Dower Lake
Todd County, Minnesota, near Staples. DNR lake ID 77013800.
Dower Lake is an 83.6-acre lake in Todd County, Minnesota, near Staples. Its deepest point reaches 34 ft, and about 56% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.8 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Dower 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 | 77013800 |
|---|---|
| County | Todd County, near Staples |
| Surface area | 83.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 34 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 56% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.8 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 14.8 ft.
Fishing on Dower Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2020 (6 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 | 6.75 | 4.8 to 12.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 4.25 | 1.0 to 4.8 |
| Bluegill | gill | 13.0 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.75 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.25 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 25.0 in (2005), Northern pike 29.0 in (2020), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Green sunfish, Bowfin, 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
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
- Dower Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 10 trailer spaces. 2 miles West of Staples on US Hwy. 10, then 0.5 mile South on Thunder Road to Dower Lake Recreation Area. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Simon Lake 6.5 mi, Wadena County
- Fawn Lake 10.2 mi, Todd County
- Pine Island Lake 10.9 mi, Todd County
- Turtle Lake 11.5 mi, Todd County
- Lena Lake 12.6 mi, Morrison County
- Cranberry Lake 13.5 mi, Todd County
- Shamineau Lake 13.7 mi, Morrison County
- Crookneck Lake 13.7 mi, Morrison County
Questions about Dower Lake
How deep is Dower Lake?
Dower Lake reaches a maximum depth of 34 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 56% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Dower Lake?
Dower Lake covers about 83.6 acres in Todd County, Minnesota.
How clear is Dower Lake?
Summer water clarity on Dower Lake averages 14.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Dower Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Dower 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 Dower Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, green sunfish, bowfin, yellow bullhead in Dower Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on Dower Lake?
Dower Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Dower Lake.
How is the walleye population on Dower Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1994 to 2005, walleye numbers on Dower Lake ran mostly within 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 Dower Lake?
Homes on Dower 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 Dower Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Dower Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 56% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Dower Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Dower Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Dower Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Todd County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2020), 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.