Cedar Lake
About Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake is a 164-acre lake near Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 51 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.4 feet.
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 muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. OpenStreetMap shows Cedar Lake South Beach and Cedar Lake East Beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 9, based on 12 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Cedar Lake
- 164 acres, up to 51 feet deep, near Minneapolis
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- 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 5.4 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Cedar Lake South Beach)
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 164 acres
- Max depth
- 51 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 63 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 carry-in access
- Swim beach: Cedar Lake South Beach, Cedar Lake East Beach, and Cedar Lake Point Beach
- Picnic area
Best For
- 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
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
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
- 12
- Earliest
- March 6, 2024
- Latest
- April 28, 2013
- Most recent
- March 6, 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 Cedar Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lake of the Isles
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis114 acres
0.7 miles away
Bde Maka Ska Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis424 acres
1.3 miles away
Lake Harriet
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis341 acres
2.7 miles away
U.S. Lock & Dam #1 Pool
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Falcon Heights471 acres
3.6 miles away
St. Anthony Falls Pool
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis317 acres
4.1 miles away
Lake Crystal
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Robbinsdale79 acres
4.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cedar Lake?
Cedar Lake is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Minneapolis. It covers 164 acres and reaches 51 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cedar Lake?
Cedar Lake covers 164 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 51 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cedar Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, 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 Cedar Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Cedar Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Cedar Lake South Beach and Cedar Lake East Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Cedar Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Cedar Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Cedar Lake?
Yes. Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
When does the ice go out on Cedar Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 9, from 12 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 6, 2024 and the latest is April 28, 2013.
Does Cedar Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Cedar 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.