Lake Osakis
About Lake Osakis
Lake Osakis is a 6,389-acre lake near Osakis in Todd County, Minnesota. It reaches 73 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 20 feet, and has roughly 26.8 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Todd County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.4 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. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 4 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the township, county, and Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Two Mile Trailer Park and CG and Sportsmen's RV Park are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 19, based on 429 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Osakis
- 6,389 acres, up to 73 feet deep, near Osakis
- 4 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the township, county, and Minnesota DNR
- 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 3.4 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Two Mile Trailer Park and CG and Sportsmen's RV Park
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- township, county, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 6,389 acres
- Max depth
- 73 ft
- Average depth
- 20 ft
- Shoreline
- 26.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 3,389 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
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Two Mile Trailer Park and CG and Sportsmen's RV Park
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- 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
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye: Minimum size limit 15".
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 19
- Years of record
- 429
- Earliest
- March 8, 2024
- Latest
- May 14, 1950
- Most recent
- April 14, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Two Mile Trailer Park and CG and Sportsmen's RV Park are mapped on or near Lake Osakis. 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 Lake Osakis
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Nearby Lakes
Little Osakis Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Long Prairie114 acres
4.2 miles away
Maple Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Gutches Grove388 acres
5 miles away
Guernsey Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · West Union121 acres
6.3 miles away
Little Sauk Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Little Sauk277 acres
6.9 miles away
Smith Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Nelson666 acres
7.9 miles away
Juergens Lake
22 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Little Sauk117 acres
8.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Osakis?
Lake Osakis is in Todd County, Minnesota, near Osakis. It covers 6,389 acres and reaches 73 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Osakis?
Lake Osakis covers 6,389 acres with about 26.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 73 feet and its average depth is about 20 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Osakis?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Osakis?
Yes. Lake Osakis has 4 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the township, county, and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Osakis?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Osakis stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Osakis; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Osakis?
Yes. Minimum size limit 15". Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on Lake Osakis?
The median ice-out date is April 19, from 429 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 8, 2024 and the latest is May 14, 1950.
Can you camp at Lake Osakis?
Yes. Two Mile Trailer Park and CG and Sportsmen's RV Park are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake Osakis have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Osakis as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.