Perch Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Baxter. DNR lake ID 18037100.
Perch Lake is a 265.9-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Baxter. Its deepest point reaches 40 ft, and about 62% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 15.8 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Perch 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 | 18037100 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Baxter |
| Surface area | 265.9 acres |
| Maximum depth | 40 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 62% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 15.8 ft through 2025 |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 15.8 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Perch Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Perch Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 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 | 0.33 | 0.5 to 2.3 |
| Northern pike | gill | 12.33 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 2.0 | 1.0 to 10.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.5 | 1.0 to 3.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.44 | 0.8 to 4.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 16.44 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.67 | 0.4 to 1.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.89 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.67 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.11 | 0.4 to 1.7 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.56 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 24.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2021), Northern pike 34.0 in (2021), Smallmouth bass 2.0 in (2002).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown 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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2026).
Public boat access
- Perch Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 7 trailer spaces. In Baxter, 1 mile South of MN Hwy. 210 on Crow Wing Co. Rd. #48. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- White Sand Lake 1.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Red Sand Lake 2.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Whipple Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Bass Lake 3.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Mud Lake 3.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Hardy Lake 4.2 mi, Cass County
- Wise Lake 4.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Stephens Lake 4.6 mi, Cass County
Questions about Perch Lake
How deep is Perch Lake?
Perch Lake reaches a maximum depth of 40 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 62% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Perch Lake?
Perch Lake covers about 265.9 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Perch Lake?
Summer water clarity on Perch Lake averages 15.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Perch Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Perch Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Perch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, white sucker in Perch Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Perch Lake?
Perch Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Perch Lake.
How is the walleye population on Perch Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1992 to 2021, walleye numbers on Perch Lake ran mostly within 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 Perch Lake?
Homes on Perch 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 Perch Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Perch Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 62% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 15.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Perch Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Perch Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Perch 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 2021), 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.