Upper Bottle Lake
Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Dorset. DNR lake ID 29014800.
Upper Bottle Lake is a 459.1-acre lake in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Dorset. Its deepest point reaches 55 ft, and about 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 15.5 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for faucet snail. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 29014800 |
|---|---|
| County | Hubbard County, near Dorset |
| Surface area | 459.1 acres |
| Maximum depth | 55 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 38% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 15.5 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 12.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | faucet snail |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 15.5 ft, phosphorus 12.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Upper Bottle Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Upper Bottle Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2018 (8 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 | 8.83 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.38 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 10.67 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.62 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.33 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.62 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.83 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.17 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 3.62 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.83 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.75 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.67 | 0.1 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.75 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.5 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 1.38 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2018), Northern pike 36.0 in (2018), Walleye 21.0 in (2018), Smallmouth bass 16.0 in (2018).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown 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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: faucet snail (listed 2019).
Public boat access
- Upper Bottle Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 8 trailer spaces. 1.1 mi N of Nevis on Cnty Rd 2, then 6 mi W on Cnty Rd 40, then 3.5 mi N on Cnty Rd 7, then 0.1 mi W on Cnty Rd 24 to N shore of Upper Bottle Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Stocking Lake 1.2 mi, Hubbard County
- Lower Bottle Lake 1.3 mi, Hubbard County
- Ojibway Lake 1.4 mi, Hubbard County
- Dead Lake 1.4 mi, Hubbard County
- Emma Lake 2.0 mi, Hubbard County
- Mantrap Lake 2.2 mi, Hubbard County
- West Crooked Lake 2.3 mi, Hubbard County
- Gilmore Lake 2.6 mi, Hubbard County
Questions about Upper Bottle Lake
How deep is Upper Bottle Lake?
Upper Bottle Lake reaches a maximum depth of 55 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 38% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Upper Bottle Lake?
Upper Bottle Lake covers about 459.1 acres in Hubbard County, Minnesota.
How clear is Upper Bottle Lake?
Summer water clarity on Upper Bottle Lake averages 15.5 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Upper Bottle Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Upper Bottle Lake for faucet snail.
What fish are in Upper Bottle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Upper Bottle Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2018.
Where is the public boat access on Upper Bottle Lake?
Upper Bottle Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Upper Bottle Lake.
How is the walleye population on Upper Bottle Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1993 to 2018, walleye numbers on Upper Bottle 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 Upper Bottle Lake?
Homes on Upper Bottle 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 Upper Bottle Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Upper Bottle Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 38% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 15.5 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Upper Bottle Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Upper Bottle Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Upper Bottle 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 2018), 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.