Muskrat

Muskrat Lake is a 67-acre lake located on the Pelican River between Detroit and Sallie lakes. The lake's west shore consists of a dike which was built during the early 1900s to raise lake levels in Muskrat and Detroit. A lock and dam system to facilitate commercial boat passage was built into the north end of this dike at the same time. This system was modified in 1937 by replacing the wooden structure with a concrete stop log dam. In 2002 the crumbling dam and spillway were replaced with rock arch rapids to allow upstream fish passage and lessen drowning hazards while still maintaining upstream water levels on Muskrat and Detroit lakes. A standard fisheries survey was completed in July 2024 to assess the fish populations in Muskrat Lake. Anglers will find a high number of Northern Pike in Muskrat Lake with the chance to catch some quality sized pike. The catch rate of Northern Pike in the 2024 survey was the second highest ever observed for Muskrat Lake. The average size of the pike captured was 22 inches and 24% of the pike were over 26 inches. A total of two Walleyes were captured, which is typical for the lake. The largest Walleye was measured at 23.6 inches. Walleyes are not stocked into Muskrat Lake but can migrate in from Detroit and Sallie Lakes. Bluegill numbers were down for the lake and most of the fish were small. Only two percent of the Bluegills caught in trap nets were over eight inches. The longest Bluegill measured in 2024 was 8.1 inches. Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass were captured in low numbers in the nets, which is often the case with this sampling gear. Black Crappie up to 10.5 inches were measured and Largemouth Bass up to 16 inches were captured. Other fish species observed were Black, Brown, and Yellow Bullhead, Bowfin, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and Rock Bass.

Muskrat Lake is a popular bass and panfish lake located less than a mile southwest of Detroit Lakes. Small boat navigation is possible via the Pelican River from Detroit Lake. During the height of the boating season, Becker County operates a tramway for transporting boats over the dike on the west shore to and from Lake Sallie. The heaviest fishing use comes from shore anglers along Dunton Locks County Park lands. The lake is shallow and fertile and aquatic plants often grow to the surface in even the deepest waters (19 feet) by mid-summer. Bluegills and other sunfish are very abundant in Muskrat Lake. Most are not particularly large but can provide fast action. Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, bullheads, and an occasional Northern Pike add to Muskrat Lake's fishery. Walleyes and Muskies are rare, but have been found in the lake at various times. Walleyes, Northern Pike, Muskies, Lake Sturgeon, and many other species have been observed migrating upstream from Lake Sallie through the riffle where an impassable dam formerly stood.

Muskrat Lake is a popular bass/panfish fishing lake located less than a mile southwest of Detroit Lakes, MN. Small boat navigation is possible via the Pelican River from Detroit Lake. During the height of the boating season, boat access is also possible from Lake Sallie. Becker County seasonally operates a tramway for transporting boats over the dike on the west shore to and from Lake Sallie. The heaviest fishing use comes from shore anglers along Dunton Locks County Park lands. The lake is shallow and fertile and aquatic plants often grow to the surface in even the deepest waters (19 feet) by mid summer. Yet, angling continues to some extent throughout the summer. Bluegills and other sunfish are very abundant in Muskrat Lake. Most are not particularly large but can provide fast action. Largemouth bass, black crappie, bullheads, and an occasional northern pike add to Muskrat Lake's fishery. Walleyes and muskies are rare, but have been found in the lake at various times. Now that fish have the capability of migrating both upstream and downstream and returning again, there is a possibility that fish species like walleye will provide additional seasonal fishing opportunities in Muskrat Lake. Walleyes, northern pike, muskies, lake sturgeon, and many other species have been observed migrating upstream through the riffle where an impassable dam formerly stood.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Hybrid Sunfish, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, and Walleye in Muskrat. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Muskrat. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Muskrat has a maximum depth of 18 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Muskrat is from 2024.

Yes — Muskrat has confirmed flowering rush and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.