Maple Lake
Douglas County, Minnesota

Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Maple Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Lake, MN
- How big is Maple Lake?
- How deep is Maple Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Maple Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Maple Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Maple Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Maple Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Maple Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for Maple Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Maple Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Maple Lake?
How big is Maple Lake?
How deep is Maple Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Maple Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Central Mudminnow, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter, Logperch, Shorthead Redhorse, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Maple Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Maple Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Maple Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Maple Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Maple Lake?
There are specific fishing regulations Maple Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?
Explore the Maple 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.
What aquatic invasive species are found in Maple Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Maple Lake is an 815-acre lake located approximately six miles south of Alexandria in Douglas County. The basin has a maximum depth of 78 feet and average depth of 16 feet. Due to Maple Lake's irregular shoreline and large bays, approximately half of the lake area is considered to be a littoral zone, which is an area less than 15 feet in depth. Water quality is very good. Water clarity has increased to average approximately 15 feet during summer months due to a small watershed area, comparatively low inputs of total phosphorus from runoff, and presence of zebra mussels. Algal blooms can occur but are temporary and rarely severe. Bottom soils are largely sand. Silt and sediment deposits occur in the back of bays. The lake supports a diversity of submergent plants. Due to clear water, plants have been found growing to a depth of 17 feet. Yellow water lilies occur in sheltered areas along the western shoreline. Highly valued hardstem bulrush is largely confined to undeveloped shorelines. Two improved public access sites are located on the north and east shorelines. A handicapped accessible, floating fishing pier has been installed near the north boat launch for shore-based fishing opportunities. An experimental harvest regulation for Black Crappie (10-inch minimum with a 5 fish bag) was implemented on Maple Lake in 1997 as part of the Statewide Experimental Regulations Project. It has since been converted to a special regulation and is one of the regulatory options in the crappie toolbox for Minnesota. A targeted panfish assessment was conducted in the fall of 2023 in an effort to update information on Black Crappie and Bluegill population attributes. Fall trap netting has been conducted nine times since the fall of 1991 to monitor the size structure of the Black Crappie population. Bluegill were collected in 2019 and 2023 to evaluate size and age structure. Black Crappie catch rates were low when compared to past surveys and only a few fish larger than 10 inches were observed. Black Crappie growth rates in Maple Lake are below average compared to other lakes in the Glenwood area and it takes them almost five years to reach 10 inches. Currently, catch rates and size structure are similar to pre-regulation levels. Maple Lake supports a quality Bluegill fishery. Catch rates of Bluegill were moderate and fish over 8 inches were observed. Bluegill growth is slower than many lakes in the Glenwood area, but longevity of these fish results in larger fish being present. Several large Bluegill approaching 9 inches long were caught during the survey. These larger fish were 9 to 12 years old. Maple Lake was designated as an infested water after the discovery of zebra mussels in 2013. Recreational users should take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of invasive species. Drain all water and remove all aquatic vegetation from your boat and trailer when leaving any body of water.
What is the average air temp for Maple Lake?
Are there any state parks near Maple 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 Maple Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Turtle Lake | 1.5 mi | 218 | 21 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 1.8 mi | 27 | |
| Lovera Lake | 2.9 mi | 89 | |
| Union Lake | 3.1 mi | 107 | 45 ft |
| Union Lake | 3.1 mi | 117 | 42 ft |
| Lake Reno | 3.3 mi | 3,794 | 23 ft |
| Lake Andrew | 3.7 mi | 923 | 83 ft |
| Mud Lake | 4.1 mi | 79 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 4.1 mi | 15 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 4.5 mi | 10 |



