Sallie Lake
Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. DNR lake ID 03035900.
Sallie Lake is a 1,280-acre lake in Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. Its deepest point reaches 50 ft, and about 45% 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 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 | 03035900 |
|---|---|
| County | Becker County, near Detroit Lakes |
| Surface area | 1,280 acres |
| Maximum depth | 50 ft |
| Mean depth | 17.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 45% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.9 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 22.9 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 5.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (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 11.9 ft, phosphorus 22.9 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 5.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Sallie Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Sallie 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 | 16.0 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.42 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 13.67 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.5 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 49.11 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.33 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.89 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.67 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 9.56 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 28.92 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.89 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 2.75 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 2.78 | 0.8 to 6.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.42 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.0 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.17 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 6.33 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 25.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2019), Northern pike 35.0 in (2019), Muskellunge 27.0 in (2009).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, 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 2016).
Public boat access
- Sallie Lake: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 20 trailer spaces. 1.8 mi S of Detroit Lakes on Hwy 59; 0.3 mi W on Co Rd 6; 0.8 mi S on Co Rd 19; 0.1 mi W on Twp Rd Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Fox Lake 0.8 mi, Becker County
- Muskrat Lake 1.2 mi, Becker County
- Munson Lake 1.4 mi, Becker County
- Meadow Lake 1.7 mi, Becker County
- Dart Lake 1.9 mi, Becker County
- Melissa Lake 2.0 mi, Becker County
- Curfman Lake 2.1 mi, Becker County
- Pearl Lake 2.1 mi, Becker County
Questions about Sallie Lake
How deep is Sallie Lake?
Sallie Lake reaches a maximum depth of 50 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 45% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Sallie Lake?
Sallie Lake covers about 1,280 acres in Becker County, Minnesota.
How clear is Sallie Lake?
Summer water clarity on Sallie Lake averages 11.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Sallie Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Sallie Lake for flowering rush, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Sallie Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Sallie Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Sallie Lake?
Sallie Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Sallie Lake.
How is the walleye population on Sallie Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1994 to 2019, walleye numbers on Sallie Lake ran mostly above 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 Sallie Lake?
Homes on Sallie 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 Sallie Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Sallie Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 45% 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 Sallie Lake?
Yes. Northern pike 24 to 36 in must be released (one over 36 allowed).
Ask us about Sallie 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.