Windy Lake
About Windy Lake
Windy Lake is a 456-acre lake near Isabella in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 39 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, black crappie, yellow perch, lake whitefish, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. 2 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Windy Lake
- 456 acres, up to 39 feet deep, near Isabella
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, black crappie, yellow perch, lake whitefish, and rock bass
- Average water clarity around 8.1 feet
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 456 acres
- Max depth
- 39 ft
- Shoreline
- 6 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 201 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)
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping (2 mapped)
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 7
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
2 campgrounds are mapped on or near Windy Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Windy Lake
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Nearby Lakes
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1.5 miles away
Whitefish Lake
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Silver Island Lake
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Elbow Lake
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Coffee Lake
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Frear Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Windy Lake?
Windy Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Isabella. It covers 456 acres and reaches 39 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Windy Lake?
Windy Lake covers 456 acres with about 6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 39 feet.
What fish can you catch at Windy Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Lake Whitefish, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Windy Lake?
Yes. Windy Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Windy Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Windy 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 Windy Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Windy Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Windy Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.