Minnesota · DNR survey data
Esther Lake
Esther Lake covers 78 acres in Cook County, running to 35 feet, last surveyed by the DNR in 2024. 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
Present and managed by the DNR. Standard survey gear does not count this species reliably.
Present and managed by the DNR.
Last recorded in the 2015 survey and not seen since.
SplakeStocked · 2024Present, stockedPresent and managed by the DNR.
Present and managed by the DNR.
Lengths measured · 12 fish
Recent · 2024Lengths measured · 12 fish
2024Lengths measured · 45 fish
2015Lengths measured · 36 fish
2011Lengths measured · 10 fish
2003Rates 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Brook Trout | 1,902 fingerlings |
| 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 yearlings |
| 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 yearlings |
| 2024 | Splake | 2,520 fingerlings |
| 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 yearlings |
| 2023 | Splake | 2,000 fingerlings |
| 2022 | Splake | 4,718 fingerlings |
| 2021 | Splake | 5,000 fingerlings |
| 2020 | Splake | 4,000 fingerlings |
| 2019 | Splake | 4,549 fingerlings |
| 2018 | Splake | 3,925 fingerlings |
| 2017 | Splake | 4,000 fingerlings |
Stocking records before 2017 omitted.
Recent reports
Esther Lake fishing reports
Recent reports on Esther 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
- Esther Lake (trailer launch)
Within 30 miles
Nearby lakes
- Olga Lake · 13 ac · 0.5 mi
- Edith Lake · 35 ac · 1.2 mi
- Devilfish Lake · 405 ac · 1.3 mi
- Chester Lake · 52 ac · 1.4 mi
- Sunfish Lake · 85 ac · 2.2 mi
- Margaret Lake · 6 ac · 2.8 mi
- Loft Lake · 14 ac · 2.9 mi
- Greenwood Lake · 2,043 ac · 3.1 mi
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Is there a depth map for Esther Lake?
The Minnesota DNR has not published bathymetry for Esther Lake, so this page carries the survey record instead: species, catch rates and stocking history.
What fish are in Esther Lake?
The most recent DNR survey (2024) recorded brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, splake.
Does Esther Lake have a public access?
Yes. Esther Lake has one public access site: Esther Lake (trailer launch).
Is Esther Lake stocked?
Yes. The DNR stocked brook trout and rainbow trout in 2025; the stocking table on this page lists every year back to 2017.
When was Esther Lake last surveyed?
The Minnesota DNR last surveyed Esther Lake in 2024, the most recent of 11 surveys on record.
Survey numbers are the Minnesota DNR's. How this site reads them →
Page updated .