Christmas Lake
About Christmas Lake
Christmas Lake is a 267-acre lake near Excelsior in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 87 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 26 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
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 12, based on 132 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Christmas Lake
- 267 acres, up to 87 feet deep, near Excelsior
- 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
- Average water clarity around 26 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
- 267 acres
- Max depth
- 87 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 26 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 77 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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 12
- Years of record
- 132
- Earliest
- March 8, 2000
- Latest
- May 3, 2018
- Most recent
- March 14, 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 Christmas Lake
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Nearby Lakes
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1.5 miles away
Lake Ann
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Chanhassen116 acres
1.9 miles away
Lake Susan
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Chanhassen88 acres
3.1 miles away
Lake Minnewashta
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Chanhassen680 acres
3.3 miles away
Lake Minnetonka
85 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Mound14,206 acres
3.4 miles away
Mitchell Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Eden Prairie114 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Christmas Lake?
Christmas Lake is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Excelsior. It covers 267 acres and reaches 87 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Christmas Lake?
Christmas Lake covers 267 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 87 feet.
What fish can you catch at Christmas 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 Christmas Lake?
Yes. Christmas Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Christmas Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Christmas 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 Christmas Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Christmas Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Christmas Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 12, from 132 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 8, 2000 and the latest is May 3, 2018.
Does Christmas Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Christmas 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.