Carnelian Lake
About Carnelian Lake
Carnelian Lake is an 180-acre lake near Kimball in Stearns County, Minnesota. It reaches 36 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 14 feet, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10 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 yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with starry stonewort — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Carnelian Lake
- 180 acres, up to 36 feet deep, near Kimball
- 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 yellow perch
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 10 feet
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort — 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
- 180 acres
- Max depth
- 36 ft
- Average depth
- 14 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 10 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 63 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Carnelian Lake
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Nearby Lakes
School Section Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Kimball211 acres
2.6 miles away
Pearl Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Cold Spring753 acres
2.7 miles away
Beaver Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Luxemburg112 acres
3.4 miles away
Laura Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Fairhaven140 acres
4.3 miles away
Marie Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Fairhaven146 acres
4.4 miles away
Louisa Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Kimball193 acres
4.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Carnelian Lake?
Carnelian Lake is in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Kimball. It covers 180 acres and reaches 36 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Carnelian Lake?
Carnelian Lake covers 180 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 36 feet and its average depth is about 14 feet.
What fish can you catch at Carnelian Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Carnelian Lake?
Yes. Carnelian Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Carnelian Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Carnelian 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 Carnelian Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Carnelian Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Carnelian Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
Does Carnelian Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Carnelian Lake as infested with starry stonewort. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.