---
type: lake
name: "Dower Lake"
county: "Todd"
nearest_town: "Staples"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 84
max_depth_ft: 34
latitude: 46.34988
longitude: -94.85239
lake_score: 56
dnr_lake_id: "77013800"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/todd-county/dower-lake
---

# Dower Lake

Lake in Todd County, Minnesota, near Staples

- **Surface Area**: 84 acres
- **Max Depth**: 34 ft
- **Shoreline**: 1.8 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 15 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Public access on record
- **Lake Score**: 56/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: Public access on record
- **Managed by**: city
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 9
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2020
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Camping

## Amenities

Campground

### Campgrounds

- Dower Lake Recreation Area

## Fish Species

Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Green Sunfish, Yellow Bullhead

## Nearby Lakes

- [Fawn Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/todd-county/fawn-lake) - 10.2 miles, 125 acres
- [Turtle Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/todd-county/turtle-lake) - 11.6 miles, 112 acres
- [Lake Shamineau](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/morrison-county/lake-shamineau) - 13.7 miles, 1,434 acres
- [Crookneck Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/morrison-county/crookneck-lake) - 13.7 miles, 191 acres
- [Fish Trap Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/morrison-county/fish-trap-lake) - 14.8 miles, 1,164 acres
- [Rice Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/todd-county/rice-lake) - 15.4 miles, 562 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=46.34988,-94.85239)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=77013800)
- [All lakes in Todd County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/todd-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/todd-county/dower-lake)*