Nelson Lake
Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Laporte. DNR lake ID 29013100.
Nelson Lake is a 40.3-acre lake in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Laporte. Its deepest point reaches 19.5 ft, and about 79% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.7 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, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 29013100 |
|---|---|
| County | Hubbard County, near Laporte |
| Surface area | 40.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 19.5 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 79% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.7 ft through 2023 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 12.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.3 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| 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 2023: clarity 14.7 ft, phosphorus 12.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.3 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Nelson Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Nelson Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2015 (11 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 | 2.0 | 1.0 to 4.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 6.0 | 2.8 to 10.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.44 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.0 | 2.5 to 23.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.11 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 41.44 | 3.1 to 24.9 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.33 | 0.9 to 4.3 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 2.22 | 0.3 to 1.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.67 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 6.78 | 0.8 to 7.2 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 13.0 in (2015), Walleye 26.0 in (2015), Northern pike 33.0 in (2015).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed.
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
- Nelson Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 1 dock, 4 trailer spaces. From Laporte, 2 mi W on Mn Hwy 200, then 4.1 mi S on Mn Hwy 64, then 1.1 mi W on East Gulch Forest Rd, then 1.2 mi N on Spur I Forest Rd to E shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Twenty-One Lake 0.4 mi, Hubbard County
- Gillett Lake 3.1 mi, Hubbard County
- Lester Lake 3.4 mi, Hubbard County
- Kabekona Lake 4.1 mi, Hubbard County
- Garfield Lake 6.6 mi, Hubbard County
- Mantrap Lake 6.7 mi, Hubbard County
- George Lake 6.7 mi, Hubbard County
- Horseshoe Lake 6.8 mi, Hubbard County
Questions about Nelson Lake
How deep is Nelson Lake?
Nelson Lake reaches a maximum depth of 19.5 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 79% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Nelson Lake?
Nelson Lake covers about 40.3 acres in Hubbard County, Minnesota.
How clear is Nelson Lake?
Summer water clarity on Nelson Lake averages 14.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2023. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
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.
What fish are in Nelson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed in Nelson Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2015.
Where is the public boat access on Nelson Lake?
Nelson Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Nelson Lake.
How is the walleye population on Nelson Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1993 to 2015, walleye numbers on Nelson 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 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 79% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on 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 Hubbard County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2015), 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.