Nelson Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Jenkins. DNR lake ID 18041100.
Nelson Lake is an 88-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Jenkins. Its deepest point reaches 65 ft, and about 35% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 17.6 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Nelson 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 | 18041100 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Jenkins |
| Surface area | 88 acres |
| Maximum depth | 65 ft |
| Mean depth | 31.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 35% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 17.6 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| 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 17.6 ft.
Fishing on Nelson Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1997 (29 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 | 1.0 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.5 | 2.0 to 8.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 105.67 | 7.9 to 37.7 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.5 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 11.67 | 0.5 to 2.0 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 25.33 | 1.1 to 4.7 |
| Rock bass | trap | 14.0 | 0.5 to 1.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 9.0 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 14.0 in (1997), Walleye 23.0 in (1997), Northern pike 27.0 in (1997).
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
- Upper Hay Lake 1.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Lower Hay Lake 1.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Island Lake 1.9 mi, Crow Wing County
- Bertha Lake 2.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Clear Lake 3.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Clamshell Lake 3.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Grass Lake 3.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Strawberry Lake 4.4 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Nelson Lake
How deep is Nelson Lake?
Nelson Lake reaches a maximum depth of 65 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 35% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Nelson Lake?
Nelson Lake covers about 88 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Nelson Lake?
Summer water clarity on Nelson Lake averages 17.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Nelson Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Nelson 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 Nelson Lake?
Homes on Nelson 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 Nelson Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Nelson Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 35% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 17.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Nelson Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Nelson Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Nelson 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 1997), 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.