Norway Lake
About Norway Lake
Norway Lake is a 2,339-acre lake near Sunburg in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. It reaches 33 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 20.4 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 31 Kandiyohi County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 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 2025.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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 14, based on 23 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Norway Lake
- 2,339 acres, up to 33 feet deep, near Sunburg
- 3 public boat launches (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 3.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,339 acres
- Max depth
- 33 ft
- Shoreline
- 20.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,152 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye 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
- 18
- Game fish
- 7
- 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 14
- Years of record
- 23
- Earliest
- March 11, 2024
- Latest
- May 4, 2013
- Most recent
- March 11, 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 Norway Lake
Compare Norway Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Norway Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Norway Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Norway Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Norway Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Games Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Sunburg527 acres
1.3 miles away
Middle Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Norway Lake368 acres
2.2 miles away
Swenson Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Sunburg108 acres
3.7 miles away
Lake Andrew
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · New London759 acres
3.7 miles away
Lake Florida
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Spicer705 acres
5.5 miles away
Hefta Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Sunburg126 acres
7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Norway Lake?
Norway Lake is in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, near Sunburg. It covers 2,339 acres and reaches 33 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Norway Lake?
Norway Lake covers 2,339 acres with about 20.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 33 feet.
What fish can you catch at Norway 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 Norway Lake?
Yes. Norway Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Norway Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Norway 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 Norway Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Norway Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Norway Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 14, from 23 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 11, 2024 and the latest is May 4, 2013.
Does Norway Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Norway Lake 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.