Stocking Lake
About Stocking Lake
Stocking Lake is a 362-acre lake near Menahga in Wadena County, Minnesota. It reaches 22 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 7 feet, and has roughly 4.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Camp Emmaus is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with faucet snail — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 16, based on 30 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Stocking Lake
- 362 acres, up to 22 feet deep, near Menahga
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 7.8 feet
- Camping close to the water at Camp Emmaus
- Listed as infested with faucet snail — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 362 acres
- Max depth
- 22 ft
- Average depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 326 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)
- Camping: Camp Emmaus
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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 30, 2000
- Latest
- May 3, 2022
- Most recent
- April 30, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Camp Emmaus is mapped on or near Stocking 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 Stocking Lake
Compare Stocking Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Stocking Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Stocking Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Stocking Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Stocking Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Blueberry Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreWadena · Menahga533 acres
1.8 miles away
Spirit Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreWadena · Menahga114 acres
2 miles away
Lower Twin Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreWadena · Menahga252 acres
2.7 miles away
Upper Twin Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Menahga213 acres
3.6 miles away
Hinds Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids305 acres
4.9 miles away
Lord Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids62 acres
4.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Stocking Lake?
Stocking Lake is in Wadena County, Minnesota, near Menahga. It covers 362 acres and reaches 22 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Stocking Lake?
Stocking Lake covers 362 acres with about 4.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 22 feet and its average depth is about 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at Stocking Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Stocking Lake?
Yes. Stocking Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Stocking Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Stocking 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 Stocking Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Stocking Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Stocking Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 30 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 30, 2000 and the latest is May 3, 2022.
Can you camp at Stocking Lake?
Yes. Camp Emmaus is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Stocking Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Stocking Lake as infested with faucet snail. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.