Oak Lake
About Oak Lake
Oak Lake is a 333-acre lake near Watertown in Carver County, Minnesota. It reaches 11 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2011.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around March 29, based on 5 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Oak Lake
- 333 acres, up to 11 feet deep, near Watertown
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 2.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 333 acres
- Max depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 7 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 333 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
Best For
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- 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
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2011
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- March 29
- Years of record
- 5
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- April 28, 2002
- Most recent
- March 3, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Oak Lake
Compare Oak Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Swede Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Watertown433 acres
1.9 miles away
Whaletail Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Saint Bonifacius510 acres
3.9 miles away
Little Long Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minnetrista69 acres
4.7 miles away
Goose Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Waconia302 acres
5 miles away
Dutch Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Mound175 acres
5.9 miles away
Lake Waconia
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Waconia3,080 acres
6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Oak Lake?
Oak Lake is in Carver County, Minnesota, near Watertown. It covers 333 acres and reaches 11 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Oak Lake?
Oak Lake covers 333 acres with about 7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 11 feet.
What fish can you catch at Oak Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Oak Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Oak Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Oak 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 Oak Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Oak Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Oak Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 29, from 5 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is April 28, 2002.
Does Oak Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Oak Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.