Parley Lake
About Parley Lake
Parley Lake is a 258-acre lake near Saint Bonifacius in Carver County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white 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 crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Parley Lake
- 258 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Saint Bonifacius
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 5.1 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 258 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 231 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
- 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
- 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 Parley Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Parley Lake?
Parley Lake is in Carver County, Minnesota, near Saint Bonifacius. It covers 258 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Parley Lake?
Parley Lake covers 258 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet.
What fish can you catch at Parley Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White 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 Parley Lake?
Yes. Parley Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Parley Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Parley 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 Parley Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Parley Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Parley Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
Does Parley Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Parley 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.