Detroit Lake
Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. DNR lake ID 03038100.
Detroit Lake is a 3,067-acre lake in Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. Its deepest point reaches 89 ft, and about 62% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 13.0 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for flowering rush, zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 03038100 |
|---|---|
| County | Becker County, near Detroit Lakes |
| Surface area | 3,067 acres |
| Maximum depth | 89 ft |
| Mean depth | 14.8 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 62% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 13.0 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 18.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.2 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | flowering rush, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 4 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 13.0 ft, phosphorus 18.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.2 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Detroit Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Detroit 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 | 10.75 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Walleye | trap | 1.0 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Northern pike | gill | 11.5 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.75 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.75 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.08 | 0.7 to 3.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.58 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.25 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 57.17 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 28.58 | 3.7 to 42.9 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.0 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.33 | 0.4 to 1.4 |
| Muskellunge | gill | 0.25 | 0.1 to 0.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 3.67 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 5.67 | 1.6 to 6.9 |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.33 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.58 | 0.7 to 3.3 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 1.67 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 3.92 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 31.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2019), Muskellunge 34.0 in (2019), Walleye 27.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Lake sturgeon, 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: flowering rush (listed 2007), zebra mussel (listed 2016).
Public boat access
- Detroit Lake (S): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 12 trailer spaces. From West Lake Drive in Detroit Lakes, 1.6 mi E on Long Bridge Road (Cnty Rd 24), to S shore. Directions
- Detroit Lake (NW): 1 concrete slab launch ramp. In Detroit Lakes, at the junction of West Lake Drive and Rossman Avenue on the north shore. Directions
- Detroit Lake (N Central): 1 concrete slab launch ramp. In Detroit Lakes, at the junction of West Lake Drive and Lake Avenue, on the north shore. Directions
- Detroit Lake (NE): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock. In Detroit Lakes, off US Highway #10, on the northeast shore of Detroit Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Around the lake
Waterfront dining: Zorbaz, the chain’s flagship, right on the shore of Detroit Lake.
Nearby lakes
- Curfman Lake 1.1 mi, Becker County
- Abbey Lake 2.0 mi, Becker County
- Muskrat Lake 2.1 mi, Becker County
- St. Clair Lake 2.4 mi, Becker County
- Senical Lake 2.5 mi, Becker County
- Munson Lake 2.9 mi, Becker County
- Meadow Lake 3.0 mi, Becker County
- Sallie Lake 3.1 mi, Becker County
Questions about Detroit Lake
How deep is Detroit Lake?
Detroit Lake reaches a maximum depth of 89 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 62% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Detroit Lake?
Detroit Lake covers about 3,067 acres in Becker County, Minnesota.
How clear is Detroit Lake?
Summer water clarity on Detroit Lake averages 13.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Detroit Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Detroit Lake for flowering rush, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Detroit Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Detroit Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Detroit Lake?
Detroit Lake has 4 public water access sites on DNR record: Detroit Lake (S); Detroit Lake (NW); Detroit Lake (N Central); Detroit Lake (NE).
How is the walleye population on Detroit Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1992 to 2019, walleye numbers on Detroit Lake ran mostly within 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 Detroit Lake?
Homes on Detroit 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 Detroit Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Detroit Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 62% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 13.0 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Detroit Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Detroit Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Detroit Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Becker 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.