Palmer Lake
Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Park Rapids. DNR lake ID 29008700.
Palmer Lake is a 146.2-acre lake in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Park Rapids. Its deepest point reaches 21 ft, and about 63% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 10.5 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.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 29008700 |
|---|---|
| County | Hubbard County, near Park Rapids |
| Surface area | 146.2 acres |
| Maximum depth | 21 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 63% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 10.5 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 11.3 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Murkier (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 10.5 ft, phosphorus 11.3 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Palmer Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: murkier.
Fishing on Palmer 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 | 6.83 | 0.5 to 3.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 0.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 2.0 | 4.8 to 12.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.12 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 2.67 | 2.0 to 21.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.17 | 1.0 to 4.8 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.38 | 0.8 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.83 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 44.12 | 8.3 to 50.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.5 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 4.5 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.5 | 2.8 to 10.3 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.25 | 0.5 to 1.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2021), Walleye 18.0 in (2021), Northern pike 38.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, White sucker.
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
- Palmer Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 3 trailer spaces. 7 miles east of Hubbard, off County Road 109, on the northeast shore of Palmer Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Second Crow Wing Lake 1.1 mi, Hubbard County
- Duck Lake 1.5 mi, Hubbard County
- First Crow Wing Lake 2.1 mi, Hubbard County
- Third Crow Wing Lake 2.9 mi, Hubbard County
- Fourth Crow Wing Lake 3.7 mi, Hubbard County
- Wolf Lake 4.0 mi, Hubbard County
- Big Stony Lake 4.1 mi, Hubbard County
- Island Lake 4.8 mi, Hubbard County
Questions about Palmer Lake
How deep is Palmer Lake?
Palmer Lake reaches a maximum depth of 21 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 63% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Palmer Lake?
Palmer Lake covers about 146.2 acres in Hubbard County, Minnesota.
How clear is Palmer Lake?
Summer water clarity on Palmer Lake averages 10.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Palmer Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Palmer 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 Palmer Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, white sucker in Palmer Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Palmer Lake?
Palmer Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Palmer Lake.
How is the walleye population on Palmer Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2021, walleye numbers on Palmer Lake ran mostly above 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 Palmer Lake?
Homes on Palmer 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 Palmer Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Palmer Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 63% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 10.5 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Palmer Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Palmer Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Palmer 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 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.