Auto Lake
About Auto Lake
Auto Lake is a 97-acre lake near Virginia in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 29 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Auto Lake
- 97 acres, up to 29 feet deep, near Virginia
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 11.3 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 97 acres
- Max depth
- 29 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 69 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
- 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
- 6
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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 Auto Lake
Compare Auto Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Sand Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Virginia779 acres
2.1 miles away
Fourteen Lake
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4.1 miles away
Leander Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Idington252 acres
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Clear Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buhl139 acres
6.2 miles away
Big Rice Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Britt1,917 acres
6.8 miles away
Dark Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Buhl231 acres
7.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Auto Lake?
Auto Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Virginia. It covers 97 acres and reaches 29 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Auto Lake?
Auto Lake covers 97 acres with about 2.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 29 feet.
What fish can you catch at Auto Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Auto Lake?
Yes. Auto Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Auto Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Auto 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 Auto Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Auto Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.