Emma Lake
Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Dorset. DNR lake ID 29018600.
Emma Lake is a 78.4-acre lake in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Dorset. Its deepest point reaches 50 ft, and about 40% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 17.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 29018600 |
|---|---|
| County | Hubbard County, near Dorset |
| Surface area | 78.4 acres |
| Maximum depth | 50 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 40% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 17.7 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 12.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.3 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| 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 17.7 ft, phosphorus 12.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.3 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Emma Lake rates as oligotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Emma 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 | 2.75 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.22 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 8.5 | 2.8 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.33 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 4.25 | 1.5 to 23.0 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.56 | 0.5 to 3.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.5 | 0.5 to 2.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.67 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 10.67 | 5.7 to 40.5 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.25 | 0.3 to 1.5 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.6 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.25 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.33 | 1.3 to 6.3 |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.5 | 0.5 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.0 | 0.5 to 2.8 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 35.0 in (2020), Walleye 22.0 in (2020), Largemouth bass 9.0 in (2020), Smallmouth bass 16.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Rock bass, White sucker, Yellow 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
- Lake Emma: 1 natural launch ramp, 5 trailer spaces. County Road 40 Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Lower Bottle Lake 0.8 mi, Hubbard County
- Gilmore Lake 1.1 mi, Hubbard County
- Ojibway Lake 1.5 mi, Hubbard County
- Big Sand Lake 1.6 mi, Hubbard County
- Upper Bottle Lake 2.0 mi, Hubbard County
- Little Sand Lake 2.0 mi, Hubbard County
- Stocking Lake 2.0 mi, Hubbard County
- Dead Lake 2.1 mi, Hubbard County
Questions about Emma Lake
How deep is Emma Lake?
Emma Lake reaches a maximum depth of 50 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 40% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Emma Lake?
Emma Lake covers about 78.4 acres in Hubbard County, Minnesota.
How clear is Emma Lake?
Summer water clarity on Emma Lake averages 17.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Emma Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Emma 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 Emma Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, white sucker in Emma Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on Emma Lake?
Emma Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Lake Emma.
How is the walleye population on Emma Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1992 to 2020, walleye numbers on Emma 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 Emma Lake?
Homes on Emma 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 Emma Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Emma Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 40% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 17.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Emma Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Emma Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Emma Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Hubbard 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.