Shell Lake
Becker County, Minnesota
Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be moderately active with peak fishing times around 7-8 AM and 3-5 PM. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Shell Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Shell Lake, MN
- How big is Shell Lake?
- How deep is Shell Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Shell Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Shell Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Shell Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Shell Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Shell Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Shell Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Shell Lake?
How big is Shell Lake?
How deep is Shell Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Shell Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Brook Stickleback, Central Mudminnow, Common Shiner, Creek Chub, Green Sunfish, Hornyhead Chub, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Shell Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Shell Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Shell Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Shell Lake?
Explore the Shell Lake area in a RV
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Bemidji, MN
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Frazee, MN
History & Status of the Fishery
Shell Lake is a 3,140-acre lake located in east central Becker County. Extensive stands of wild rice are found in shoal waters throughout much of the lake, and waterfowl hunting is an important recreational use of the lake. Because much of the lake is shallow, Shell Lake is subject to occasional winterkills. A couple of minor kills took place between 1989 and 1993, the winter of 2017-2018, and the winter of 2021-2022. Severe events have happened in 1996, 2014, and the winter of 2022-2023. Property owners reported abundant dead fish in the spring of 2023. A targeted fisheries survey was conducted on 05/10/2023 to 05/11/2023 to assess the severity of the winterkill.
Dead fish of all species were observed while surveying. Trap nets captured Northern Pike, White Sucker, Yellow Perch, and three species of Bullhead, all species which are more tolerant to low oxygen conditions. Bullheads were abundant. Northern Pike were caught in good numbers with an average length of 19 inches. Shell Lake appears to have experienced a significant winterkill for Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Largemouth Bass during the 2022-2023 winter. Walleye were reintroduced during 2023. Angling opportunities for Northern Pike are still available, but it will take a few years to have quality fishing for other species.
What is the average air temp for Shell Lake?
Are there any state parks near Shell 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 Shell Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Dumbell Lake | 1.3 mi | 120 | 15 ft |
| Jones Lake | 2.0 mi | 35 | |
| Mud Lake | 2.6 mi | 171 | |
| Pihlajas Lake | 2.8 mi | 14 | 11 ft |
| Bass Lake | 3.1 mi | 130 | 48 ft |
| Linbom Lake | 3.3 mi | 99 | |
| Aspinwall Lake | 3.4 mi | 141 | |
| Green Water Lake | 3.5 mi | 74 | 57 ft |
| Island Lake | 4.1 mi | 1,179 | 38 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 5.2 mi | 57 |
