Erie Lake
About Erie Lake
Erie Lake is a 190-acre lake near Darwin in Meeker County, Minnesota. It reaches 34 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Erie Lake
- 190 acres, up to 34 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, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 6.4 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 190 acres
- Max depth
- 34 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 82 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
- 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
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Erie Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Belle Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Hutchinson864 acres
2.1 miles away
Greenleaf Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield238 acres
2.5 miles away
Cedar Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreMcLeod · Cedar Mills1,860 acres
3.2 miles away
Lake Manuella
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin293 acres
3.5 miles away
Willie Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield192 acres
3.7 miles away
Stahl's Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreMcLeod · Hutchinson141 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Erie Lake?
Erie Lake is in Meeker County, Minnesota, near Darwin. It covers 190 acres and reaches 34 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Erie Lake?
Erie Lake covers 190 acres with about 3.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 34 feet.
What fish can you catch at Erie Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black 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 Erie Lake?
Yes. Erie Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Erie Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Erie 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 Erie Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Erie Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Erie Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Erie Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.