Lake Harriet
About Lake Harriet
Lake Harriet is a 341-acre lake near Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 87 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 29 feet, and has roughly 2.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.1 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows Lake Harriet North Beach and Lake Harriet Southeast 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 7, based on 108 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Harriet
- 341 acres, up to 87 feet deep, near Minneapolis
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 10.1 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Lake Harriet North 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 (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 341 acres
- Max depth
- 87 ft
- Average depth
- 29 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 85 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 (asphalt)
- 1 carry-in access
- Swim beach: Lake Harriet North Beach and Lake Harriet Southeast Beach
- Marina
- Picnic area
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
- 15
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 7
- Years of record
- 108
- Earliest
- March 7, 2017
- Latest
- May 2, 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 Lake Harriet
Compare Lake Harriet against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lake Harriet ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lake Harriet ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Lake Harriet ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Harriet ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Harriet ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Bde Maka Ska Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis424 acres
1.4 miles away
Lake of the Isles
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis114 acres
2.4 miles away
Cedar Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis164 acres
2.7 miles away
Lake Nokomis
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis201 acres
3.2 miles away
U.S. Lock & Dam #1 Pool
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Falcon Heights471 acres
4.8 miles away
Penn Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Bloomington44 acres
5.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Harriet?
Lake Harriet is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Minneapolis. It covers 341 acres and reaches 87 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Harriet?
Lake Harriet covers 341 acres with about 2.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 87 feet and its average depth is about 29 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Harriet?
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 Lake Harriet?
Yes. Lake Harriet has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Harriet?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Lake Harriet North Beach and Lake Harriet Southeast Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Harriet stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Harriet; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Harriet?
The median ice-out date is April 7, from 108 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2017 and the latest is May 2, 2018.
Does Lake Harriet have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Harriet 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.