Willmar Lake
About Willmar Lake
Willmar Lake is a 636-acre lake near Willmar in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. It reaches 14 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.6 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 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around March 28, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Willmar Lake
- 636 acres, up to 14 feet deep, near Willmar
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 1.6 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 636 acres
- Max depth
- 14 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 447 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)
- Swim beach
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- March 28
- Years of record
- 7
- Earliest
- March 7, 2017
- Latest
- April 29, 2018
- Most recent
- March 26, 2021
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Willmar Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Foot Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Willmar503 acres
1.3 miles away
Eagle Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Willmar849 acres
3.6 miles away
Point Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Spicer174 acres
4 miles away
East Solomon Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Willmar658 acres
4.3 miles away
Long Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Willmar1,573 acres
4.4 miles away
Lake Wakanda
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Svea1,760 acres
5.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Willmar Lake?
Willmar Lake is in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, near Willmar. It covers 636 acres and reaches 14 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Willmar Lake?
Willmar Lake covers 636 acres with about 7.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 14 feet.
What fish can you catch at Willmar 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 Willmar Lake?
Yes. Willmar Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Willmar 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 Willmar Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Willmar Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Willmar Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 28, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2017 and the latest is April 29, 2018.
Does Willmar Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Willmar Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.