunt Lake is a 176-acre lake near Shieldsville in Rice County, Minnesota. It reaches 27 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white 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 (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 5, based on 8 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Hunt Lake
- 176 acres, up to 27 feet deep, near Shieldsville
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 2 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — 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
- 176 acres
- Max depth
- 27 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 134 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
- Northern Pike 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
- 16
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 5
- Years of record
- 8
- Earliest
- March 24, 2022
- Latest
- April 29, 2018
- Most recent
- March 26, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Hunt Lake
Compare Hunt Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Hunt Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Rice Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Shieldsville331 acres
1.9 miles away
Caron Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Kilkenny319 acres
2.3 miles away
Shields Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Shieldsville940 acres
2.6 miles away
Cedar Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Warsaw902 acres
2.6 miles away
French Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Faribault876 acres
2.7 miles away
Mazaska Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Shieldsville688 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hunt Lake?
Hunt Lake is in Rice County, Minnesota, near Shieldsville. It covers 176 acres and reaches 27 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Hunt Lake?
Hunt Lake covers 176 acres with about 2.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 27 feet.
What fish can you catch at Hunt Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White 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 Hunt Lake?
Yes. Hunt Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Hunt Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Hunt 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 Hunt Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Hunt Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Hunt Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 5, from 8 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2022 and the latest is April 29, 2018.
Does Hunt Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Hunt Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.