Lake Tetonka
About Lake Tetonka
Lake Tetonka is a 1,358-acre lake near Waterville in Le Sueur County, Minnesota. It reaches 35 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 19 feet, and has roughly 11.6 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 24 Le Sueur County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 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 (asphalt surface) managed by the city and Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and flowering rush — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 2, based on 76 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Tetonka
- 1,358 acres, up to 35 feet deep, near Waterville
- 2 public boat launches (asphalt) — managed by the city and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 4.8 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and flowering rush — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,358 acres
- Max depth
- 35 ft
- Average depth
- 19 ft
- Shoreline
- 11.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 548 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 (asphalt)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 19
- 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 2
- Years of record
- 76
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- April 29, 2018
- Most recent
- March 26, 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 Lake Tetonka
Compare Lake Tetonka against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lake Tetonka ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lake Tetonka ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Tetonka ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Tetonka ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Fish Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Waterville77 acres
2.8 miles away
Lily Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreWaseca · Elysian114 acres
3 miles away
Reeds Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreWaseca · Elysian195 acres
3 miles away
Upper Sakatah Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Waterville892 acres
3.4 miles away
Rays Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Elysian169 acres
3.6 miles away
Sunfish Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Kilkenny121 acres
4.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Tetonka?
Lake Tetonka is in Le Sueur County, Minnesota, near Waterville. It covers 1,358 acres and reaches 35 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Tetonka?
Lake Tetonka covers 1,358 acres with about 11.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 35 feet and its average depth is about 19 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Tetonka?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Tetonka?
Yes. Lake Tetonka has 2 public boat launches (asphalt), managed by the city and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Tetonka?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Tetonka. 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 Lake Tetonka stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Tetonka; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Tetonka?
The median ice-out date is April 2, from 76 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is April 29, 2018.
Does Lake Tetonka have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Tetonka as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and flowering rush. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.