Dunns Lake
About Dunns Lake
Dunns Lake is a 152-acre lake near Darwin in Meeker County, Minnesota. It reaches 20 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 12 feet, and has roughly 2.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.7 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 6, based on 16 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Dunns Lake
- 152 acres, up to 20 feet deep, near Darwin
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 1.7 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 152 acres
- Max depth
- 20 ft
- Average depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 85 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)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 6
- Years of record
- 16
- Earliest
- March 9, 2017
- Latest
- April 30, 2013
- Most recent
- April 17, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Dunns Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Richardson Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin119 acres
0.6 miles away
Arvilla Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Kingston138 acres
5.9 miles away
Lake Stella
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin599 acres
6.1 miles away
Round Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield266 acres
6.3 miles away
Lake Ripley (West Portion)
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield614 acres
6.4 miles away
Lake Washington
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin2,438 acres
6.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dunns Lake?
Dunns Lake is in Meeker County, Minnesota, near Darwin. It covers 152 acres and reaches 20 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Dunns Lake?
Dunns Lake covers 152 acres with about 2.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 20 feet and its average depth is about 12 feet.
What fish can you catch at Dunns Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, 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 Dunns Lake?
Yes. Dunns Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Dunns Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Dunns 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 Dunns Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Dunns Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Dunns Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 6, from 16 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 9, 2017 and the latest is April 30, 2013.