Mitchell Lake
About Mitchell Lake
Mitchell Lake is a 170-acre lake near Big Lake in Sherburne County, Minnesota. It reaches 33 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 14 feet, and has roughly 2.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
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 2019.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 6, based on 23 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Mitchell Lake
- 170 acres, up to 33 feet deep, near Big Lake
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 11 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 170 acres
- Max depth
- 33 ft
- Average depth
- 14 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 11 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 107 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
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
- 2019
- 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 6
- Years of record
- 23
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- May 1, 2018
- Most recent
- March 3, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Mitchell Lake
Compare Mitchell Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Mitchell Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how Mitchell Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Big Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Big Lake254 acres
0.6 miles away
Eagle Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Big Lake462 acres
3.2 miles away
Birch Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Big Lake160 acres
4.7 miles away
Bertram Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Monticello111 acres
6.2 miles away
Lake Ann
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreSherburne · Orrock183 acres
6.2 miles away
Birch Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Monticello100 acres
7.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mitchell Lake?
Mitchell Lake is in Sherburne County, Minnesota, near Big Lake. It covers 170 acres and reaches 33 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Mitchell Lake?
Mitchell Lake covers 170 acres with about 2.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 33 feet and its average depth is about 14 feet.
What fish can you catch at Mitchell 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 Mitchell Lake?
Yes. Mitchell Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Mitchell Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Mitchell 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 Mitchell Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Mitchell Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Mitchell Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 6, from 23 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is May 1, 2018.
Does Mitchell Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Mitchell Lake 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.