Spirit Lake
About Spirit Lake
Spirit Lake is an 114-acre lake near Menahga in Wadena County, Minnesota. It reaches 45 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.1 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. Ice typically goes out around April 16, based on 30 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Spirit Lake
- 114 acres, up to 45 feet deep, near Menahga
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 12.1 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 114 acres
- Max depth
- 45 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 65 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)
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 8
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 16
- Years of record
- 30
- Earliest
- March 24, 2012
- Latest
- May 9, 2013
- Most recent
- April 14, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Spirit Lake
Compare Spirit Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Spirit Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Stocking Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreWadena · Menahga362 acres
2 miles away
Blueberry Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreWadena · Menahga533 acres
2.7 miles away
Lower Twin Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreWadena · Menahga252 acres
4.6 miles away
Upper Twin Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Menahga213 acres
5.4 miles away
Lord Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids62 acres
6 miles away
Hinds Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids305 acres
6.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake is in Wadena County, Minnesota, near Menahga. It covers 114 acres and reaches 45 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake covers 114 acres with about 1.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 45 feet.
What fish can you catch at Spirit Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Spirit Lake?
Yes. Spirit Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Spirit Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Spirit 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 Spirit Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Spirit Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Spirit Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 30 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2012 and the latest is May 9, 2013.