Knaus Lake
About Knaus Lake
Knaus Lake is a 216-acre lake near Cold Spring in Stearns County, Minnesota. It reaches 20 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 6 feet, and has roughly 4.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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). 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 Knaus Lake
- 216 acres, up to 20 feet deep, near Cold Spring
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 3 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
Conditions
- Surface area
- 216 acres
- Max depth
- 20 ft
- Average depth
- 6 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 202 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
- 19
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 Knaus Lake
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0.7 miles away
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Cedar Island Lake
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Horseshoe Lake
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Becker Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Knaus Lake?
Knaus Lake is in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Cold Spring. It covers 216 acres and reaches 20 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Knaus Lake?
Knaus Lake covers 216 acres with about 4.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 20 feet and its average depth is about 6 feet.
What fish can you catch at Knaus Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Knaus Lake?
Yes. Knaus Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Knaus Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Knaus 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 Knaus Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Knaus Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Knaus Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
Does Knaus Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Knaus 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.