Winsted Lake
About Winsted Lake
Winsted Lake is a 382-acre lake near Winsted in McLeod County, Minnesota. It reaches 12 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 6 feet, and has roughly 4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Ice typically goes out around April 6, based on 24 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Winsted Lake
- 382 acres, up to 12 feet deep, near Winsted
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 382 acres
- Max depth
- 12 ft
- Average depth
- 6 ft
- Shoreline
- 4 mi
- Water clarity
- 3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 382 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)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Northern Pike 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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 6
- Years of record
- 24
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- April 29, 2013
- Most recent
- March 30, 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 Winsted Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Winsted Lake?
Winsted Lake is in McLeod County, Minnesota, near Winsted. It covers 382 acres and reaches 12 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Winsted Lake?
Winsted Lake covers 382 acres with about 4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 12 feet and its average depth is about 6 feet.
What fish can you catch at Winsted Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Winsted Lake?
Yes. Winsted Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Winsted 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 Winsted Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Winsted Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Winsted Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 6, from 24 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is April 29, 2013.