Whaletail Lake
About Whaletail Lake
Whaletail Lake is a 510-acre lake near Saint Bonifacius in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 22 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.1 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 8, based on 9 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Whaletail Lake
- 510 acres, up to 22 feet deep, near Saint Bonifacius
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 3.1 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — 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
- 510 acres
- Max depth
- 22 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 469 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
- Northern Pike fishing
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- 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
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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 8
- Years of record
- 9
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- May 1, 2018
- Most recent
- March 3, 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 Whaletail Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Little Long Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Minnetrista69 acres
1.2 miles away
Dutch Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Mound175 acres
2.3 miles away
Langdon Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Mound143 acres
2.5 miles away
Parley Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Saint Bonifacius258 acres
3.7 miles away
Oak Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Watertown333 acres
3.9 miles away
Stone Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Victoria101 acres
4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Whaletail Lake?
Whaletail Lake is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Saint Bonifacius. It covers 510 acres and reaches 22 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Whaletail Lake?
Whaletail Lake covers 510 acres with about 6.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 22 feet.
What fish can you catch at Whaletail Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White 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 Whaletail Lake?
Yes. Whaletail Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Whaletail Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Whaletail 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 Whaletail Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Whaletail Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Whaletail Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 8, from 9 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is May 1, 2018.
Does Whaletail Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Whaletail Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.