Swede Lake
About Swede Lake
Swede Lake is a 433-acre lake near Watertown in Carver County, Minnesota. It reaches 12 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.7 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 24 Carver County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth 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. Ice typically goes out around March 30, based on 28 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Swede Lake
- 433 acres, up to 12 feet deep, near Watertown
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 1.3 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
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 433 acres
- Max depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 433 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 (gravel or earth)
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
- 9
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- March 30
- Years of record
- 28
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- May 1, 2018
- Most recent
- March 27, 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 Swede Lake
Compare Swede Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Swede Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Swede Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Swede Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Swede Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Oak Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Watertown333 acres
1.9 miles away
Goose Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Waconia302 acres
3.1 miles away
Lake Waconia
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Waconia3,080 acres
4.5 miles away
Whaletail Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Saint Bonifacius510 acres
4.6 miles away
Parley Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Saint Bonifacius258 acres
5.4 miles away
Little Long Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minnetrista69 acres
5.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Swede Lake?
Swede Lake is in Carver County, Minnesota, near Watertown. It covers 433 acres and reaches 12 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Swede Lake?
Swede Lake covers 433 acres with about 3.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 12 feet.
What fish can you catch at Swede Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Swede Lake?
Yes. Swede Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Swede Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Swede 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 Swede Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Swede Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Swede Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 30, from 28 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is May 1, 2018.
Does Swede Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Swede 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.