Site Use Agreement and Data Sources
Last updated November 2, 2026
The short version
- Deemed reliable, not guaranteed. Our lake information comes from government agencies, universities, and other trusted sources, but it can be outdated, estimated, or incomplete. Always verify before you rely on it.
- For general reference only. Nothing here is legal, survey, appraisal, inspection, environmental, financial, or fishing advice.
- Lakewide, not property-specific. Lake figures don’t describe any particular shoreline, lot, or water depth. Walk the property and use licensed professionals.
- Maps are locators. They’re not surveys and not for navigation, ice travel, or property lines.
- Fishing info is a snapshot. DNR surveys count fish; they aren’t fishing reports. Always check current DNR regulations.
- No agency relationship until you sign. Using the site or a form doesn’t make us your agent; a signed written agreement does.
- Values are opinions, not appraisals. Off-market availability is never guaranteed, and guarantees follow their written agreements.
- Please don’t copy the site. The design, writing, and data compilation are protected by copyright.
- We aren’t endorsed by our sources. We credit every one of them below.
Data sources and credits
We’re grateful to the organizations whose work makes this guide possible. None of them created, reviewed, or endorse this site.
| Source | What we use | Credit and terms |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Department of Natural Resources | Lake area, depth, shallow-water share, fish surveys, fish sizes, stocking links, public water access sites, infested waters list, lake maps (linked) | Contains data from the Minnesota DNR, used under the DNR General Data and Software License Agreement. DNR lake maps are DNR copyright and are linked, not copied. Not endorsed by the DNR. |
| Minnesota Fish Explorer (public dataset) | DNR LakeFinder records and survey history as compiled for research | Distributed under the DNR General Data and Software License Agreement |
| University of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center | Structured version of the DNR infested waters list | Credited with thanks |
| Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, via the EPA and USGS Water Quality Portal | Measured water clarity, phosphorus, and algae (chlorophyll-a), 2016 to 2025 | Public government data |
| University of Minnesota LakeBrowser (Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Laboratory) | Satellite water clarity estimates, labeled “est.” | Credited with thanks; estimates are approximations |
| LAGOS-US lake database | Lake connectivity and depth for some lakes the DNR hasn’t surveyed | Credited with thanks |
| LakeQuality.org | Shoreline length, ice-out, impairment listings, and recent survey summaries on full lake profiles | Compiled DNR and MPCA records, credited with thanks |
| Office of the Revisor of Statutes and Minnesota DNR | Special fishing regulations (Minnesota Rules 6264.0400) and the Quality Sunfish Initiative list | Public law; always confirm current regulations with the DNR |
| MapTiler and OpenStreetMap contributors | Satellite maps and address suggestions | © MapTiler © OpenStreetMap contributors. Map data available under the Open Database License |
| MapLibre GL JS | Map display software | BSD 3-Clause License |
| Bodoni Moda and Hanken Grotesk typefaces | Fonts | SIL Open Font License |
| Lake associations, chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus, and local businesses | Lake chain descriptions, waterfront dining, and on-water fuel | Researched from public sources including Explore Minnesota, area chambers and tourism bureaus, and business websites; confirm hours and services directly |
| Outdoor News, Leech Lake Area Chamber, Google | Links to fishing reports and map searches | Links only; we don’t control or endorse their content |
| NorthstarMLS | Links to property searches on our brokerage website | No listing data is displayed on this site |
Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty® is a registered trademark of its owner. Each office is independently owned and operated. All other names and trademarks belong to their respective owners and are used only to identify them.
Full terms
1. Agreement
This Site Use Agreement governs your use of MNLakeGuide (the “Site”). In this agreement, “we,” “us,” and “our” mean MNLakeGuide and its operators. Real estate services offered through the Site are provided by Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Exclusive, a licensed Minnesota real estate brokerage at 24199 State Hwy 371, Unit #4, Nisswa, MN 56468. By accessing or using the Site, you agree to this Site Use Agreement and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, do not use the Site.
2. Information only; no professional advice
Everything on the Site, including lake data, maps, water quality, clarity estimates, invasive species status, fish surveys, fishing regulations, boat access details, business listings, talking points, search results, and any opinion of value, is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not legal, survey, appraisal, home inspection, environmental, engineering, financial, tax, or fishing advice. Consult the appropriate licensed professional and official sources before making any decision.
3. No guarantee of accuracy
Information comes from government agencies, universities, and other third parties that we do not control. It may be incomplete, outdated, estimated, or wrong, and conditions change. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Lakewide figures do not describe any specific property, shoreline, lot, or water depth. Satellite estimates are approximations. Not appearing on the DNR infested waters list does not mean a lake is free of invasive species. You are responsible for independently verifying all information, including with the Minnesota DNR, county offices, a licensed surveyor, and inspectors.
4. Maps
Maps and lake locators are approximate and for general reference only. They are not surveys and must not be used for navigation, boating, ice travel, determining property lines, shoreline, setbacks, or water access.
5. Fishing and recreation
Fish survey information describes lake populations at the time of each survey and is not a fishing report or prediction. Fishing regulations change; always confirm current regulations with the Minnesota DNR and posted signs. Boating, swimming, fishing, and ice activities carry inherent risks that you assume entirely.
6. No agency relationship
Using the Site, submitting a form, or communicating with us does not create an agency, brokerage, or fiduciary relationship. Representation begins only when you sign a written agreement with our brokerage, as required by Minnesota law.
7. Opinions of value and off-market properties
Any opinion of value we provide is a licensed agent’s opinion, not an appraisal, and should not be relied on for lending or any other purpose. Information about off-market or coming-soon properties is provided when available and is never guaranteed.
8. Guarantee programs
Any seller or buyer guarantee described on the Site is subject to the specific terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements of a separate written agreement, which controls over any description on the Site. Seller guarantee: YHSGR and client must agree on terms, price, and closing dates. Buyer guarantee: Broker Admin Commission still applies.
9. Third-party sources, services, and links
Maps are provided by MapTiler with data from OpenStreetMap contributors. Data is credited to its sources at the bottom of every page. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by those organizations. Links to other websites and businesses are provided for convenience only; we do not endorse and are not responsible for their content, products, services, or accuracy.
10. Our content
The Site’s name, logos, design, written content, data compilation, features, and software are owned by us or our licensors and protected by copyright and trademark law. Public government data remains public; our selection, arrangement, and presentation of it are ours. You may view the Site and share links for personal, non-commercial use. Without our written permission, you may not copy, reproduce, republish, or create derivative works from the Site; scrape, crawl, or extract data or content by automated means; frame the Site or present its content as your own; use our name, logos, or a confusingly similar name; or use the Site to build a competing product or service.
11. Forms and communications
When you submit a form, you agree we may contact you by phone, text, or email about real estate, including by automated means. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out at any time by replying STOP to texts or calling us.
12. Disclaimer of warranties
THE SITE AND ALL INFORMATION ON IT ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE,” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE SITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR SECURE.
13. Limitation of liability
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE AND OUR OWNERS, BROKERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, AND CONTRACTORS ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY LOSS ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF OR RELIANCE ON THE SITE OR ITS INFORMATION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY. OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM RELATING TO THE SITE IS LIMITED TO ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100).
14. Indemnification
You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold us and our owners, brokers, agents, employees, and contractors harmless from any claims, losses, or expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising from your use of the Site or your violation of these terms.
15. Accessibility
We want the Site to be usable by everyone. If you have trouble accessing any content, call (218) 656-6469 and we will provide the information another way.
16. Governing law and disputes
These terms are governed by Minnesota law, without regard to conflict-of-law rules. Any dispute relating to the Site will be brought only in the state or federal courts located in Minnesota, and you consent to their jurisdiction.
17. General
We may change or discontinue the Site or this agreement at any time; continued use means you accept the changes. If any provision is found unenforceable, the rest remains in effect. This Site Use Agreement and our Privacy Policy are the entire agreement about your use of the Site. Our failure to enforce any provision is not a waiver.
Questions? Call (218) 656-6469.
Privacy Policy
Last updated November 1, 2026
What we collect
When you fill out a buyer or seller form, we collect what you enter: your name, email, phone number, property address, and your lake and home preferences. Lakes you save with the heart button are stored only on your own device, not sent to us. If our website uses analytics, it collects general usage information such as pages viewed and device type.
How we use it
We use your information to respond to you, run custom property searches, prepare property values, and send you lake homes and market information you asked for, including off-market opportunities if you opted in.
Who we share it with
We do not sell your personal information. We share it only with our agents and staff, with service providers that help us operate (such as our form, email, and customer management systems), and when required by law.
Calls, texts, and email
By submitting a form, you agree we may contact you by phone, text, or email. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out of texts by replying STOP, unsubscribe from emails using the link in any email, or ask us by phone to stop contacting you.
Third-party services
To display maps, fonts, and features, your browser connects to services such as MapTiler (maps), Google Fonts, and jsDelivr. These providers receive standard technical information like your IP address under their own privacy policies. Links to other websites, such as the Minnesota DNR, are governed by those sites’ policies.
Your choices
You can ask us to see, correct, or delete the personal information we hold about you by calling (218) 656-6469.
Children
This site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect their information.
Changes
We may update this policy and will post the new version here with its date.
Lake chains
One dock, many lakes. These are the boating chains we have verified, plus lakes the DNR records as connected by water.
Compare lakes
Up to four lakes side by side. Highest and lowest values are marked, and fish catches are measured against the DNR’s typical range for similar lakes.
How to read a lake
Every number here answers a question a buyer is already asking, even when it sounds like “is it swimmable?” or “will my boat lift work?”
Surface area
The DNR’s measured acreage. Big water brings long cruises and wake sports along with wind and waves. Small lakes trade range for quiet mornings and easy paddling.
Maximum depth and mean depth
Maximum depth tells you whether a lake can hold cold water through summer. Mean depth tells you how much of the lake is actually deep; the DNR publishes it for fewer lakes.
Share under 15 feet
The shallow area where sunlight reaches bottom and plants grow. A high share often means gradual, weedier shorelines; a low share often means deeper water near the dock. Confirm at the specific frontage.
Water clarity
Measured with a Secchi disk lowered until it disappears. MPCA boat measurements are shown first; satellite estimates from the University of Minnesota fill gaps and are marked “est.”
Invasive species
From the DNR infested waters list. A lake that isn’t listed has no confirmed record; it isn’t a guarantee the water is free of invasive species.
Fish surveys
DNR crews set standard nets and record catch per net, compared with the typical range for similar lakes. They show how many fish a lake holds over time, not where the bite is. A lake can net average numbers of walleye and still be a favorite with anglers, so we pair the surveys with local guide intel.