Lake Minnetonka
About Lake Minnetonka
Lake Minnetonka is a 14,206-acre lake near Mound in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 113 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 30 feet, and has roughly 133.3 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Hennepin County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. 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 2022.
There are 10 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the county, city, and Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows Deephaven Main Beach and Point Charming Beach on or beside the lake. Big Island and Shaver Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 12, based on 269 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Minnetonka
- 14,206 acres, up to 113 feet deep, near Mound
- 10 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the county, city, and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Average water clarity around 8.5 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Deephaven Main Beach)
- Camping close to the water at Big Island and Shaver Campground
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 10 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county, city, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 14,206 acres
- Max depth
- 113 ft
- Average depth
- 30 ft
- Shoreline
- 133.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 5,849 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
- 10 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach: Deephaven Main Beach, Point Charming Beach, and Crescent Beach
- Camping: Big Island and Shaver Campground
- Fishing pier
- Marina: Wayzata Yacht Club and Depot Docks
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 18
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- Yes
- 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
- 269
- Earliest
- March 11, 1878
- Latest
- May 5, 2018
- Most recent
- April 3, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Big Island and Shaver Campground are mapped on or near Lake Minnetonka. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Minnetonka
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Nearby Lakes
Christmas Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Excelsior267 acres
3.4 miles away
Virginia Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Victoria105 acres
3.4 miles away
Lake Minnewashta
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Chanhassen680 acres
3.5 miles away
Langdon Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Mound143 acres
3.9 miles away
Lake Ann
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Chanhassen116 acres
4.3 miles away
Dutch Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Mound175 acres
4.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Minnetonka?
Lake Minnetonka is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Mound. It covers 14,206 acres and reaches 113 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Minnetonka?
Lake Minnetonka covers 14,206 acres with about 133.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 113 feet and its average depth is about 30 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Minnetonka?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 Minnetonka?
Yes. Lake Minnetonka has 10 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the county, city, and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Minnetonka?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Deephaven Main Beach and Point Charming Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Minnetonka stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Minnetonka; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Minnetonka?
The median ice-out date is April 12, from 269 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 11, 1878 and the latest is May 5, 2018.
Can you camp at Lake Minnetonka?
Yes. Big Island and Shaver Campground are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake Minnetonka have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Minnetonka as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.