Size
5,463ac
Boat Launch
Carry-in Launch
Toilet
No
Boat Dock
Species in Spirit Lake
Walleye
Northern pike
Muskellunge
Largemouth bass
Perch
Crappie
Smallmouth bass
Bluegill
Pumpkinseed
Rock bass
Tiger muskellunge
White bass
Overview
Spirit Lake Map
Fishing Regulations
Special Fishing Regulations: This lake has special fishing regulations that differ from statewide or border water regulations for those species identified below and take precedence. Regulations listed below are currently in place. Visit the fishing regulations page for links to upcoming regulations for specific lakes.
Special Waterbody Regulations
- NULL
- No more than one walleye longer than 25 inches may be taken per day
Special Species Regulations
- Muskellunge: Open from May 21 - November 30: Daily Bag Limit: combined: muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, 1 fish. Possession Limit: combined: muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, 1 fish. Length Limit: 40-inch minimum.
- Tiger muskie: Open from May 21 - November 30: Daily Bag Limit: combined: muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, 1 fish. Possession Limit: combined: muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, 1 fish. Length Limit: 40-inch minimum.
- Walleye: May 7, 2022 through Feb.14, 2023: Daily Bag Limit: 3 fish. Possession Limit: 6 fish. Length Limit: all 19 to 25-inch walleyes must be immediately released alive.
Features
Spirit Lake: Spirit Lake is the largest of seven lakes known as Iowa’s Great Lakes. It is one of the state’s most popular recreational areas and provides a wide variety of activities. In addition to its excellent fishing, Spirit Lake offers swimming, sailing and boating. Spirit Lake has a rich and varied fishery that offers anglers of all skill levels a chance for a fish of a lifetime. The lake does and has held several state records. Be sure to consult the current regulation booklet for all the size and length restrictions. Little Spirit Lake: Little Spirit Lake is located on the Iowa/Minnesota border and may be fished with a license from either state. Boundary water regulations apply; check current regulations booklet for details.
Forage
Spirit Lake: Yellow perch are the primary forage. Redhorse, fathead minnow, bluntnose minnow, creek chub, common shiner, spottail shiner and juvenile panfish add to the forage base. Little Spirit Lake: Fathead minnows, bluntnose minnows, juvenile perch and bluegill comprise a large portion of the forage base. Aquatic insects and their larvae are utilized as well.
Weather
74°Feels like 74°
--
66°
--66°--
--
11 mph
South
0 in
Rain
29.68 inHg
Falling
SaturdaySa
-- / 66°
SundaySu
85° / 63°
MondayMo
83° / 53°
TuesdayTu
67° / 48°
WednesdayWe
63° / 49°
ThursdayTh
62° / 45°
Moon Phase
October 11, 2026
1% Illumination
waxing crescent, getting brighter
SundaySu10/11
MondayMo10/12
TuesdayTu10/13
WednesdayWe10/14
ThursdayTh10/15
FridayFr10/16
SaturdaySa10/17
Get Your Line in the Right Water
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Top Fish Species
Walleye
15-27 in
Length Range
22 in
Length Range
2025
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Understanding Abundance
Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time
Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.Species Lengths
