Mud Lake
About Mud Lake
Mud Lake is a 2,449-acre lake near Wheaton in Traverse County, Minnesota. It reaches 7 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 33.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.6 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer. The lake is a border water shared with South Dakota, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side.
The DNR has no fish survey on file for this lake, so treat any fishing as exploratory.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Mud Lake
- 2,449 acres, up to 7 feet deep, near Wheaton
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and Minnesota DNR
- Average water clarity around 1.6 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Border water with South Dakota — know which side of the line you are fishing on
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Army Corps of Engineers, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,449 acres
- Max depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 33.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,526 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
- Border-water seasons and limits with South Dakota differ from Minnesota inland rules
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- 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
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Mud Lake
Compare Mud Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Lake Traverse
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11.5 miles away
Barry Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Barry398 acres
17.1 miles away
East Toqua Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Graceville437 acres
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Lannon Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Graceville197 acres
20.1 miles away
North Rothwell Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Clinton297 acres
22.5 miles away
Graham Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreGrant · Herman138 acres
23.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mud Lake?
Mud Lake is in Traverse County, Minnesota, near Wheaton. It covers 2,449 acres and reaches 7 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Mud Lake?
Mud Lake covers 2,449 acres with about 33.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at Mud Lake?
The DNR has no fish survey on file for Mud Lake.
Is there a public boat launch on Mud Lake?
Yes. Mud Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Mud Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Mud 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.