Lake Carlos

How big is Lake Carlos?

How deep is Lake Carlos?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Carlos?

What are the closest cities to Lake Carlos?

Are there bait or tackle shops near Lake Carlos?

Are there topographical lake maps available Lake Carlos?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Lake Carlos (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Lake Carlos

Are there boat launches on Lake Carlos?

Lake Carlos area businesses:

Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Carlos?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Lake Carlos?

Lake Carlos is a 2,605-acre basin located approximately 4 miles north of Alexandria. It is the largest, deepest, and lower-most basin making up the Alexandria Chain of Lakes. Mean and maximum depths are 50.0 and 163.0 feet, respectively. The lake's outlet forms the headwaters of the Long Prairie River. Lake Carlos has very good water quality with moderate levels of important nutrients. Good water quality conditions are likely attributed to a relatively small immediate watershed area and the lake's downstream location in the Alexandria Chain. Upstream basins assimilate nutrients and pollutants before runoff water is delivered to Lake Carlos. Even though Lake Carlos is heavily developed and municipal-scale growth is occurring within south and eastern watershed areas, long-term water quality monitoring records depict declines in nutrient loading and above average water quality. Similar to other lakes within the Alexandria Chain of Lakes, water clarity has increased substantially following zebra mussel infestation. Mid-summer water clarity measurements on Lake Carlos now exceed 20.0 feet. Because of its clarity and navigable connections to other lakes comprising the Alexandria Chain, Lake Carlos is a very popular destination for both recreational boaters and anglers. Four points of public access are available on Lake Carlos. The west and north accesses have a loading/unloading dock, are deeper, have ample parking, and are better suited for launching larger boats. The north access is located within Carlos State Park. Use of this access requires a Minnesota State Park permit. A fish cleaning station is adjacent to this access. The northeast and east accesses are relatively small and have limited parking. Lake Carlos has a diverse fish assemblage and supports good fishing opportunities. The 2016 lake survey revealed a fish community typical of many bass-panfish lakes found throughout west-central Minnesota. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are abundant and support a very popular fishery. The Alexandria Chain of Lakes is host to several bass tournaments throughout the year. Both bass species tend to grow relatively slow in Lake Carlos and populations tend to be dominated by medium-sized fish. However, Largemouth Bass exceeding 19.0 inches and Smallmouth Bass exceeding 18.0 inches were sampled during the 2016 survey. Panfishing is also popular, especially during the open water season. Anglers can expect good numbers of Black Crappies, Bluegills, and Pumpkinseed Sunfish. Larger crappie are relatively common, whereas most Bluegill and Pumpkinseed tend to be small. Harvestable-size Yellow Perch are also present but abundance is low. The Northern Pike population is characterized as having moderate to high abundance and moderate size structure. Larger pike are present but "hammer handles" (i.e., small pike) comprise much of this population. Average size of 2016 gill net captures was 19.2 inches and 1.6 pounds. Walleye anglers can expect low to moderate numbers of harvestable-size fish. Average size of 2016 gill net captures was 18.2 inches and 2.4 pounds. The Walleye population is supplemented with combined fingerling stockings by the DNR and a cooperative arrangement by the Lake Carlos Association and Vikings Sportsmen Club, Inc. Other species common to Lake Carlos include Black, Brown, and Yellow Bullhead, Bowfin (dogfish), Common Carp, hybrid sunfish, Rock Bass, Shorthead Redhorse, and White Sucker. Burbot have also been sampled in Lake Carlos, which is the only lake in the Glenwood Management Area known to support this species. The next standard lake survey is tentatively scheduled for 2020. Lake Carlos is designated as an infested waterbody due to the presence of Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. Eurasian watermilfoil was first confirmed in an upstream basin in 2012. Zebra mussels were first confirmed in 2009. Regulations restricting bait harvest and transport of water apply to this basin. For more information regarding aquatic invasive species in Minnesota see the following: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquatic/index.html Lake Carlos was selected as a sentinel lake in the Sustaining Lakes in a Changing Environment (SLICE) project. The SLICE project was initiated to monitor and document biological and chemical responses that may be associated with climate change and other environmental stressors. For more information on the SLICE/Sentinel Lakes project see the following: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fisheries/slice/index.html

What is the average air temp for Lake Carlos?

Are there any state parks near Lake Carlos?