Spirit Lake
Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Bennettville. DNR lake ID 01017800.
Spirit Lake is a 523.4-acre lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Bennettville. Its deepest point reaches 49 ft, and about 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 01017800 |
|---|---|
| County | Aitkin County, near Bennettville |
| Surface area | 523.4 acres |
| Maximum depth | 49 ft |
| Mean depth | 15.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 50% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.9 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 34.5 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 11.9 ft, phosphorus 34.5 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Spirit Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Spirit Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2019 (7 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 0.78 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.09 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 11.11 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.45 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.67 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.09 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.33 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.45 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.89 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 9.45 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.0 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.82 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.11 | 0.8 to 6.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 5.44 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.18 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.78 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.36 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.55 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 22.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 20.0 in (2019), Northern pike 33.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2023).
Public boat access
- Spirit Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 12 trailer spaces. 7 miles South of Aitkin on US Hwy. 169, then 1.25 miles East on Aitkin Co. Rd. #28. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Hickory Lake 1.4 mi, Aitkin County
- Diamond Lake 1.7 mi, Aitkin County
- Little Pine Lake 2.1 mi, Aitkin County
- Hanging Kettle Lake 2.1 mi, Aitkin County
- Lone Lake 2.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Ripple Lake 2.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Mallard Lake 2.4 mi, Aitkin County
- Bachelor Lake 2.4 mi, Aitkin County
Questions about Spirit Lake
How deep is Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake reaches a maximum depth of 49 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake covers about 523.4 acres in Aitkin County, Minnesota.
How clear is Spirit Lake?
Summer water clarity on Spirit Lake averages 11.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Spirit Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Spirit Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Spirit Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Spirit Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Spirit Lake.
How is the walleye population on Spirit Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1992 to 2019, walleye numbers on Spirit Lake ran mostly below the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Spirit Lake?
Homes on Spirit Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Spirit Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Spirit Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 50% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Spirit Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Spirit Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Spirit Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Aitkin County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2019), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.