Dower Lake
About Dower Lake
Dower Lake is an 84-acre lake near Staples in Todd County, Minnesota. It reaches 34 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2020.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in. Dower Lake Recreation Area is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Dower Lake
- 84 acres, up to 34 feet deep, near Staples
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 15 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Dower Lake Recreation Area
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 84 acres
- Max depth
- 34 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 15 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 47 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
- Camping: Dower Lake Recreation Area
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Dower Lake Recreation Area is mapped on or near Dower 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 Dower Lake
Compare Dower Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Dower Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how Dower Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Dower Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Fawn Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Lincoln125 acres
10.2 miles away
Turtle Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Staples112 acres
11.6 miles away
Lake Shamineau
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Motley1,434 acres
13.7 miles away
Crookneck Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Lincoln191 acres
13.7 miles away
Fish Trap Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Lincoln1,164 acres
14.8 miles away
Rice Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Lincoln562 acres
15.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dower Lake?
Dower Lake is in Todd County, Minnesota, near Staples. It covers 84 acres and reaches 34 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Dower Lake?
Dower Lake covers 84 acres with about 1.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 34 feet.
What fish can you catch at Dower Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Dower Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Dower Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Dower 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 Dower Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Dower Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Dower Lake?
Yes. Dower Lake Recreation Area is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.