Vanduse Lake
Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Jacobson. DNR lake ID 01005800.
Vanduse Lake is a 239.5-acre lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Jacobson. Its deepest point reaches 27 ft, and about 79% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.3 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Vanduse Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 01005800 |
|---|---|
| County | Aitkin County, near Jacobson |
| Surface area | 239.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 27 ft |
| Mean depth | 8.2 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 79% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.3 ft through 2025 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 11.3 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Vanduse Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Vanduse 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 15.0 | 3.6 to 11.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 3.0 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 2.0 | 3.8 to 22.8 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.0 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 14.0 | 1.0 to 10.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.83 | 0.7 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | trap | 5.33 | 4.0 to 28.1 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.17 | 0.2 to 0.6 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.0 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2019), Northern pike 29.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 10. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Vanduse Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 6 trailer spaces. 0.5 miles east and 2.5 miles south of Jacobson on the west shore of Vanduse Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Hay Lake 2.0 mi, Aitkin County
- Little Ball Bluff Lake 3.0 mi, Aitkin County
- Blackface Lake 3.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Ball Bluff Lake 3.5 mi, Aitkin County
- Bay 5.1 mi, Aitkin County
- Cutaway Lake 8.0 mi, Aitkin County
- Boot Lake 8.1 mi, Aitkin County
- Wakefield Lake 8.8 mi, Aitkin County
Questions about Vanduse Lake
How deep is Vanduse Lake?
Vanduse Lake reaches a maximum depth of 27 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 79% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Vanduse Lake?
Vanduse Lake covers about 239.5 acres in Aitkin County, Minnesota.
How clear is Vanduse Lake?
Summer water clarity on Vanduse Lake averages 11.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Vanduse Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Vanduse Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Vanduse Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, white sucker, yellow bullhead in Vanduse Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Vanduse Lake?
Vanduse Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Vanduse Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Vanduse Lake?
Homes on Vanduse 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 Vanduse Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Vanduse Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 79% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Vanduse Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 10.
Ask us about Vanduse 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.