Monson Lake
About Monson Lake
Monson Lake is a 208-acre lake near Sunburg in Swift County, Minnesota. It reaches 21 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Monson Lake State Park campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Monson Lake
- 208 acres, up to 21 feet deep, near Sunburg
- 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
- Average water clarity around 7.3 feet
- Camping close to the water at Monson Lake State Park campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 208 acres
- Max depth
- 21 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 137 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)
- Camping: Monson Lake State Park campground
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 6
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Monson Lake State Park campground is mapped on or near Monson Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Monson Lake
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4 miles away
Camp Lake
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7.8 miles away
Norway Lake
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7.9 miles away
Swenson Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Sunburg108 acres
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Goose Lake
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Games Lake
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8.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Monson Lake?
Monson Lake is in Swift County, Minnesota, near Sunburg. It covers 208 acres and reaches 21 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Monson Lake?
Monson Lake covers 208 acres with about 4.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 21 feet.
What fish can you catch at Monson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Monson Lake?
Yes. Monson Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Monson Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Monson 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 Monson Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Monson Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Monson Lake?
Yes. Monson Lake State Park campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.