Surprise Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Suomi. DNR lake ID 31064600.
Surprise Lake is an 11.4-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Suomi. Its deepest point reaches 31 ft, and about 53% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.0 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Surprise 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.
Tell us about your dream home on Surprise LakeWhat’s my Surprise Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31064600 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Suomi |
| Surface area | 11.4 acres |
| Maximum depth | 31 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 53% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.0 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 12.0 ft.
Fishing on Surprise Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 1986 (40 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.5 | 1.5 to 20.5 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.0 | 0.5 to 2.1 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.75 | 0.5 to 1.4 |
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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Kremer Lake 0.4 mi, Itasca County
- Doctor Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Adele Lake 0.8 mi, Itasca County
- Day Lake 0.8 mi, Itasca County
- Island Lake 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- Wolf Lake 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- Irma Lake 1.1 mi, Itasca County
- Circle Lake 1.1 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Surprise Lake
How deep is Surprise Lake?
Surprise Lake reaches a maximum depth of 31 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 53% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Surprise Lake?
Surprise Lake covers about 11.4 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Surprise Lake?
Summer water clarity on Surprise Lake averages 12.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Surprise Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Surprise 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.
Are there lake homes for sale on Surprise Lake?
Homes on Surprise 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 Surprise Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Surprise Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 53% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.0 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Surprise Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Surprise Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Surprise 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 1986), 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.