Great Northern Lake

Details

DNR lake ID

73008300

County

Stearns

Surface area

196 acres

Maximum depth

16 feet

Mean depth

6 feet

Shallow water (littoral) area

185 acres, 95% of the lake

Shoreline

6.0 miles

Average water clarity

3.1 feet (Secchi disk, 4 readings)

Latest DNR fish survey

October 2025, targeted survey

Surveys on record

19, since 1980

Game fish caught in the 2025 survey

walleye 17

Fish species recorded

black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike, pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, and 21 other species

Public accesses (DNR survey record)

1, owned by DNR

Infested waters list

Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel

Special regulation, Sauk River Chain of Lakes from State Highway 23 Bridge in T.123, R.31, S.24, downstream to the Cold Spring Dam in T.123, R.30, S.23, including connecting waters, Sauk River, and Becker, Horseshoe, Cedar Island, Zumwalde, Great Northern, Schneider, Krays, Bolfing, and Knaus Lakes.

Sunfish: Daily limit 10.

Fish consumption

Follow the statewide guidelines; fish from this lake have not been tested

Size

100 to 499 acres

Deepest point

15 to 29 feet

Public access

Yes

Sources

• Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
  Checked September 24, 2026

Survey catches show what DNR nets and electrofishing found on the survey date, not how the fishing is today. Check the current regulations and the Department of Health advice before you keep fish, and confirm access conditions before you tow a boat.