Minnesota · DNR survey data
Carlson Lake
Carlson Lake covers 12 acres in Dakota County, running to 19 feet, last surveyed by the DNR in 2022. The Minnesota DNR has not published bathymetry for this lake, so there is no depth map here, just the survey record: what the nets held and how big it ran.
DNR survey data
Fish species
Largemouth bassGood numbers56.1per hr (electrofishing)9"Typical11"Biggest
Lengths measured · 18 fish
Recent · 2022Lengths measured · 18 fish
2022Lengths measured · 66 fish
2015Lengths measured · 2 fish
2012Only 2 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 6 fish
2006Only 6 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
BluegillJust a few6.8per trap net5"Typical7"Biggest
Lengths measured · 35 fish
Recent surveysLengths measured · 35 fish
2012Lengths measured · 306 fish
2006Lengths measured · 30 fish
1993CrappieJust a few2.2per trap net7"Typical8"Biggest
Lengths measured · 13 fish
Recent surveysLengths measured · 13 fish
2012Lengths measured · 105 fish
2006Lengths measured · 23 fish
1993No recent survey rating.
Rates come from standard DNR survey gear (gill nets, trap nets, electrofishing), judged against statewide benchmarks for the same gear — which is why the same number of fish per net can read differently for two species. Where the standard gear can't count a species reliably, the page shows presence and size only. Typical is the middle fish of those measured. Open a row for the full length spread, survey by survey. You can read every number on this page without an app or an account.
DNR stocking records
Stocking history
| Year | Species | Stocked |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Walleye | 40,000 fry |
| 2023 | Walleye | 50,000 fry |
| 2022 | Walleye | 50,000 fry |
| 2021 | Walleye | 40,000 fry |
| 2019 | Walleye | 40,000 fry |
| 2018 | Walleye | 60,000 fry · 225 fingerlings |
| 2017 | Walleye | 60,000 fry |
Recent reports
Carlson Lake fishing reports
Recent reports on Carlson Lake from guides, tournaments and regular anglers. Anything posted in the last two weeks also bumps the matching spots on the live map, so you'll see a "matches a recent report" tag on them.
Public water access
Getting on the water
- Carlson Lake Fishing Pier (fishing pier)
Within 30 miles
Nearby lakes
- Thomas Lake · 42 ac · 0.8 mi
- Holland Lake · 38 ac · 1.2 mi
- Fish Lake · 31 ac · 1.5 mi
- Blackhawk Lake · 40 ac · 1.7 mi
- McDonough Lake · 18 ac · 1.7 mi
- Lemay Lake · 36 ac · 3.1 mi
- Bur Oaks Pond · 10 ac · 3.6 mi
- Rogers Lake · 102 ac · 5 mi
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Is there a depth map for Carlson Lake?
The Minnesota DNR has not published bathymetry for Carlson Lake, so this page carries the survey record instead: species, catch rates and stocking history.
What fish are in Carlson Lake?
The most recent DNR survey (2022) recorded walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish.
Does Carlson Lake have a public access?
Yes. Carlson Lake has one public access site: Carlson Lake Fishing Pier (fishing pier).
Is Carlson Lake stocked?
Yes. The DNR stocked walleye in 2024; the stocking table on this page lists every year back to 2017.
When was Carlson Lake last surveyed?
The Minnesota DNR last surveyed Carlson Lake in 2022, the most recent of 6 surveys on record.
Survey numbers are the Minnesota DNR's. How this site reads them →
Page updated .