Lake Winona
About Lake Winona
Lake Winona is a 213-acre lake near Alexandria in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 9 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 5 feet, and has roughly 5.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.2 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 2021.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the city. Ice typically goes out around April 10, based on 13 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Winona
- 213 acres, up to 9 feet deep, near Alexandria
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 1.2 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 213 acres
- Max depth
- 9 ft
- Average depth
- 5 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 213 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)
- Picnic area
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
- 11
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- Yes
- 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
- April 10
- Years of record
- 13
- Earliest
- March 15, 2016
- Latest
- April 22, 2008
- Most recent
- April 15, 2019
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 Winona
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Nearby Lakes
Lake Agnes
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria137 acres
1.4 miles away
Cowdry Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria243 acres
1.6 miles away
Lake Henry
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria152 acres
1.8 miles away
Lake Latoka
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria767 acres
2 miles away
Lake Darling
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria1,050 acres
2.6 miles away
Brophy Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria297 acres
2.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Winona?
Lake Winona is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Alexandria. It covers 213 acres and reaches 9 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Winona?
Lake Winona covers 213 acres with about 5.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 9 feet and its average depth is about 5 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Winona?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Black 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 Lake Winona?
Yes. Lake Winona has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Winona?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Winona. 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 Lake Winona stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Winona; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Winona?
The median ice-out date is April 10, from 13 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 15, 2016 and the latest is April 22, 2008.