Ossawinnamakee Lake
About Ossawinnamakee Lake
Ossawinnamakee Lake is a 711-acre lake near Ideal Corners in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 63 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 13.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 20.5 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth 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. 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 and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 17, based on 46 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Ossawinnamakee Lake
- 711 acres, up to 63 feet deep, near Ideal Corners
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 20.5 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and 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
- 711 acres
- Max depth
- 63 ft
- Shoreline
- 13.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 20.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 225 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
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 18
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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
- April 17
- Years of record
- 46
- Earliest
- March 22, 2024
- Latest
- May 12, 2013
- Most recent
- March 22, 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 Ossawinnamakee Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Kimball Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins190 acres
1.3 miles away
Bass Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins121 acres
1.6 miles away
Clear Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins226 acres
1.8 miles away
Grass Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Breezy Point45 acres
1.9 miles away
Star Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Cross Lake127 acres
2 miles away
Clamshell Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Jenkins211 acres
2.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ossawinnamakee Lake?
Ossawinnamakee Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Ideal Corners. It covers 711 acres and reaches 63 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ossawinnamakee Lake?
Ossawinnamakee Lake covers 711 acres with about 13.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 63 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ossawinnamakee Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Ossawinnamakee Lake?
Yes. Ossawinnamakee Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Ossawinnamakee Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Ossawinnamakee 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 Ossawinnamakee Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Ossawinnamakee Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Ossawinnamakee Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 46 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 22, 2024 and the latest is May 12, 2013.
Does Ossawinnamakee Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Ossawinnamakee Lake 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.