Waukenabo Lake
About Waukenabo Lake
Waukenabo Lake is a 668-acre lake near Palisade in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 38 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 17, based on 24 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Waukenabo Lake
- 668 acres, up to 38 feet deep, near Palisade
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 5.4 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 668 acres
- Max depth
- 38 ft
- Shoreline
- 5 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 292 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 17
- Years of record
- 24
- Earliest
- March 13, 2024
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 17, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Waukenabo Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Round Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin634 acres
1.6 miles away
Esquagamah Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Palisade842 acres
3.4 miles away
Moulton Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Emily258 acres
7.2 miles away
Gun Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Palisade712 acres
7.7 miles away
Blind Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Pine Knoll304 acres
8.3 miles away
French Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Palisade149 acres
8.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Waukenabo Lake?
Waukenabo Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Palisade. It covers 668 acres and reaches 38 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Waukenabo Lake?
Waukenabo Lake covers 668 acres with about 5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 38 feet.
What fish can you catch at Waukenabo Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Waukenabo Lake?
Yes. Waukenabo Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Waukenabo Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Waukenabo Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Waukenabo Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Waukenabo Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Waukenabo Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on Waukenabo Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 24 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 13, 2024 and the latest is May 11, 2013.