Shell Lake
Becker County, Minnesota, near Snellman. DNR lake ID 03010200.
Shell Lake is a 3,147-acre lake in Becker County, Minnesota, near Snellman. Its deepest point reaches 16 ft, and about 98% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 7.7 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 walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 03010200 |
|---|---|
| County | Becker County, near Snellman |
| Surface area | 3,147 acres |
| Maximum depth | 16 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 98% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 7.7 ft through 2021 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 20.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 5.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| 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 2021: clarity 7.7 ft, phosphorus 20.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 5.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Shell Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Shell 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 | gill | 2.92 | 3.2 to 15.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.23 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 14.67 | 1.2 to 7.8 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.92 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 38.83 | 3.0 to 22.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 3.46 | 0.3 to 2.6 |
| Black crappie | gill | 3.25 | 0.8 to 11.1 |
| Black crappie | trap | 3.23 | 1.0 to 12.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.42 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 36.08 | 1.0 to 14.9 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.75 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.92 | 0.1 to 0.8 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 12.75 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 27.31 | 0.4 to 4.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.46 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 27.0 in (2016), Northern pike 34.0 in (2016), Largemouth bass 13.0 in (2016).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Green sunfish, Bowfin, Common carp, 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
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
- Shell Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 10 trailer spaces. 3.4 mi W of Ponsford on Cnty Rd 26, then 2.7 mi S on Cnty Rd 37 to W shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Dumbbell Lake 1.3 mi, Becker County
- Mud Lake 2.5 mi, Becker County
- Bass Lake 3.1 mi, Becker County
- Linbom Lake 3.2 mi, Becker County
- Green Water Lake 3.5 mi, Becker County
- Island Lake 4.1 mi, Becker County
- Big Rush Lake 4.3 mi, Becker County
- Pickerel Lake 5.8 mi, Becker County
Questions about Shell Lake
How deep is Shell Lake?
Shell Lake reaches a maximum depth of 16 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 98% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Shell Lake?
Shell Lake covers about 3,147 acres in Becker County, Minnesota.
How clear is Shell Lake?
Summer water clarity on Shell Lake averages 7.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2021. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Shell Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Shell 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 Shell Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, green sunfish, bowfin in Shell Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2016.
Where is the public boat access on Shell Lake?
Shell Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Shell Lake.
How is the walleye population on Shell Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2016, walleye numbers on Shell 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 Shell Lake?
Homes on Shell 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 Shell Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Shell Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 98% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 7.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Shell Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Shell Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Shell 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.