Butternut Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Bay Lake. DNR lake ID 18010800.
Butternut Lake is a 26-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Bay Lake. Its deepest point reaches 34 ft, and about 81% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Butternut 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 Butternut LakeWhat’s my Butternut Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18010800 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Bay Lake |
| Surface area | 26 acres |
| Maximum depth | 34 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 81% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.9 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| 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 2025: clarity 14.9 ft.
Fishing on Butternut Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1989 (37 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 | 8.5 | 2.7 to 9.3 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.75 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.0 | 1.9 to 19.1 |
| Bluegill | trap | 31.0 | 2.9 to 41.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 5.25 | 0.4 to 2.0 |
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
- Butternut Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 1 trailer spaces. 13 miles east of Brainerd. Head east on State Hwy #18, then north on Nokay Lake Rd, then east on Pickeral Lake Rd. for 0.8 miles Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Nokay Lake 1.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Pointon Lake 1.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Horseshoe Lake 1.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Grave Lake 2.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Portage Lake 2.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Eagle Lake 2.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Hanks Lake 2.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Crooked Lake 3.0 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Butternut Lake
How deep is Butternut Lake?
Butternut Lake reaches a maximum depth of 34 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 81% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Butternut Lake?
Butternut Lake covers about 26 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Butternut Lake?
Summer water clarity on Butternut Lake averages 14.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Butternut Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Butternut 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.
Where is the public boat access on Butternut Lake?
Butternut Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Butternut Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Butternut Lake?
Homes on Butternut 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 Butternut Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Butternut Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 81% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Butternut Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Butternut Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Butternut 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 1989), 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.