Shields Lake

Details

DNR lake ID

66005500

County

Rice

Surface area

940 acres

Maximum depth

42 feet

Shallow water (littoral) area

658 acres, 70% of the lake

Shoreline

9.0 miles

Average water clarity

2.8 feet (Secchi disk, 4 readings)

Nearest town (DNR)

Shieldsville

Latest DNR fish survey

September 2023, targeted survey

Surveys on record

13, since 1981

Fish species recorded

black crappie, bluegill, crappie, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, sunfish, walleye, white bass, white crappie, yellow perch, and 14 other species

Stocked in 2025

walleye fry (164,500)

Stocked in 2024

walleye fry (164,500)

Stocked in 2023

walleye fry (164,500)

Stocking years on record

8 of the last 10 (2016 to 2025)

Shields Lake Public Water Access Site

trailer launch, concrete slab ramp, 2 docks, 23 trailer spaces, run by DNR Division of Parks and Trails

Infested waters list

Eurasian watermilfoil

Special regulation

Sunfish: Daily limit 10.

Fish consumption

Follow the statewide guidelines; fish from this lake have been tested

Size

500 to 1,999 acres

Deepest point

30 to 59 feet

Public access

Yes

Stocked in the last 3 years

Yes

Sources

• Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
  Checked September 24, 2026
• Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites
  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.