Great Northern Lake
About Great Northern Lake
Great Northern Lake is a 196-acre lake near Cold Spring in Stearns County, Minnesota. It reaches 16 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 6 feet, and has roughly 6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.1 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 22 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Great Northern Lake
- 196 acres, up to 16 feet deep, near Cold Spring
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 3.1 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — 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
- 196 acres
- Max depth
- 16 ft
- Average depth
- 6 ft
- Shoreline
- 6 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 185 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
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 22
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Great Northern Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Bolfing Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Cold Spring109 acres
0.7 miles away
Zumwalde Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond128 acres
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Knaus Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Cold Spring216 acres
0.9 miles away
Cedar Island Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond986 acres
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Horseshoe Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond629 acres
3.3 miles away
Becker Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond221 acres
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Great Northern Lake?
Great Northern Lake is in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Cold Spring. It covers 196 acres and reaches 16 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Great Northern Lake?
Great Northern Lake covers 196 acres with about 6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 16 feet and its average depth is about 6 feet.
What fish can you catch at Great Northern Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 Great Northern Lake?
Yes. Great Northern Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Great Northern Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Great Northern 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 Great Northern Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Great Northern Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Great Northern Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
Does Great Northern Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Great Northern 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.