Prairie Lake
About Prairie Lake
Prairie Lake is a 794-acre lake near Flood Wood in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 47 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Prairie Lake
- 794 acres, up to 47 feet deep, near Flood Wood
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — 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 4.6 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 794 acres
- Max depth
- 47 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 272 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
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 9
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Prairie Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Heikkila Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Cromwell107 acres
2.9 miles away
Cross Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Cromwell107 acres
4.7 miles away
Upper (North) Island Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Cromwell114 acres
7.4 miles away
Lower (South) Island Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Cromwell320 acres
8.6 miles away
Tamarack Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Wright235 acres
9.9 miles away
Eagle Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Cromwell389 acres
10.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Prairie Lake?
Prairie Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Flood Wood. It covers 794 acres and reaches 47 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Prairie Lake?
Prairie Lake covers 794 acres with about 8.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 47 feet.
What fish can you catch at Prairie Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Prairie Lake?
Yes. Prairie Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Prairie Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Prairie 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 Prairie Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Prairie Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.