Lake of the Woods
About Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is a 725,583-acre lake near Long Point in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota. It reaches 210 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3299.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.3 feet. The lake is a border water shared with Canada, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 23 fish species here, including walleye, sauger, northern pike, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. Special fishing regulations apply to northern pike and walleye and sauger, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 4 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Group Camp and Williams City Park Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around May 3, based on 49 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake of the Woods
- 725,583 acres, up to 210 feet deep, near Long Point
- 4 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, sauger, northern pike, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 4.3 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Group Camp and Williams City Park Campground
- Border water with Canada — know which side of the line you are fishing on
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 725,583 acres
- Max depth
- 210 ft
- Shoreline
- 3299.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 79,253 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
- Border-water seasons and limits with Canada differ from Minnesota inland rules
Facilities
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Group Camp, Williams City Park Campground, and Lady's Slipper
- Fishing pier
- Marina: Rock Harbor
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 23
- Game fish
- 13
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- Yes
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 30-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 40".
- Walleye and Sauger: March 1 - April 14 and May 10, 2025 - April 14, 2026: Possession limit six (not more than four can be walleye; only one walleye over 28"; walleye 19 1/2" to 28" must be immediately released).
- Walleye and Sauger: March 1 - April 14, each year: catch and release. May 10, 2025 - February 28, 2026: Possession limit six (not more than four can be walleye; only one walleye over 28"; walleye 19 1/2" to 28" must be immediately released).
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- May 3
- Years of record
- 49
- Earliest
- April 8, 2012
- Latest
- May 21, 2014
- Most recent
- May 15, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Group Camp, Williams City Park Campground, Lady's Slipper, and Birch are mapped on or near Lake of the Woods. 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 Lake of the Woods
Compare Lake of the Woods against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake of the Woods?
Lake of the Woods is in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota, near Long Point. It covers 725,583 acres and reaches 210 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake of the Woods?
Lake of the Woods covers 725,583 acres with about 3299.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 210 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake of the Woods?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Lake Sturgeon and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake of the Woods?
Yes. Lake of the Woods has 4 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake of the Woods?
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 Lake of the Woods stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Lake of the Woods; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake of the Woods?
Yes. All from 30-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 40". March 1 - April 14 and May 10, 2025 - April 14, 2026: Possession limit six (not more than four can be walleye; only one walleye over 28"; walleye 19 1/2" to 28" must be immediately released). Additional lake-specific rules apply; check the DNR regulations before you fish.
When does the ice go out on Lake of the Woods?
The median ice-out date is May 3, from 49 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 8, 2012 and the latest is May 21, 2014.
Can you camp at Lake of the Woods?
Yes. Group Camp, Williams City Park Campground, and Lady's Slipper are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake of the Woods have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake of the Woods as infested with spiny waterflea and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.