Butterfield Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Fifty Lakes. DNR lake ID 18023100.
Butterfield Lake is a 193.7-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Fifty Lakes. Its deepest point reaches 23 ft, and about 70% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 13.7 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.
Buying or selling on Butterfield 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.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18023100 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Fifty Lakes |
| Surface area | 193.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 23 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 70% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 13.7 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 15.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Murkier (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 13.7 ft, phosphorus 15.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Butterfield Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: murkier.
Fishing on Butterfield Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1981 (45 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 7.33 | 4.6 to 11.6 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.75 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 5.0 | 8.0 to 40.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.75 | 0.8 to 4.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.0 | 1.0 to 7.3 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.75 | 0.8 to 6.5 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 73.25 | 2.5 to 25.0 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 15.5 | 1.4 to 8.6 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.75 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Eagle Lake 1.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Sand Lake 1.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Blue Lake 2.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Anna Lake 2.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Mitchell Lake 2.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Pickerel Lake 2.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- East Fox Lake 2.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Pug Hole Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Butterfield Lake
How deep is Butterfield Lake?
Butterfield Lake reaches a maximum depth of 23 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 70% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Butterfield Lake?
Butterfield Lake covers about 193.7 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Butterfield Lake?
Summer water clarity on Butterfield Lake averages 13.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Butterfield Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Butterfield 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.
Are there lake homes for sale on Butterfield Lake?
Homes on Butterfield 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 Butterfield Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Butterfield Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 70% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 13.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Butterfield Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Butterfield Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Butterfield Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Crow Wing County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 1981), 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.