Staring Lake
About Staring Lake
Staring Lake is a 167-acre lake near Chanhassen in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 16 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.2 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and brittle naiad — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Staring Lake
- 167 acres, up to 16 feet deep, near Chanhassen
- 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 4.2 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and brittle naiad — 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
- 167 acres
- Max depth
- 16 ft
- Shoreline
- 2 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 146 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
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 2022
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Staring Lake
Compare Staring Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Staring Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Staring Lake ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Staring Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Staring Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Staring Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Red Rock Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Eden Prairie97 acres
1.2 miles away
Mitchell Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Eden Prairie114 acres
2.4 miles away
Bryant Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Eden Prairie180 acres
3.1 miles away
Lake Riley
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Chanhassen296 acres
3.3 miles away
Bush Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Bloomington171 acres
3.5 miles away
Lake Susan
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Chanhassen88 acres
4.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Staring Lake?
Staring Lake is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Chanhassen. It covers 167 acres and reaches 16 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Staring Lake?
Staring Lake covers 167 acres with about 2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 16 feet.
What fish can you catch at Staring 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 Staring Lake?
Yes. Staring Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Staring Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Staring Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Staring Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Staring Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Staring Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and brittle naiad. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.