Dora Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Wirt. DNR lake ID 31088200.
Dora Lake is a 423.1-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Wirt. Its deepest point reaches 18 ft, and about 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 8.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for starry stonewort, zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31088200 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Wirt |
| Surface area | 423.1 acres |
| Maximum depth | 18 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 100% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 8.4 ft through 2021 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 27.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 8.2 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | starry stonewort, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2021: clarity 8.4 ft, phosphorus 27.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 8.2 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Dora Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Dora Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2019 (7 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 | 0.5 | 1.5 to 5.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 4.0 | 4.6 to 11.6 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.22 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 12.25 | 8.0 to 40.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 2.22 | 0.8 to 4.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.12 | 1.0 to 7.3 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.11 | 0.8 to 6.5 |
| Bluegill | trap | 1.33 | 2.5 to 25.0 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.67 | 1.4 to 8.6 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 18.0 in (2019), Northern pike 22.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, 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: starry stonewort (listed 2023), zebra mussel (listed 2017).
Public boat access
- Dora Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 18 trailer spaces. 0.5 miles west of the city of Dora Lake, on CSAH 29 , on the west bank of the Big Fork River. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Coddington Lake 2.1 mi, Itasca County
- Clear Lake 3.6 mi, Itasca County
- Spruce Lake 3.6 mi, Itasca County
- Helen Lake 3.7 mi, Itasca County
- Wirt Lake 3.8 mi, Itasca County
- Noma Lake 3.9 mi, Itasca County
- Glove Lake 4.2 mi, Itasca County
- Bass Lake 4.6 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Dora Lake
How deep is Dora Lake?
Dora Lake reaches a maximum depth of 18 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Dora Lake?
Dora Lake covers about 423.1 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Dora Lake?
Summer water clarity on Dora Lake averages 8.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2021. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Dora Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Dora Lake for starry stonewort, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Dora Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, bowfin, shorthead redhorse in Dora Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Dora Lake?
Dora Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Dora Lake.
How is the walleye population on Dora Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2019, walleye numbers on Dora Lake ran mostly below 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 Dora Lake?
Homes on Dora 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 Dora Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Dora Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 100% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 8.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Dora Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Dora Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Dora Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2019), 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.