Spirit Lake
Wadena County, Minnesota, near Menahga. DNR lake ID 80003900.
Spirit Lake is a 113.9-acre lake in Wadena County, Minnesota, near Menahga. Its deepest point reaches 45 ft, and about 57% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 15.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. 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 Spirit 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 | 80003900 |
|---|---|
| County | Wadena County, near Menahga |
| Surface area | 113.9 acres |
| Maximum depth | 45 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 57% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 15.1 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 14.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.9 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| 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 15.1 ft, phosphorus 14.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.9 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Spirit Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Spirit 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 21.17 | 4.8 to 12.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.78 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.33 | 0.3 to 2.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.83 | 1.0 to 4.8 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.11 | 0.8 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 19.11 | 8.3 to 50.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.33 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 4.33 | 2.8 to 10.3 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.22 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 31.0 in (2022), Walleye 28.0 in (2015), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, 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
- Spirit Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 5 trailer spaces. In Menahga, 1 block off US Highway 71 on the east shore of Spirit Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Stocking Lake 2.0 mi, Wadena County
- Blueberry Lake 2.7 mi, Wadena County
- Lower Twin Lake 4.6 mi, Wadena County
- Upper Twin Lake 5.4 mi, Hubbard County
- Lord Lake 6.0 mi, Hubbard County
- Hinds Lake 6.3 mi, Hubbard County
- Yaeger Lake 7.0 mi, Wadena County
- Moran Lake 7.3 mi, Hubbard County
Questions about Spirit Lake
How deep is Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake reaches a maximum depth of 45 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 57% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake covers about 113.9 acres in Wadena County, Minnesota.
How clear is Spirit Lake?
Summer water clarity on Spirit Lake averages 15.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Spirit Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Spirit 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 Spirit Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, white sucker, yellow bullhead in Spirit Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Spirit Lake.
How is the walleye population on Spirit Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1994 to 2015, walleye numbers on Spirit 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 Spirit Lake?
Homes on Spirit 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 Spirit Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Spirit Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 57% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 15.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Spirit Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Spirit Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Spirit Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Wadena 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.