Lake Waconia
About Lake Waconia
Lake Waconia is a 3,080-acre lake near Waconia in Carver County, Minnesota. It reaches 37 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10.9 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Carver County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 walleye, 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 Minnesota DNR and 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. Ice typically goes out around April 10, based on 103 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Waconia
- 3,080 acres, up to 37 feet deep, near Waconia
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 5.9 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
- Minnesota DNR, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 3,080 acres
- Max depth
- 37 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,660 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
- 16
- 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
- Walleye: Minimum size limit 16".
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 10
- Years of record
- 103
- Earliest
- March 7, 2017
- Latest
- May 4, 2018
- Most recent
- March 31, 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 Waconia
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Nearby Lakes
Reitz Lake
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2.8 miles away
Parley Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Saint Bonifacius258 acres
2.8 miles away
Goose Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Waconia302 acres
2.9 miles away
Swede Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Watertown433 acres
4.5 miles away
Auburn Lake
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Victoria291 acres
4.8 miles away
Piersons Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Victoria267 acres
4.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Waconia?
Lake Waconia is in Carver County, Minnesota, near Waconia. It covers 3,080 acres and reaches 37 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Waconia?
Lake Waconia covers 3,080 acres with about 10.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 37 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Waconia?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, 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 Waconia?
Yes. Lake Waconia has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Waconia?
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 Waconia stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Waconia; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Waconia?
Yes. Minimum size limit 16".
When does the ice go out on Lake Waconia?
The median ice-out date is April 10, from 103 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2017 and the latest is May 4, 2018.
Does Lake Waconia have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Waconia 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.