Wabana Lake
About Wabana Lake
Wabana Lake is a 2,221-acre lake near Grand Rapids in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 115 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 25.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 18.6 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth 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 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 25, based on 30 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Wabana Lake
- 2,221 acres, up to 115 feet deep, near Grand Rapids
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 18.6 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,221 acres
- Max depth
- 115 ft
- Shoreline
- 25.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 18.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 785 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 25
- Years of record
- 30
- Earliest
- April 9, 2000
- Latest
- May 9, 2014
- Most recent
- April 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 Wabana Lake
Compare Wabana Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Bluewater Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids364 acres
1.4 miles away
Little Wabana Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids116 acres
2.3 miles away
Murphy Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Taconite139 acres
2.6 miles away
Trout Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids1,743 acres
2.9 miles away
Pughole Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids158 acres
3.1 miles away
Clearwater Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Taconite76 acres
3.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wabana Lake?
Wabana Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Grand Rapids. It covers 2,221 acres and reaches 115 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Wabana Lake?
Wabana Lake covers 2,221 acres with about 25.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 115 feet.
What fish can you catch at Wabana Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Wabana Lake?
Yes. Wabana Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Wabana Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Wabana 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 Wabana Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Wabana Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Wabana Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 25, from 30 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 9, 2000 and the latest is May 9, 2014.