AT A GLANCE
Why go?
Nagel Lake is a 69-acre body of water in Badoura Township, deep in Hubbard County's lake country in north-central Minnesota. With a maximum depth of 65 feet and a shoreline just over a mile and a half, it's a modest, quiet lake suited to anglers and paddlers who want a peaceful spot away from the busier resort waters to the south.↗
A public water access site on the east shore provides a natural carry-in ramp and parking for a few trailers, making the lake reachable without a private dock. The surrounding landscape—part of the Badoura State Forest—brings a canopy of pine, spruce, and birch close to the water's edge.↗↗
The Lake Itself
Nagel Lake sits at an elevation of roughly 1,404 feet and drains into the Crow Wing River watershed, placing it firmly in Minnesota's Northern Lakes and Forests ecoregion. The basin stretches about half a mile from end to end and just over a third of a mile across, with a mean depth around 22 feet. Nearly half the lake surface is shallow littoral zone—sunlit water fifteen feet deep or less—providing the warm, weedy habitat where panfish and bass thrive, while the deeper central basin drops to 65 feet and holds cooler water that northern pike favor.↗↗
The DNR classifies Nagel Lake's shoreland as Natural Environment, a designation that limits development intensity and helps preserve the quiet character of the shoreline. No records of aquatic invasive species have been logged here, and the water quality assessment places it outside the state's impaired waters list—good signs for anyone planning to swim or launch a canoe.↗
Fishing
Fifteen species have been documented in Nagel Lake's fisheries surveys, which reach back to 1962. The standout is a robust bluegill population—consistently above the DNR's normal range for lakes of this class—along with healthy numbers of hybrid sunfish and pumpkinseed. Largemouth bass catch rates have hovered near the upper end of the normal band in recent surveys, and northern pike are present in solid numbers with individuals reaching over two feet. Walleye and yellow perch are present but below the typical range, so anglers targeting those species may find better odds elsewhere.↗
For a relaxed evening of sunfish and crappie off a small boat or the shoreline, Nagel Lake delivers. The mix of shallow weed beds and deeper open water gives structure to cast toward without the crowding of the larger regional lakes.
Getting There and On the Water
The Nagel Lake Public Water Access Site is on the east shore and is free to use. From Akeley, head south on Highway 64 for about nine miles, turn west on Highway 87 for a brief stretch, then take a forest road north to the lake. The ramp is a natural, carry-in type with a single lane and parking that accommodates roughly four trailer rigs—plan to arrive early on summer weekends, as space is limited.↗↗
The lake's small size and modest shoreline development index (1.25) mean it has a few gentle bays and points, but no dramatic coves. A kayak or canoe can circle the full 1.5-mile shoreline in under an hour at an easy pace, making it a satisfying short paddle for families or anyone wanting a quick outing on the water.↗
The Surrounding Area
Nagel Lake is part of a tight cluster of small lakes—Mud Lake, Mow Lake, Kettle Lake, and Tripp Lake all sit within a mile or two—dotting Badoura Township. The Badoura State Forest lies just to the south, offering miles of forest roads for hiking, snowmobiling, or wildlife watching. A historic fire lookout tower in Badoura, only a mile to the east, once served as a wildfire watch post and now stands as a reminder of the region's logging and land-management history.↗↗
The nearest communities of any size are Akeley to the north and Park Rapids to the east, both with gas, groceries, and basic services. The drive in passes through open forest and farm country, giving a real sense of rural northern Minnesota's wide-open quiet.↗
What makes it special
69-acre lake with a 65-foot maximum depth in the Crow Wing River watershed↗
Strong bluegill and largemouth bass fishing; northern pike present↗
Classified as Natural Environment shoreland—low development, high tranquility↗
Badoura State Forest and a historic lookout tower within a mile of the lake↗
A little planning goes a long way
- The public access ramp is a natural surface and carry-in type—best suited for small boats, canoes, and kayaks rather than large trailered rigs.↗
- Parking at the access site fits roughly four trailers, so arriving before mid-morning is wise on busy summer days.↗
- The DNR's Park Rapids area fisheries office manages this lake and can answer questions about stocking schedules or current regulations.↗
- Cell service is limited in this part of Hubbard County; download offline maps or print directions before heading out on forest roads.
About this guide
Compiled with AI assistance from the sources below; this is not a first-hand visit. Place details collected October 5, 2026. Hours, access and ratings can change; confirm with the venue before visiting.
