Lake Washington
About Lake Washington
Lake Washington is a 1,516-acre lake near Madison Lake in Le Sueur County, Minnesota. It reaches 51 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 12.1 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Le Sueur County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.4 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, white crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Lake Washington Campground and Lake Washington Primitive Camping are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 4, based on 78 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Washington
- 1,516 acres, up to 51 feet deep, near Madison Lake
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 2.4 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at Lake Washington Campground and Lake Washington Primitive Camping
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,516 acres
- Max depth
- 51 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 783 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)
- Camping: Lake Washington Campground, Lake Washington Primitive Camping, and Lake Washington Park
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 4
- Years of record
- 78
- Earliest
- March 1, 2024
- Latest
- April 30, 2018
- Most recent
- March 15, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Lake Washington Campground, Lake Washington Primitive Camping, and Lake Washington Park are mapped on or near Lake Washington. 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 Washington
Compare Lake Washington against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Lake Washington ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
George Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreBlue Earth · Marysburg88 acres
1.5 miles away
West Jefferson Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Marysburg439 acres
2.7 miles away
Ballantyne Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreBlue Earth · Madison Lake371 acres
3.6 miles away
Duck Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreBlue Earth · Madison Lake290 acres
3.8 miles away
Middle Jefferson Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Marysburg667 acres
4.3 miles away
Lake Emily
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Saint Peter300 acres
4.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Washington?
Lake Washington is in Le Sueur County, Minnesota, near Madison Lake. It covers 1,516 acres and reaches 51 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Washington?
Lake Washington covers 1,516 acres with about 12.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 51 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Washington?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White 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 Lake Washington?
Yes. Lake Washington has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Washington?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Washington. 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 Washington stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Washington; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Washington?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on Lake Washington?
The median ice-out date is April 4, from 78 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 1, 2024 and the latest is April 30, 2018.
Can you camp at Lake Washington?
Yes. Lake Washington Campground, Lake Washington Primitive Camping, and Lake Washington Park are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.