Lake Minnewashta
About Lake Minnewashta
Lake Minnewashta is a 680-acre lake near Chanhassen in Carver County, Minnesota. It reaches 70 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 15 feet, and has roughly 8.9 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 24 Carver County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Special fishing regulations apply to largemouth bass, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the county. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 5, based on 33 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Minnewashta
- 680 acres, up to 70 feet deep, near Chanhassen
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the county
- 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 7.4 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 680 acres
- Max depth
- 70 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 371 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Largemouth Bass: Catch-and-release only.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 5
- Years of record
- 33
- Earliest
- March 6, 2024
- Latest
- May 3, 2018
- Most recent
- March 30, 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 Lake Minnewashta
Compare Lake Minnewashta against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lake Minnewashta ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lake Minnewashta ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Lake Minnewashta ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Minnewashta ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Minnewashta ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Virginia Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Victoria105 acres
1.5 miles away
Schutz Lake
21 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Victoria106 acres
2 miles away
Lake Ann
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Chanhassen116 acres
2.3 miles away
Steiger Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Victoria166 acres
2.8 miles away
Zumbra-Sunny Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Victoria271 acres
3 miles away
Christmas Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Excelsior267 acres
3.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Minnewashta?
Lake Minnewashta is in Carver County, Minnesota, near Chanhassen. It covers 680 acres and reaches 70 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Minnewashta?
Lake Minnewashta covers 680 acres with about 8.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 70 feet and its average depth is about 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Minnewashta?
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 Lake Minnewashta?
Yes. Lake Minnewashta has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Minnewashta?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Minnewashta stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Lake Minnewashta; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Minnewashta?
Yes. Catch-and-release only.
When does the ice go out on Lake Minnewashta?
The median ice-out date is April 5, from 33 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 6, 2024 and the latest is May 3, 2018.
Does Lake Minnewashta have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Minnewashta as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.