Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Nelson Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Explore Leech Lake
Leech Lake is known for offering the best Walleye fishing and Muskie fishing in the Midwest. With 195 miles of shoreline and 112,835 acres to explore, both professional fishermen and family fishing trips alike are sure to enjoy a successful day of fishing on Leech Lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nelson Lake, MN
- How big is Nelson Lake?
- How deep is Nelson Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Nelson Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Nelson Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Nelson Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Nelson Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Nelson Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Nelson Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Nelson Lake?
How big is Nelson Lake?
How deep is Nelson Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Nelson Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Golden Shiner and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Nelson Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Nelson Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Nelson Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Nelson Lake?
Explore the Nelson Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
"The Eagle's Nest" 2023 NoBo 10.7 w/Rhino Rack and optional rooftop tent
Laporte, MN
Hit the road with Vincent VanGo AKA "Vinnie" - 2023 Coachmen Nova 20D Li3
Laporte, MN
History & Status of the Fishery
Nelson Lake is located six miles southwest of Laporte, and is within the Paul Bunyan State Forest. Nelson has a surface area of 40 acres and a maximum depth of 19.5 feet. There is a state owned primitive campground and public access on the northeast shore of the lake. The Minnesota DNR has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different types based on physical, chemical, and other characteristics. Nelson is in lake class 37. Class 37 lakes generally are small, regularly shaped, shallow lakes, with a high percentage of littoral area (depths less than 15 feet), with soft and turbid water. Other class 37 lakes in the Park Rapids area include: Brush, Claussens, Crow Wing, Deadhorse, Giles, Hay, Round, Shinker, and Sweitzer. Due to its small size, Nelson Lake is very susceptible to over-harvest. Anglers must practice selective harvest if they want to improve or maintain the fishery.
Northern Pike abundance was in line with similar lakes, but below the long term average for Nelson Lake. The average size of 20.7 inches and 2 pounds was larger than recent surveys.
Largemouth Bass abundance was in line with previous years, and in the upper range of other similar lakes. Most fish were small with an average size of 7.3 inches, with fish sampled up to 13.7 inches.
Angling opportunities for panfish include Bluegill and Pumpkinseed. Bluegill and Pumpkinseed abundance was lower than recent years, but higher than similar lakes. Most fish were small at 3-5 inches, but there were some larger Bluegills with the largest at 9 inches.
Yellow Perch are important forage for Walleyes and Northern Pike, but perch abundance was the lowest recorded 2015. Perch were a small, with an average size of 6.3 inches.
Walleyes have not been stocked since 1993, but are still being sampled in surveys and appear to be naturally reproducing. Fish were all large, amd were between 18.7 and 26.8 inches.
Currently no aquatic invasive species (AIS) have been identified in Nelson. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants or animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access.
What is the average air temp for Nelson Lake?
Are there any state parks near Nelson Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Nelson Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Lake Twentyone | 0.4 mi | 36 | 51.5 ft |
| Bass Lake | 0.6 mi | 21 | 30 ft |
| Gulch 2 Lake | 1.5 mi | 13 | 41 ft |
| 2nd Little Gulch Lake | 1.5 mi | 19 | 41 ft |
| Coon Lake | 2.2 mi | 23 | 38 ft |
| Crappie Lake | 2.8 mi | 23 | 73 ft |
| Gillett Lake | 3.1 mi | 44 | 49 ft |
| Lester Lake | 3.4 mi | 72 | 40 ft |
| Halverson Lake | 3.8 mi | 21 | 32 ft |
| Kabekona Lake | 4.2 mi | 2,433 | 133 ft |
