Vails Lake
About Vails Lake
Vails Lake is a 161-acre lake near Eden Valley in Stearns County, Minnesota. It reaches 20 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 9 feet, and has roughly 1.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Vails Lake
- 161 acres, up to 20 feet deep, near Eden Valley
- 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 4.1 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 161 acres
- Max depth
- 20 ft
- Average depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 127 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 Vails Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Eden Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Eden Valley278 acres
1 miles away
North Brown's Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Eden Valley312 acres
3.3 miles away
Long Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond487 acres
4.2 miles away
Rice Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Paynesville1,513 acres
4.7 miles away
Clear Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Watkins529 acres
6 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond629 acres
6.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Vails Lake?
Vails Lake is in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Eden Valley. It covers 161 acres and reaches 20 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Vails Lake?
Vails Lake covers 161 acres with about 1.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 20 feet and its average depth is about 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Vails Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 Vails Lake?
Yes. Vails Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Vails Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Vails 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 Vails Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Vails Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.