---
type: lake
name: "Carnelian Lake"
county: "Stearns"
nearest_town: "Kimball"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 180
max_depth_ft: 36
latitude: 45.3674
longitude: -94.27443
lake_score: 56
dnr_lake_id: "73003800"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/stearns-county/carnelian-lake
---

# Carnelian Lake

Lake in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Kimball

- **Surface Area**: 180 acres
- **Max Depth**: 36 ft
- **Average Depth**: 14 ft
- **Shoreline**: 3 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 10 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 56/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 13
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: Yes
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

### Special Regulations

- **Sunfish**: Daily limit five.

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling

## Amenities

Boat Ramp

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Invasive Species

starry stonewort. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Nearby Lakes

- [School Section Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/stearns-county/school-section-lake) - 2.6 miles, 211 acres
- [Pearl Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/stearns-county/pearl-lake) - 2.7 miles, 753 acres
- [Beaver Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/stearns-county/beaver-lake) - 3.4 miles, 112 acres
- [Laura Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/stearns-county/laura-lake) - 4.3 miles, 140 acres
- [Marie Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/stearns-county/marie-lake) - 4.4 miles, 146 acres
- [Louisa Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/wright-county/louisa-lake) - 4.5 miles, 193 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=45.3674,-94.27443)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=73003800)
- [All lakes in Stearns County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/stearns-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/stearns-county/carnelian-lake)*