Shoal Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Nashwauk. DNR lake ID 31014100.
Shoal Lake is a 265.7-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Nashwauk. Its deepest point reaches 77 ft, and about 43% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Shoal 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 | 31014100 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Nashwauk |
| Surface area | 265.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 77 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 43% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.9 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| 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 11.9 ft.
Fishing on Shoal Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2001 (25 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 8.33 | 2.2 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.33 | n/a |
| Black crappie | gill | 4.33 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.67 | 0.5 to 2.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 3.33 | 7.7 to 43.4 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.33 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.0 | 0.4 to 1.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.67 | 1.4 to 5.9 |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 31.0 in (2001), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2001).
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
- Shoal Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 2 trailer spaces. 6 miles northwest of Nashwauk, off County Road 332, on the east shore of Shoal Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Dollar Lake 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- Kennedy Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- Bray Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Harrison Lake 1.9 mi, Itasca County
- South Fork Lake 2.7 mi, Itasca County
- Thirty Lake 2.7 mi, Itasca County
- Trestle Lake 3.0 mi, Itasca County
- Crooked Lake 4.0 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Shoal Lake
How deep is Shoal Lake?
Shoal Lake reaches a maximum depth of 77 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 43% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Shoal Lake?
Shoal Lake covers about 265.7 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Shoal Lake?
Summer water clarity on Shoal Lake averages 11.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Shoal Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Shoal 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.
Where is the public boat access on Shoal Lake?
Shoal Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Shoal Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Shoal Lake?
Homes on Shoal 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 Shoal Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Shoal Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 43% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Shoal Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Shoal Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Shoal 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 2001), 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.