Scott Lake
Crow Wing County, MinnesotaLimited DataMesotrophic
Scott Lake carries a solid B grade — strong on most parameters, with measurements that hold up well across the summer season.
The lake sits in the mesotrophic zone — the band where most well-managed Minnesota lakes fall. The lake bottoms out at 49 ft — a moderate depth that supports a warm-water fishery without the year-round cold refuge a deeper basin provides. Scott Lake covers 157 acres alongside 2.8 miles of shoreline — a mid-sized water that supports a working fishery without being so large that conditions diverge between basins. Within Crow Wing County's 120 graded lakes, Scott Lake ranks 83 — below the local median, though not at the bottom.
No invasive species are currently listed at Scott Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Scott Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. No formal public access is documented at Scott Lake — most use is by shoreline residents and their guests. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2021-09-05. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Good clarity, visible to about 11.1 ft. Trophic State Index: 42.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 11.1 ft | B |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 42 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 49 ft |
| Surface Area | 157.22 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 2.8 mi |
| Littoral Zone | 78% |
| Public Access | No |
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 2 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.35 m/yr | 2 |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #83 of 120 lakes in Crow Wing County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Scott Lake holds Grade B. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Crow Wing County
More Minnesota Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Scott Lake
Other Grade B Lakes in Minnesota
Mesotrophic Lakes in Minnesota
DNR Fisheries Survey Summary
1 survey on file from MN DNR Fisheries. Most recent: 1989-07-05 (Standard Survey).
Top Species by Catch Rate
| Species | Avg CPUE | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | 28.54 | 0.15 lb |
| Yellow Bass | 20.71 | 0.2 lb |
| Northern Pike | 9.59 | 1.12 lb |
| Pumpkinseed | 6.25 | 0.11 lb |
| Black Crappie | 1.04 | 0.21 lb |
| Hybrid Sunfish | 0.75 | 0.27 lb |
CPUE = catch per unit effort, averaged across surveys (excludes juvenile shoreline seining). Higher CPUE = more abundant in standardized sampling.
From the 1989-07-05 survey
Northern pike and yellow bullhead area present in very high numbers though they are small in size. Pumpkinseed and bluegill are present in high numbers and are average in size. Largemouth bass and black crappie appear in average size and numbers. Black bullhead are low in number and small in size. Bowfin are low in…
DNR Reports & Resources
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder publishes lake survey, fish stocking, water access, and aquatic plant data for Scott Lake. 2 reports on file.
- —Fisheries Lake Survey — ScottFisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
- —Aquatic Plant Report — Scott (0388)Aquatic Plant Report · MN DNR LakeFinder
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Lake details from Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Most recent sample: 2021-09-05
Monitoring stations: 1