Nokay Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. DNR lake ID 18010400.
Nokay Lake is a 703.6-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. Its deepest point reaches 42 ft, and about 31% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.6 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic 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.
Buying or selling on Nokay 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 | 18010400 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Brainerd |
| Surface area | 703.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 42 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 31% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.6 ft through 2024 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 96.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 9.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2024) |
| 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 2024: clarity 9.6 ft, phosphorus 96.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 9.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Nokay Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2024: steady.
Fishing on Nokay Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2020 (6 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 | 1.17 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 9.5 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.58 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.33 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 5.92 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 3.0 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 5.58 | 0.8 to 6.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.92 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 3.58 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.58 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 31.0 in (2020), Walleye 26.0 in (2020), Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, 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
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
- Nokay Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 6 trailer spaces. 9 miles East of Brainerd on MN Hwy. 18, then 2 miles North on Crow Wing Co. Rd. # 8. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Butternut Lake 1.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Pointon Lake 1.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Eagle Lake 1.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Horseshoe Lake 2.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Loon Lake 2.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Clearwater Lake 2.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Portage Lake 2.9 mi, Crow Wing County
- Grave Lake 2.9 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Nokay Lake
How deep is Nokay Lake?
Nokay Lake reaches a maximum depth of 42 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 31% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Nokay Lake?
Nokay Lake covers about 703.6 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Nokay Lake?
Summer water clarity on Nokay Lake averages 9.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2024. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Nokay Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Nokay 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 Nokay Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Nokay Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on Nokay Lake?
Nokay Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Nokay Lake.
How is the walleye population on Nokay Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2020, walleye numbers on Nokay 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 Nokay Lake?
Homes on Nokay 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 Nokay Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Nokay Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 31% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Nokay Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Nokay Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Nokay 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 2020), 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.