Melissa Lake
Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. DNR lake ID 03047500.
Melissa Lake is a 1,850-acre lake in Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. Its deepest point reaches 37 ft, and about 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.1 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, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 03047500 |
|---|---|
| County | Becker County, near Detroit Lakes |
| Surface area | 1,850 acres |
| Maximum depth | 37 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 50% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.1 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 17.1 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.1 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | flowering rush, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 14.1 ft, phosphorus 17.1 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.1 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Melissa Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Melissa 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 | 7.08 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.58 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 12.17 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.75 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 2.33 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.08 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.25 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.0 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 5.25 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 37.33 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.42 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.25 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.08 | 0.8 to 6.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 3.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.42 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.83 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.92 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 2.33 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 7.5 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 26.0 in (2019), Northern pike 32.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Northern pike 24 to 36 in must be released (one over 36 allowed). (Minnesota Rules 6264.0400, April 2026)
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 2014).
Public boat access
- Melissa Lake, Mac's Landing: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 20 trailer spaces. 5.6 mi S of Detroit Lakes on Hwy 59, then .1 mi W on Cutover to Co Rd 17, then .1 mi N to E shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Mill Lake 1.3 mi, Becker County
- Meadow Lake 1.5 mi, Becker County
- Buck Lake 1.9 mi, Becker County
- Sallie Lake 2.0 mi, Becker County
- Sauer Lake 2.0 mi, Becker County
- Hand Lake 2.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Fox Lake 2.6 mi, Becker County
- Muskrat Lake 2.9 mi, Becker County
Questions about Melissa Lake
How deep is Melissa Lake?
Melissa Lake reaches a maximum depth of 37 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Melissa Lake?
Melissa Lake covers about 1,850 acres in Becker County, Minnesota.
How clear is Melissa Lake?
Summer water clarity on Melissa Lake averages 14.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Melissa Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Melissa Lake for flowering rush, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Melissa Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Melissa Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Melissa Lake?
Melissa Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Melissa Lake, Mac's Landing.
How is the walleye population on Melissa Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1994 to 2019, walleye numbers on Melissa 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 Melissa Lake?
Homes on Melissa 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 Melissa Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Melissa Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 50% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Melissa Lake?
Yes. Northern pike 24 to 36 in must be released (one over 36 allowed).
Ask us about Melissa 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.