Bde Maka Ska Lake
About Bde Maka Ska Lake
Bde Maka Ska Lake is a 424-acre lake near Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 82 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 30 feet, and has roughly 3.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.7 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth 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. Special fishing regulations apply to muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows Bde Maka Ska Thomas Beach and Bde Maka Ska North Beach on or beside the lake. 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 9, based on 97 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Bde Maka Ska Lake
- 424 acres, up to 82 feet deep, near Minneapolis
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 11.7 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Bde Maka Ska Thomas Beach)
- 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
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 424 acres
- Max depth
- 82 ft
- Average depth
- 30 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 123 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)
- 1 carry-in access
- Swim beach: Bde Maka Ska Thomas Beach, Bde Maka Ska North Beach, and 32nd Beach
- Marina
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge: Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 9
- Years of record
- 97
- Earliest
- March 7, 2017
- Latest
- May 1, 2018
- Most recent
- March 31, 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 Bde Maka Ska Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lake of the Isles
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis114 acres
1.1 miles away
Cedar Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis164 acres
1.3 miles away
Lake Harriet
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis341 acres
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U.S. Lock & Dam #1 Pool
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Falcon Heights471 acres
3.9 miles away
Lake Nokomis
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis201 acres
4.1 miles away
St. Anthony Falls Pool
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis317 acres
4.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bde Maka Ska Lake?
Bde Maka Ska Lake is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Minneapolis. It covers 424 acres and reaches 82 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bde Maka Ska Lake?
Bde Maka Ska Lake covers 424 acres with about 3.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 82 feet and its average depth is about 30 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bde Maka Ska Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black 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 Bde Maka Ska Lake?
Yes. Bde Maka Ska Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Bde Maka Ska Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Bde Maka Ska Thomas Beach and Bde Maka Ska North Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Bde Maka Ska Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Bde Maka Ska Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bde Maka Ska Lake?
Yes. Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
When does the ice go out on Bde Maka Ska Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 9, from 97 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2017 and the latest is May 1, 2018.
Does Bde Maka Ska Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Bde Maka Ska 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.