Prairie Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Grand Rapids. DNR lake ID 31038400.
Prairie Lake is a 1,331-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Grand Rapids. Its deepest point reaches 31 ft, and about 64% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 5.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic 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.
Buying or selling on Prairie Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31038400 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Grand Rapids |
| Surface area | 1,331 acres |
| Maximum depth | 31 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 64% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 5.1 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 25.7 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 8.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 5.1 ft, phosphorus 25.7 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 8.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Prairie Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Prairie Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 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 | 0.4 | 1.0 to 3.2 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.07 | 3.6 to 11.0 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 2.8 | 3.8 to 22.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 13.87 | 1.0 to 10.5 |
| Bluegill | gill | 4.33 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.07 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.07 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 2.0 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.27 | 0.2 to 1.4 |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Smallmouth bass 14.0 in (2022), Walleye 20.0 in (2022), Northern pike 30.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Burbot, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, Silver redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown 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
- Prairie Lake (W): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 6 trailer spaces. 5 mi N of Grand Rapids on Mn Hwy 38, then .5 mi E on Mallard Point Rd to E side of peninsula. Directions
- Prairie Lake (S): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 3 trailer spaces. Follow Hwy 61 west out of Coleraine for 3 miles to the access. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Shoal Lake 2.2 mi, Itasca County
- McKinney Lake 3.8 mi, Itasca County
- Little Bass Lake 3.9 mi, Itasca County
- Ice Lake 4.4 mi, Itasca County
- Hay Lake 4.5 mi, Itasca County
- Hale Lake 4.5 mi, Itasca County
- Forsythe Lake 4.6 mi, Itasca County
- Island Lake 4.6 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Prairie Lake
How deep is Prairie Lake?
Prairie Lake reaches a maximum depth of 31 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 64% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Prairie Lake?
Prairie Lake covers about 1,331 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Prairie Lake?
Summer water clarity on Prairie Lake averages 5.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Prairie Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Prairie 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 Prairie Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Prairie Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Prairie Lake?
Prairie Lake has 2 public water access sites on DNR record: Prairie Lake (W); Prairie Lake (S).
How is the walleye population on Prairie Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2022, walleye numbers on Prairie 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 Prairie Lake?
Homes on Prairie 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 Prairie Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Prairie Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 64% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 5.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Prairie Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Prairie Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Prairie 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 2022), 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.