Muskrat Lake
Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. DNR lake ID 03036000.
Muskrat Lake is a 69-acre lake in Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. Its deepest point reaches 18 ft, and about 93% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 10.8 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.
Buying or selling on Muskrat 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.
Tell us about your dream home on Muskrat LakeWhat’s my Muskrat Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 03036000 |
|---|---|
| County | Becker County, near Detroit Lakes |
| Surface area | 69 acres |
| Maximum depth | 18 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 93% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 10.8 ft through 2021 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 25.5 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 6.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | flowering rush, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2021: clarity 10.8 ft, phosphorus 25.5 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 6.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Muskrat Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Muskrat Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2016 (10 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 | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 2.5 | 4.6 to 11.6 |
| Northern pike | trap | 2.44 | n/a |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.67 | 0.8 to 6.5 |
| Bluegill | gill | 9.5 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 65.22 | 2.5 to 25.0 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.67 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.78 | 1.4 to 8.6 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 2.11 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 29.0 in (2016), Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2016), Walleye 18.0 in (2016).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Bowfin, 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 2017).
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Munson Lake 1.1 mi, Becker County
- Curfman Lake 1.1 mi, Becker County
- Sallie Lake 1.2 mi, Becker County
- St. Clair Lake 1.5 mi, Becker County
- Fox Lake 1.5 mi, Becker County
- Meadow Lake 2.0 mi, Becker County
- Detroit Lake 2.1 mi, Becker County
- Dart Lake 2.4 mi, Becker County
Questions about Muskrat Lake
How deep is Muskrat Lake?
Muskrat Lake reaches a maximum depth of 18 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 93% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Muskrat Lake?
Muskrat Lake covers about 69 acres in Becker County, Minnesota.
How clear is Muskrat Lake?
Summer water clarity on Muskrat Lake averages 10.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2021. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Muskrat Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Muskrat Lake for flowering rush, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Muskrat Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, bowfin, yellow bullhead in Muskrat Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2016.
How is the walleye population on Muskrat Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1998 to 2008, walleye numbers on Muskrat 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 Muskrat Lake?
Homes on Muskrat 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 Muskrat Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Muskrat Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 93% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 10.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Muskrat Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Muskrat Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Muskrat 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 2016), 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.