Waboose Lake
About Waboose Lake
Waboose Lake is a 232-acre lake near Ponsford in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 14 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
Plan Your Visit to Waboose Lake
- 232 acres, up to 14 feet deep, near Ponsford
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 7 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Fish & Wildlife Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 232 acres
- Max depth
- 14 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 232 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Waboose Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Round Lake
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Ponsford1,094 acres
2.1 miles away
Ice Cracking Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Ponsford345 acres
2.4 miles away
Winter Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Richwood117 acres
2.9 miles away
Many Point Lake
81 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Ponsford1,701 acres
4.1 miles away
Little Bemidji Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Ponsford293 acres
4.6 miles away
Strawberry Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · White Earth1,498 acres
6.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Waboose Lake?
Waboose Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Ponsford. It covers 232 acres and reaches 14 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Waboose Lake?
Waboose Lake covers 232 acres with about 2.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 14 feet.
What fish can you catch at Waboose Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Waboose Lake?
Yes. Waboose Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Waboose Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Waboose 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 Waboose Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Waboose Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.