Lake Edward
About Lake Edward
Lake Edward is a 2,628-acre lake near Merrifield in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 75 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 14, based on 20 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Edward
- 2,628 acres, up to 75 feet deep, near Merrifield
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- 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 13.6 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with 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
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,628 acres
- Max depth
- 75 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,198 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
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
- 15
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 14
- Years of record
- 20
- Earliest
- March 12, 2024
- Latest
- May 5, 2022
- Most recent
- April 17, 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 Edward
Compare Lake Edward against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lake Edward ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lake Edward ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Lake Edward ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Edward ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Edward ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Bass Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield399 acres
1.5 miles away
Silver Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield208 acres
1.6 miles away
Markee Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Lake Hubert104 acres
2.2 miles away
Mollie Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield334 acres
2.3 miles away
Lougee Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Mission212 acres
2.5 miles away
Fawn Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Riverton121 acres
2.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Edward?
Lake Edward is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Merrifield. It covers 2,628 acres and reaches 75 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Edward?
Lake Edward covers 2,628 acres with about 8.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 75 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Edward?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Edward?
Yes. Lake Edward has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Edward?
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 Edward stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Edward; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Edward?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Lake Edward?
The median ice-out date is April 14, from 20 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 12, 2024 and the latest is May 5, 2022.
Does Lake Edward have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Edward as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.