Stark Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Pine Knoll. DNR lake ID 18016900.
Stark Lake is a 217.3-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Pine Knoll. Its deepest point reaches 66 ft, and about 52% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 7.5 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. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Stark 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 | 18016900 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Pine Knoll |
| Surface area | 217.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 66 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 52% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 7.5 ft through 2024 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 19.9 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 9.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (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 7.5 ft, phosphorus 19.9 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 9.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Stark Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2024: clearer.
Fishing on Stark Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2016 (10 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 | 0.67 | 0.5 to 2.3 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.0 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Black crappie | gill | 3.0 | 1.0 to 3.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 7.78 | 0.8 to 4.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 27.56 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.44 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.22 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 27.0 in (2016), Northern pike 34.0 in (2016), Largemouth bass 13.0 in (2016).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Bowfin, 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
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
- Stark Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 5 trailer spaces. 4 mi N of Crosby on Hwy. 6; 10 mi E on Co Rd 11; 3 mi N on Co Rd 105; 1.25 mi N on Co Rd 36. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Twin Lake 1.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Ross Lake 1.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Sullivan Lake 2.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Nelson Lake 2.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Brown Lake 3.0 mi, Aitkin County
- Blind Lake 3.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Upper Dean Lake 3.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Rogers Lake 4.2 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Stark Lake
How deep is Stark Lake?
Stark Lake reaches a maximum depth of 66 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 52% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Stark Lake?
Stark Lake covers about 217.3 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Stark Lake?
Summer water clarity on Stark Lake averages 7.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2024. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Stark Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Stark 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 Stark Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, bowfin, yellow bullhead in Stark Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2016.
Where is the public boat access on Stark Lake?
Stark Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Stark Lake.
How is the walleye population on Stark Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2006 to 2016, walleye numbers on Stark 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 Stark Lake?
Homes on Stark 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 Stark Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Stark Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 52% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 7.5 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Stark Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Stark Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Stark 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 2016), 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.