Lake Riley
About Lake Riley
Lake Riley is a 296-acre lake near Chanhassen in Carver County, Minnesota. It reaches 49 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 21 feet, and has roughly 3.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 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 crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. 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.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Riley
- 296 acres, up to 49 feet deep, near Chanhassen
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- 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 8.3 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
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 296 acres
- Max depth
- 49 ft
- Average depth
- 21 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 110 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)
- 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Riley
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Nearby Lakes
Lake Susan
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Chanhassen88 acres
1.4 miles away
Mitchell Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Eden Prairie114 acres
2 miles away
Red Rock Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Eden Prairie97 acres
2.4 miles away
Lotus Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Chanhassen245 acres
2.8 miles away
Lake Ann
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Chanhassen116 acres
3 miles away
Staring Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Chanhassen167 acres
3.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Riley?
Lake Riley is in Carver County, Minnesota, near Chanhassen. It covers 296 acres and reaches 49 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Riley?
Lake Riley covers 296 acres with about 3.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 49 feet and its average depth is about 21 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Riley?
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 Riley?
Yes. Lake Riley has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Riley?
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 Riley stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Riley; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Riley?
Yes. Daily limit five.
Does Lake Riley have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Riley 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.