Lake Nokomis
About Lake Nokomis
Lake Nokomis is a 201-acre lake near Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 33 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, tiger 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows Lake Nokomis Main Beach and Lake Nokomis 50th Street 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 4, based on 55 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Nokomis
- 201 acres, up to 33 feet deep, near Minneapolis
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 4.5 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Lake Nokomis Main 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
- 201 acres
- Max depth
- 33 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 100 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)
- Swim beach: Lake Nokomis Main Beach and Lake Nokomis 50th Street Beach
- Fishing pier
- Marina: Lake Nokomis Sailboat Buoys
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Ice fishing
- Shore fishing from a pier
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 13
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- Yes
- 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 4
- Years of record
- 55
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- April 30, 2018
- Most recent
- March 28, 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 Nokomis
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Nearby Lakes
Lake Harriet
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis341 acres
3.2 miles away
Snelling Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Saint Paul103 acres
3.3 miles away
Bde Maka Ska Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis424 acres
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Lake of the Isles
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minneapolis114 acres
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U.S. Lock & Dam #1 Pool
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Falcon Heights471 acres
5 miles away
Penn Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Bloomington44 acres
5.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Nokomis?
Lake Nokomis is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Minneapolis. It covers 201 acres and reaches 33 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Nokomis?
Lake Nokomis covers 201 acres with about 2.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 33 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Nokomis?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Tiger 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 Nokomis?
Yes. Lake Nokomis has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Nokomis?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Lake Nokomis Main Beach and Lake Nokomis 50th Street Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Nokomis stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Nokomis; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Nokomis?
Yes. Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
When does the ice go out on Lake Nokomis?
The median ice-out date is April 4, from 55 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is April 30, 2018.
Does Lake Nokomis have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Nokomis 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.